When I was a kid I bought and rode bikes that now, with 45 years of experience and body wear/tear, I know to be too large.


BTW I build frames as a hobby and have built for a number of short women. I also sold Terry Bikes for 15 years. IME women are more sensitive to stand over then guys are. One reason is that many women are already too stretched out reaching to the levers, a top tube too high up makes the mount/dismount that much more awkward.


Off road I rarely see a rider dismount directly square with the bike. I've whacked my privets on stems, seats, handle bars but not on my top tube that I can remember. I have had plenty of inner thigh scrapes and bruises though... Liking a longer reach I still ride mountain bikes that are in the taller end of my acceptable range as their top tubes are also longer (and I still haven't made myself an off road bike).


This summer I did a 2000 mile tour, fully loaded. I was very happy to be able to sit on my top tube or stand on my feet, but not both at the same time, when stopped. I suspect that most who have posted here don't ride a heavily loaded bike too often. Andy