Commuting - Step-Through Frames/Bikes?

Hi all,

I was curious, does anyone make a standalone step-through frames anymore? Google is not helping. It's either full bikes or custom ($$$). Lot's of companies make full bikes, but i'm curious about just buying a frame. My girlfriend is in the market for a new commuter and one of her requirements is a step-through frame. She also want's the bike to be fairly lightweight (we live on top of a big hill and it's a pain for her sometimes). I was thinking I would just find a frame and build it up to be fairly lightweight with a wide range of gears. So far I've just been able to find old/used (heavy) step-throughs. I like the bikes from Fuji (kobe) and Biria but they are expensive and all the parts I could easily find cheaper used. Anyone have any ideas on this? Thanks.

www.breezer.com

I would say that the vast majority of bicycle frames, as opposed to complete bikes, are aimed at the hard-core, DIY market segments - performance-oriented roadies, track and fixed-gear riders, to a lesser extent touring cyclists and MTB'ers. Bikes with step-through frames are aimed at either the low-intensity, recreational market, the utility market (such as it is, which in the U.S. isn't very much) or... well, that's it. Generally speaking the people that they're targeting just want to buy a complete bike, for a number of valid reasons. If there were much of a market for lightweight step-through frames, you would be able to find them.

That said, why does she require a step-through frame? If it's that important to her, she's likely to be disappointed - lightweight ladies' frames are vanishingly rare, simply because ladies' frames, by definition, are heavy! They need to be, because the design isn't nearly as strong as a diamond frame.

It would help to know what type of commuter she's looking for - a Euro-style commuter bike, like the old English three-speeds or Dutch utility bikes? A hybrid? More of a fast, road-bike style commuter?

If it's a commuter-type bicycle, then you've got lots of bikes to choose from, but these kinds of bicycles are pretty much never sold as bare frames. Also, if they have internal gears, they won't have as deep a gear range, so that hill might be harder to tackle.

If a hybrid is what she's looking for, there are LOTS of hybrids with compact frames. The top-tube slopes downward on this frame style, making it easier to mount and dismount. They can also be made to be pretty lightweight, since the compact frame is still a traditional diamond shape. Gearing tends to be good, with a low in the mid-low 20-inch range. These are a good bet, but as above, few are available as frames only. There are also hybrids with step-through frames, but these tend to be the lower-end, less well-equipped models. Frankly, the step-through frame is strongly correllated with cheaper bicycles intended for low-intensity, infrequent riders. It is also correllated with practical utility and commuter bikes - but not here in the U.S. Such bikes are built to be tough, durable and able to carry loads. They are built to last decades. In other words, they are heavy. There is no reason for a cyclist with any interest in performance to wish for a step-through frame, and so there isn't a market for such frames today.

If you're looking at more road-oriented bikes, there are lots of compact frames out there, as well. Again, however, good luck finding a lightweight step-through.

My advice, given the criteria you've listed so far, is to bite the bullet and buy a complete bike, or your girlfriend needs to be willing to consider more frame-design options. Honestly, while step-through frames are great on a heavy old (or heavy new) utility bicycle, they aren't much good for other applications due to weight and a much weaker design, structurally, than diamond frame bikes. I hope this was helpful. I wish you luck on your search!

I like the Breezer bikes and so does my girlfriend. However, finding the Range Bike model is impossible in my area. I also think the specs aren't very good. Might have to upgrade later. Not sure about pricing either. Might have to try and hunt down a distributor.

>That said, why does she require a step-through frame? If it's that important to her, she's likely to be >disappointed - lightweight ladies' frames are vanishingly rare, simply because ladies' frames, by definition, >are heavy! They need to be, because the design isn't nearly as strong as a diamond frame.

She likes to wear skirts when riding. Also, it's just easier to step through the frame to get on and off the bike.

>It would help to know what type of commuter she's looking for - a Euro-style commuter bike, like the old >English three-speeds or Dutch utility bikes? A hybrid? More of a fast, road-bike style commuter?

A faster lighter bike really. However, she would need at least one rear rack so a typical "road racer" wouldn't do too well. And she needs proper gearing (mt. bike or touring bike gearing. a triple 26/34/46 or similiar and a 9 speed cassette in the 11-34t range.). We do not own cars and do everything by bike. I have a nice touring bike with excellent gearing so I can ride up any hill with a full load of groceries. She would like to easily ride up hills or just ride easier when she's feeling tired or carrying a heavy load. I've mentioned setting up a touring style bike for her but she really wants that step-through frame :)

I'm thinking we'll have to modify/upgrade a complete bike with a nice step-through frame or get her to try one of the road/fitness type bikes that have a slight step-through (like the trek 7.x FX WSD http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1323013&f=26). Or, maybe i'll get lucky and find a nice lugged, cromoly, Panasonic made schwinn le tour II step-through frame on craigslist or ebay :P.

If the tourer I'm looking at goes thru then check the Charlotte NC craigslist in a couple of weeks; You'll find a nice, barely used ladies Trek 7200 that I think will fit your girlfriend just beautifully. Just an FYI :)

I prefer step-through frames myself, because they are easier to get on and off of when dressed for work. I'd consider the weight penalty no more than a pound or so -- well worth it to me.

ANT, in Massachusetts, has a semi-step-through frame.
http://www.antbikemike.com/images/Bikes/XO/katbig.jpg
I'd suspect that most of the other custom framebuilders will make you one. I'd say that there are plenty of alternatives out there. The bad news is that they are mostly high end ones.

Paul

Try A.N.T., I think Mike Flanigan makes a mixte version of his XO--but if you want, he can make anything. Also, Kogswell makes a mixte, as does Rivendell (Glorius/Wilbury), but that is designed for the 650B wheel size, if that is an issue.

You might look at some folders that have F-frames or a low toptube. Xootr/Swift is one like that. 20 in wheels, though.

What colour does she want. I have three daughters

If the tourer I'm looking at goes thru then check the Charlotte NC craigslist in a couple of weeks; You'll find a nice, barely used ladies Trek 7200 that I think will fit your girlfriend just beautifully. Just an FYI :)

Could you drop me a line when this gets posted? Will it have all the specs posted too? IE. size?

A.N.T. and Rivendell both make nice bikes. However, for $1400 a frameset, they are not worth it imo. For a couple hundred more, I can get a truly custom bike built locally by Vanilla Bicycles (www.vanillabicycles.com). However, my girlfriend does not want to spend $2k+ on a bike. Neither do I. She about had a heartattack when I told her I spent just over $1000 building up mine :)

What colour does she want. I have three daughters

I don't think color is too much of an issue. What are you offering?

FWIW, ANT is a truly custom bike, although not lugged or fillet brazed as are the Vanillas. And the Vanillas are much more than a couple hundred more for a similar bike.

Perhaps I can suggest something. I too own a step-through frame. I also have a low 15 inch step-over horizontal frame that my folder is made in. The low frame permits me to easily climb on without slinging my leg back over the bike. My business clothes stay nice and pressed on either bike. So be flexible in frame selection.

That is why I went to the small wheeled folder.

FWIW, Giant makes several Ladies bikes that have step through frames. I hear they are reputable, but those bikes are not high-end, if that is what you're looking for.

FWIW, ANT is a truly custom bike, although not lugged or fillet brazed as are the Vanillas. And the Vanillas are much more than a couple hundred more for a similar bike.


The difference in customization meaning ANT is across the country where Vanilla is about 2 miles from my house :) The price difference is a little more than a couple hundred bucks. The first price for an ANT XO is $2400. Not exactly a steal. The bike is damn sweet though. I think you could get a vanilla for around that price if you don't get too fancy with the frame styling.

FWIW, Giant makes several Ladies bikes that have step through frames. I hear they are reputable, but those bikes are not high-end, if that is what you're looking for.

Yes, we are looking at the Giant step-throughs. Only a couple shops have a few models in. Might have to do quite a bit of upgrading to get it right.

www. biria.com. nice bikes but getting on might be hard, i am not sure if there are any US distribters

Compact frames could be a good compromise, just lean your bike a little to dismount.

I recently visited Copenhagen, and rented a 3-speed "city bike" for a brisk ride out of town and back. The step-through frame didn't exhibit any of the flexiness that I would have expected, but there was one side effect

there were several times when I stopped at a light, and while stopped took my hands off the bars to adjust my glasses, turn around to look at something interesting, whatever ... and suddenly found the bike crashing to the pavement between my legs. The (nonexistent) top tube wasn't braced between my legs as I'm used to.

Not a deal-killer, just food for thought.