Whenever I hang around the ladies' section of a bike store eyeing up bikes with a classic low top tube, some shop assistant invariably comes up to me just to tell me that, at my height, I don't necessarily need a women's specific bike with a step-through frame. And they always look as if they're setting me straight on some particulary silly or outdated idea.
What if I want one?
Ok, I agree it's always good to have some choice, and if I don't find a ladies' bike that suits me, I might consider a gents' bike, but is there any reason not to start off by looking at the classic low-tubed ladies' bikes? Seing as they often come in frame sizes up to 21 inches, it shouldn't be too hard to find one for a 6ft girl. And I just find step-through frames quite convenient. I like to keep the bike between my legs when doing things such as window-shopping or posting letters. I like not kicking people swinging my long leg over the saddle. I like to be able to just slip off the saddle to find secure footing when I've come to a halt just above a pothole. And yes, I sometimes wear skirts. Etc.
So why does nobody want to sell me a step-through bike unless I insist?
Are there any disadvantages to step-through frames? Are they less stable? Do they support less weight? Are the bikes of lesser quality in general, because serious modern lady cyclists prefer male or unisex bikes anyway?
for clarification: thinking about a 400 quid sporty hybrid, e.g. Trek FX.
What if I want one?
Ok, I agree it's always good to have some choice, and if I don't find a ladies' bike that suits me, I might consider a gents' bike, but is there any reason not to start off by looking at the classic low-tubed ladies' bikes? Seing as they often come in frame sizes up to 21 inches, it shouldn't be too hard to find one for a 6ft girl. And I just find step-through frames quite convenient. I like to keep the bike between my legs when doing things such as window-shopping or posting letters. I like not kicking people swinging my long leg over the saddle. I like to be able to just slip off the saddle to find secure footing when I've come to a halt just above a pothole. And yes, I sometimes wear skirts. Etc.
So why does nobody want to sell me a step-through bike unless I insist?
Are there any disadvantages to step-through frames? Are they less stable? Do they support less weight? Are the bikes of lesser quality in general, because serious modern lady cyclists prefer male or unisex bikes anyway?
for clarification: thinking about a 400 quid sporty hybrid, e.g. Trek FX.