ggia

I'd appreciate any pointers on really low-step, women's, large-frame bicycles. Presently I have a Specialized Rockhopper with a diamond frame, saddle set high. I have the feeling that one of these days I'm going to take a fall instead of cleanly swinging my leg over the saddle. Women's bicycles are looking better all the time. There's no shortage of very low-step women's models in the US, but I'm 5-11 and like to ride in an upright position. With women's bikes (18 and 19-in seat tubes), I've had to extend the seat posts and handlebar stems to the maximums, and even then I'm not able to achieve the upright, "postman's" riding position I want. Aside from solving the problem by swapping for a longer seat post and handlebar stem (and maybe having to change cables), can anyone recommend a women's bike with a very low-step frame that's designed for taller riders? Thanks.

Tom Bombadil

Hmmm ... a toughie.

Specialized offers their Globe series in up to 57W size. But it isn't "really low step."
https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22067

What kind of bike are you looking for? Mountain, Road, Hybrid, Cross, ?

stapfam

There are frames termed as Compact. These will give you a low crossbar although the seat post may seem to be long but might be more suitable. Then in the UK- on some of the MTB womens races- I can remember Girls using the conventional ladies frame with No crossbar- and it did not seem to affect the bikes handling in any way. I Know that specialised- Giant and trek all do Women specific frames with the compact frame so Check them out.

Big Paulie

If you are willing to spend nearly 3 grand -- which, understandably, you may not -- this is exactly what you are looking for...

https://www.rivbike.com/bikes/mixte

It can be set up with any style bar or saddle, and for any riding style.

I took the plunge and bought a Rivendell a couple of years ago, at great financial sacrifice, and it turned out to be worth every penny.

maddmaxx 

If I read your post right you want a bonafide No Top Tube, Step Through Womens bike frame. Due to the nature of the construction of the higher performance bikes you may not find many in larger sizes. That's asking a lot of the tubing joints down near the bottom bracket.

If you go to the cruiser types though there are some possibilities. Jamis for example makes the Earth Cruiser with a lady's frame. Standover height a mere 18" but the top tube is almost 23" long. This is for the largest 17.5" frame which is actually almost the same as the men's 18.5" frame. It comes in three combinations of gearing and brake choices. With high cruiser type handlebars the position is distinctly upright.

My wife's 5'10 and loves the one she has.

ggia

Thank you for the help. After much looking I tried the 2007 Raleigh Passage 3.5, which has most of features I want in the $300 U-Frame range. The "W19" model is a low-step, aluminum frame with a replaceable derailleur hanger (useful if the bike is dropped on its right side and the hanger damaged). This model has a steel, 1-1/8-in head-set and steel non-suspension forks sized for 700c wheels. That combination of alloy and steel components makes it a low-cost bike. Nevertheless, the Chinese-made Raleigh Passage has had good reviews, and for whatever reason, it is preferred by some bike shops over the Schwinn Voyageur that sells for somewhat less. The largest Schwinn Voyageur U-frame is very similar in design to the Raleigh Passage, but Schwinn's is shorter at 17-in. It the Raleigh Passage series, the company differentiates models by color. The Passage 3.5 U-frame comes only in "Baby Blue," and the other models with that type frame come only in pastel colors, none being the traditional Raleigh Hunter Green. I suspect that Raleigh's market analysis tells them that the pastel colors are what most low-step, U-Frame shoppers will like. Although the Raleigh U-frame line meets most of my needs, those pastel colors alone, I'm sorry to say, will probably keep me from buying Raleigh. I need to locate a 2007 Schwinn Voyageur GS women's U-frame (W-17-in) to know whether or not it will do. It's in Moss Green but is sold out on the West Coast.

Tom Bombadil

The Specialized Globe, which I mentioned earlier, is made in a 57W size, which would be roughly a 19" frame. List is $410, I've seen them on sale in the upper $300's. It is a non-suspension frame.

If there is a Fuji dealer in your area, then the Crosstown 4.0 comes in a women's 19" frame at $320. No suspension:
https://www.fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=332&subcat=

And the Giant Cypress DX, list $370, also comes in a 19W. It has a suspension fork.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...men/589/28423/

ggia

This shows the 2007 Raleigh Passage low-step, U-frame configuration.

Rosie8

Even though the frames might only come in one size, you might try the Trek Pure or Giant Suede. They have an adjustable handlebar that can let you sit very upright and have the pedals forward design. For taller people that might let you ride anyway without jacking the saddle up so high. I'm 5'5" and ride a Suede - love it. Been riding 6-8 miles every other day on average for 2 months. My bike only has 7 gears but both come with up to 21. Some might consider them slower, but I love mine for the ease of pedaling and fun factor.

Vieja Cabra

Says it all.

ggia

Trek Pure Delux Low Step $400+
https://willybikes.com/nobots/zoom/it...gId=1&id=10155

The very low-step Raleigh Passage and Trek Pure would be good matches for riders with strength defficiencies in an anke or leg.

jerryt

I have become very interested in the Day 6 crank forward primarily due to back and leg problems. Seems a little pricey but have read elsewhere its a great ride.

https://tinyurl.com/32sot4

Tom Bombadil

Funny you mention Day 6 today. I had never heard of them until yesterday, when I was watching one being assembled. I was going to look them up on the internet, but now you have provided the link. The design is very close to crossing the line into being a recumbent.

jerryt

I've just started to look at bikes after many years and don't really know. However, I have heard others call it a semi-recumbent. The videos are very enticing.

ggia

My experience as a past owner of a semi-recumbent BikeE, and a Bickerton and like bicycles with high-rise handlebars, says that anyone contemplating buying would be wise to ride the bike first. Recumbents have special challenges, such as starting from stop on even a slight hill, and "ape-hanger" handlebars are prone to flexing upon application of force.