I'm female, know how to drive a stick, can shift the gears on my bike and do so often because of hills. I'm over 55, started riding in May of this year, and had a hard time finding a bike I considered comfortable for me. I'm riding a Giant Suede now, but would have loved a Breezer (too pricey for me at the time). Wasn't sure if I would stick with riding 5 times per week (I am). Maybe for my next bike (ha-ha) I might consider a Breezer with the different shifting system. Only problem now is I love the crank forward position of my pedals and love being closer to the ground.