Older Ladies Frame Tourers ?

[thistler]

I have been keeping my eye out for an older tourer (Galaxy or similar) and have noticed the ladies frame versions sell for a lot less than the mens frames.

Are there any disadvantages to a ladies frame tourer compared to the same model mens frame?

 

[willem]

Not nearly as stiff. Fine for light loads, but preferably not more.
Wim

 

[thistler]

Not nearly as stiff. Fine for light loads, but preferably not more.
Wim

Thank you Willem, I knew there was some reason they should be avoided but could not remember what it was!! 

 

[vernon]

Not nearly as stiff. Fine for light loads, but preferably not more.
Wim

I'd say not quite as stiff rather than not nearly as stiff.

As it's a ladies bike that's in question it goes without saying the the loads will be light taking the rider into account

 

[Cush]

Have you seen the size of some of the women on bikes today!!! Since some muffin said it was easyer to loose weight riding rather than walking or running they are all at it. One I know needs two so she can put a cheek on each saddle. When the wife got on her bike it reported her to the local council for cruelty to bikes.

 

[Greenflash]

Do I detect a note of misogyny in some of these posts?

"Ladies" frames fall into three basic types:
Loop frames, good for ladies who like to wear skirts and enjoy a comfortable/flexible ride. Not really much use for touring.
Dropped cross frame: the rigidity of these is indistinguisable from a men's model, only a heavy or very aggressive rider would tell the difference.
Mixte frame: again only a heavy or aggressive rider would test its flex.

There is one big advantage to the dropped cross or mixte frame: the bike can be moved about with both feet flat on the ground without catching your gentleman's bits on the cross bar, ideal for negotiating small obstacles, kerbs etc.
Other advantages: The bikes are generally cheaper second hand. "Ladies" tend not to trash their bikes (bit of a generalisation there); the frame may suit a shorter rider better.

As far as load carrying is concerned, do manufacturers make "ladies" bikes out of some sort of Gurly metal? Are the axels, wheel rims, spokes, frame, drop outs all made of this stuff? Thought not.

 

[willem]

There is certainly no misogyny in my observation. A traditional men's frame is the most efficient construction. A mixte frame is better than the traditional women's frame, but still clearly not as stiff once you start loading the bike with luggage (fine without luagge, however). I am not sure what you mean by a dropped cross frame. The problem with men's frames for women is that for many women such men's frames are too long.
Willem

 

[asterix]

Dropped cross bikes have a cross bar that joins the seat post low down. i.e. the seat post is full length unlike on a compact frame.

Tony Oliver (Touring Bikes) thought this the best compromise between mixte and 'mens' frames IIRC. He got round the problem of building a traditional tourer for women by using smaller wheels.

Sadly he has moved on from building bikes although Roberts are well known for their expertise in building for women.

 

[willem]

OK now I understand. I am afraid I have to disagree here. My wife has had some, and they are indeed fine unloaded. However, as soon as you started loading them they proved to be much more flexible. Compared to a compact frame, they benefit from a bigger rear triangle, of course, but they loose out at the front triangle. The most efficient frame is still a diamond frame with as high a (near horizontal) top tube as possible (compact frames are not as stiff).
Willem

 

[asterix]

(compact frames are not as stiff).
Willem

They can be! My Roberts compact was built specially for hilly cycling climbing to replace a conventional diamond frame bike that was nicked. As I was sceptical they had to talk me into it for which I am grateful. The old bike was very good except up steep hills when the BB area moved sideways under load. Tis true that the Roberts is different tubing to the 531 framed bike and that may make a difference, but it's a very responsive frame either way.

Aesthetically I prefer the old style of which I have 3:

Ellis Briggs audax (631 tubing), British Eagle Touristique (531st), Bob Jackson (531 oversize tubing).

 

[thistler]

Thanks for all the info and help!!!

The only problem is that I just found out Dave Yates lives very close to me and I now I want one of his tourers!!!