Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas
Seriously, I'd love about half the bikes up there, since the other half are women's bikes. LOL
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a small niggling point here, but some within the cycling community are trying to remove gender associations from bicycle frame types. the gender distinction between different bike frames is silly because there are many female cyclists out there who ride on traditional diamond frames (ie. "mens bikes") just as there are men who ride on step-through frames (ie. "womens bikes").
both basic frame styles have their pros and cons, and depending on how one intends to use a bicycle, either can be a good option for a person of either gender. traditional diamond frames offer the best strength to weight design, which is why you see diamond frames used in all types of competitive cycling for both men and women, but the high top tube can make it difficult for less proficient riders, older riders, or riders with back/joint/bone issues to get on the bike and get underway. this is where a step-through frame excels. it allows for the easiest possible mounts and dismounts to and from a bicycle.
the bike company's do continue to perpetuate the problem by marketing step-through frames as exclusively "womens bikes", but there is really no reason for them to do so as there is nothing inherently feminine about a step through frame. it's merely a bike frame designed to make it eaisier for people, both men and women, to get on the bike and ride it with a little bit of a penalty in weight and strength. for riders who are not interested in pushing their bikes to the extreme like road racers & mountain bikers do, those penalties are not terribly significant.
should i be blessed to live a long life, i hope to continue cycling as long as i possibly can, and i'm fully aware that there might come a day where, due to aging, a step through frame could make it easier for me to continue riding, and as a man, i'll have no qualms about hoping onto a step-through frame bike (aka "womens bike") to do what what i love.