Are Step-Through Bikes Unisex? (Who They’re Really For)

Bikes come in many variegated shapes, sizes and styles. From road bikes to recumbents, there is a velocipede out there for everyone.

Today we’ll be focusing on a style of bikes known as step-through bikes by exploring what they are and who they are for. This term may finger increasingly familiar to sexuality readers but as we’ll squint into, step-through bikes have a universal appeal.

By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert and you may plane be starting your search for your very own step-through bike!

What Is a Step-Through Bike?

As the name suggests, a step-through velocipede is a trundling with a frame designed for you to hands place your leg through the frame to get on the bike. Instead of having to lift your leg over your frame and rear wheel, you simply step through to mount and dismount.

Sometimes moreover known as a repletion bike, a Dutch bike or a ‘sit up and beg’ bike, the diamond results in an upright riding position due to the position of the seat and handlebars.

Is a Step-Through a Woman’s Bike?

The concept of gender is rhadamanthine increasingly fluid in society, and the same applies to bikes. The idea of men’s bikes and women’s bikes is therefore outdated so a step-through velocipede is no longer considered a ‘woman’s bike’.

You may well have seen photos of step-through bikes from the Victorian Era. Traditionally a step-through frame diamond was increasingly associated with women due to the sexuality torso and flowing suit but times have since changed. Wearing bloomers is definitely a thing of the past!

Having said that, the step-through style remains a firm favourite with women due to the repletion and ease of riding. In fact, many of the bikes that full-length on our best women’s passenger velocipede compilation full-length have a step-through diamond so it is unmistakably still a popular choice.

Is It OK for Men to Ride a Step-Through Bike?

It is increasingly than ok for men to ride a step-through velocipede as they will goody from the comfort, diamond and style just as much as everyone else. There is no physical reason why it is not possible.

For example, in countries like the Netherlands many men ride step-through bikes as they are the most suitable trundling for the terrain and journeys. As mentioned earlier, step-through bikes are moreover referred to as Dutch bikes as they are the most worldwide type of velocipede used there.

For this reason, Dutch bikes cater to everyone in the range of cycles they make. We covered the weightier brands in increasingly detail, including electric step-through bikes.

Are Step-Through Bikes Unisex?

Step-through bikes can be ridden by anyone of any gender so they are definitely unisex. It is increasingly a specimen of personal preference, soul type and the purpose of the velocipede than biological sex.

The same logic applies to bikes increasingly widely. Although there can be differences between features like seat size and handlebars in bikes, as we looked into in this article most bikes are unisex.

What is the Difference Between a Step-Through and a Step Over Bike?

Step-through bikes have a lower, curved frame diamond to indulge the rider to hands mount the velocipede whereas step over bikes have a triangular frame diamond with a higher top bar meaning you have to step over the frame to get on the bike.

Step over velocipede designs tend to be associated with cycles such as road bikes and mountain bikes that have specific requirements from a functional perspective such as needing to be lighter, or sturdier to withstand increasingly challenging riding styles.

The unelevated photo taken in the Netherlands is a good example to show the difference between the two styles and illustrates how you would have to mount and dismount depending on the velocipede frame.

Are Step-Through Frames Weaker?

Due to the design, it is inevitable that step-through frames are weaker. This is considering they lack the top bar found on step over bikes which helps to connect the parts of the velocipede together. This ways the overall construction of the trundling is less sturdy.

However, to write this they are often made with increasingly durable components to ensure that they are still stable and unscratched to ride. As we’ll see unelevated though, this does tend to result in spare weight.

Are Step-Through Bikes Heavier?

Step-through bikes do tend to be heavier but it depends on what bikes they are stuff compared to. It is moreover possible to get very lightweight models, although these do inevitably have a higher price tag.

For example, the sleek Tokyobike Bisou comes in at 12kg but the cheaper Decathlon Elops model weighs 17.6kg for the smallest size frame.

Step-Through Bikes Pros and Cons

As with any style of bike, there are advantages and disadvantages. Personally I’ve ridden step-through bikes for many years and am glad that my days of hoisting my leg over my rear wheel are long gone!

However, I moreover fondly remember my hybrid velocipede any time my route strays onto gravel or bumpier terrain so I fathom that there are some downfalls.

We’ve therefore listed the pros and cons to consider when it comes to step-through bikes.

Who Are Step-Through Bikes For?

Step-through bikes can be for everyone. Their comfortable, stylish and simple diamond makes them suitable for riders of all genders, month and abilities.

It is moreover worth mentioning that step-through bikes are particularly enabling for people experiencing mobility issues. The low impact way to get on is easy on the joints and requires less movement than step-over frames.

Whether you’re popping to the shops, work or to meet friends, step-through bikes are a unconfined way to ride virtually in style and comfort.

The post Are Step-Through Bikes Unisex? (Who They’re Really For) appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.