It takes a real man to ride a girl's bike
 

Used to ride in the 1970's all the time until some SOB in a pickup ran me into a ditch. :notamused: Lucky no injuries but I gave up riding and sold my bike. 25 years later I see this lime green K-Mart special girl's bike on the curb for garbage. Picked it up and just about that time the local rail trail opens. Figured I try it. Rode the heck out of it and within 6 months I had a Fuji and a Bridgeston (men's). Finally donated it to the local thrift store but I credit that bike with getting me started again. Part 2, had surgery last year and couldn't swing my leg over the saddle. Used my wife's bike until PT got me back in shape. Moral of the story, to heck what others think, just ride.

Oooh right.... Use Strong Tape!!!

and Don't touch that poster. Its a load bearing poster.

Does anybody remember a kid's bike from the '60s that had a removeable top tube? May have been a Schwinn, it was advertised (by Captain 11 even! - shout out to Sioux Falls area) as a bike that could convert from a girl's bike to a boy's bike and presumably appealed to families who expected to hand it down through multiple kids. I remember thinking even then that the top tube was just cosmetic and couldn't possibly have any structural benefit since it just kind of snapped into place.


Edit - here it is:

http://www.schwinncruisers.com/wp-co...am-300x276.jpg

What's the difference between a step through frame and so many modern mountain bikes with dropped top tubes?

Thanks. I'm considering getting rid of it though - the Tektro brakes aren't performing quite as I had hoped. It is a FUN ride though; arguably the best thing I've ever ridden with balloon tires.

-Kurt

I find arguing with one's self if seldom productive.

Just hang some of those charming chrome balls off the back of the saddle. Those will instantly refresh your man card and then some. I think I deserve some credit here for not posting a picture btw.

^ It would cost you 2 corners off the Man card if you do:twitchy::notamused:.

My ears were burning... don't be dissin the sport.

At some fashion low point in my high school carreer, it was trendy for sk8ter boi's to ride a granny bike, with those ugly skater shoes and a flat brimmed baseball cap. Eastpak backpack on maximum extension, so it was always resting on the rear rack. Plus, you had to drive slowly 4 abreast in the middle of the road, disobeying every traffic law. ****ing nuisance. Ever since I got my driving licence I've been in terror of running over one of these kids. MY green gazelle three speed would have none of it! Plus, I rode it like the devil was on my heels. Nothing like a SA 3 speed at full clip, trying to be in time for the bell.

#dutchierant over.

Sounds like 90's skaters... other then the bike part.. I mean some BMX kids hung with the skaters.. but that was about it...where did you go to school?

Is that to say that someone with an Italian frame and a Suntour group is not productive?

-Kurt

If you were referring to my post, be assured I was entirely facetious. I have no issues with what anyone rides and don't see why anyone else should either.

Are you married?


If so, moot point.

I took it as joking, but hey if it fits the username use the joke right?

just tell em it's C&V slanted top tube and be done with it.

I currently have and ride two "girls" bikes; a 70's Triumph and a late 40's Columbia.

The Columbia is my favorite bike for just crusin' around the neighborhood nice and slow. I really don't care what anyone else thinks.

I can ride a pretty decent wheelie on nearly anything. Including a ladies 3-speed.

I've been riding a Mixte for over two years now, and I still see my wife in a most exciting way... Soooo, I don't think riding a Mixte, or Stepthrough (I have hip and knee issues) takes away any of one's "manhood". :)

I've got my Mixte set up as a Utility/City bike, and I would have a lot more pain in my life if it had a standard top tube. My other favorite bike is a "Cruiser" with the modern U frame design. Personally even though when I was younger I rode Diamond Frame bikes all the time, I couldn't help but feel the two designs for men and women were somehow backwards in many ways.

if you make it into a city bike for running errands I think you will be OK provided you live north of the IQ line (AKA I40).

however... if you look like you are riding a girls bike to work because you got a DUI then we will just take your "man card" away

I am not sure that I would be entirely comfortable on a mixte - and it bothers me that I feel this way. Oh, the conflict.

Oh, but you said that you were given the bike - that changes everything. Free bikes, like free beer, are meant to be enjoyed. Just remove the flowered basket and streamers before you ride.

Mixtie I think is the term you might use instead of "girls bike" if you like the ride it would be a travesty not to ride it.. If my Trek 420L was larger I would be sporting that in my KILT!!!

Early 00's, Holland. Everything happens later here. Mind you, we don't trust high schoolers with cars. You have to be 18 for a licence, and it's hard work from then.

lol neat thread, its not what u ride,(its THAT u ride), remember taking a 20 inch bmx and puttin 27 inch forks on it so it would look like a chopper(this was 20 years ago in high school mind u),rode it to school just for fun a few times lol. wouldnt worry to much bout what people think myself,if they talkin smack about me they leaving somebody else alone i figure lol

Probably more appropriate for a man to ride than a woman. Why? If you dismount in a hurry you don't rack up your boys..:thumb: