Any blokes own & ride women's bikes...?

[mac1]

As someone who likes Dutch bikes and cruisers, I have to say the female versions look better than the men's bikes - and they're easier to get on and off. But, whilst I have no problem wearing colours like pink, I might baulk at riding a woman's bike; then again, an increasing number of European town bikes are "unisex" - kind of like mopeds, so the styles seem to be merging, I mean let's face it, it's only tradition anyway - that part of the frame doesn't need to be at that angle really.

Thoughts, comments?

 

[tyred]

I own an occasionally ride an old lady's framed roadster. I also ride a Raleigh Twenty. I don't really care what people think tbh. People will probably point out that the gents frame is stiffer, that's okay, I'm going to the shops, not trying to win the TdF.

I'm not sure about Dutch bikes but I do know that if you're after old English three-speeds, the lady's frames are easier to find in nice condition and much cheaper to buy. If you want a true vintage bike, they are also more likely to be a sensible sized frame as pre-war gents bikes tend to be huge.

 

[jimboalee]

I own an occasionally ride an old lady's framed roadster. I also ride a Raleigh Twenty. I don't really care what people think tbh. People will probably point out that the gents frame is stiffer, that's okay, I'm going to the shops, not trying to win the TdF.

I'm not sure about Dutch bikes but I do know that if you're after old English three-speeds, the lady's frames are easier to find in nice condition and much cheaper to buy. If you want a true vintage bike, they are also more likely to be a sensible sized frame as pre-war gents bikes tend to be huge.

Sturmey AW3? 18T sprocket?

http://www.wiggle.co...ubs/5360019500/

Get a 22T and put a link in the chain.

 

[tyred]

I find the 18t sprocket works okay for me. It was originally 15t which was ridiculously over-geared.

 

[Hicky]

We see loads when we go camping in France, sometimes the only differance is either baskets on the front or baby seats(not always a given though).

I ride my wife's Spesh Mykta often mainly because it has our sons chair attached, apart from it having a slightly flowery design thats hard to see, I'm happy to use it.

 

[byegad]

I used to ride my wife's Dawes Discovery 201 (ladies frame) to the shops. I didn't worry about what other's thought.

 

[Maz]

I sometimes ride a Pashley Princess, complete with basket. I don't mind, really.

 

[brokenbetty]

I ride a gent's bike. He should really have locked it up

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Thoughts, comments?

And I thought you were so... manly.

Sob...

Oh, you mean sensible comments. No, not really - sounds great to me. Carry on.

 

[Roadrunner78]

My mum got a new bike and offered me her shopper bike, you know the one, small wheels single bar down tube frame and 3 speed hub gear. I keep thinking about it. My wife said she wouldn't use it. Such a waste, must be bout 30+ years old.

I remember as a teen my bike broke an I needed it to cycle 4 miles to my girlfriends. My sister had a similar shopper bike but just a single speed I borrowed it and dam that thing was quick.

 

[Davidc]

Transbikeites?

I used to ride my wife's to the shops at one time - it had baskets on and was much better for the job.

Why not? Plenty of women ride 'mens' bikes.

 

[Jezston]

I visited Switzerland recently and hired a bike while I was there. Big heavy hybrid with a massive 'basket' on the back..

REALLY wish I'd hired the 'step through' version. Putting your leg over a men's bike when there's a large basket that's higher than the seat behind the back seat is a bloody nightmare. Had to pretty much put the bike on it's side on the floor get on it.

 

[potsy]

I sometimes ride a Pashley Princess, complete with basket. I don't mind, really.

You don't half look different from the front Maz

 

[jimboalee]

[QUOTE 1191877"]
One bloke on here posted that he is tall and muscular but rides a twee ladies bike around town for commuting. Said that drivers leave him alone as they figure if he is riding that bike with his build, he won't stand for any nonsense.

Can't find the thread but I think he was from Brum.


[/quote]


Broad and muscular.

 

[jimboalee]

I visited Switzerland recently and hired a bike while I was there. Big heavy hybrid with a massive 'basket' on the back..

REALLY wish I'd hired the 'step through' version. Putting your leg over a men's bike when there's a large basket that's higher than the seat behind the back seat is a bloody nightmare. Had to pretty much put the bike on it's side on the floor get on it.

It takes a LOT of practice ( not so much these days with concealed brake cables ) to throw your leg over the front. You hold the back of the saddle while you kick your leg over the handlebars.
Dismounting this way gets looks of worship from the younguns at the club.