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When you bring up riding a bike, most people just think of the basic kind of bike that they grew up riding. They think of a bike that has a simple frame, and that requires that you be able to climb over the height of the support bar to get onto the bike.
However, there are other kinds of bikes that can make it much easier and more enjoyable to spend time riding bikes with friends and family. A step through bike can be the perfect bike frame design if you have trouble with getting your leg up and over the seat of a traditional bike, or if you just don’t like having to navigate this requirement just to get to ride a bike.
Let’s talk about the differences between step through bikes and step over bikes so that you can be clear about your options for bike frames that are ergonomic and ideal for your needs.
What is a Step Through Bike?
A step through bike has a frame design that allows the top tube to be low or missing entirely. This means that you can easily step “through” the bike frame to get on the bike. In traditional bike designs, ie, step over bike frames, you need to swing your leg up and over the support frame in front of the seat to get onto the bike seat.
The step through bike will offer you a chance to ride a bike with ease if you are not able to lift your leg up and over a step over the bike frame and it might also just be your preference not to have to scramble onto your bike each time you want to go for a ride. This is also an ideal option for those who like to wear long dresses or skirts to work or even out running errands.
What Are the Differences Between Step Through and Step Over Bikes
Besides the visual differences, there are some other design differences between these two types of bikes. You might want to be aware of these different pros and cons as you are looking into buying one or the other kind of bike.
1. Step Through Bikes Are Considered to be Unisex
One of the nicest things about a step through bike, is that these bikes are made with all riders in mind. This means that there are no “men’s” or “women’s” step through bikes. These bikes are just made with heights in mind, so that you can find the right match for your needs without having to consider whether or not this bike is the right one for your sex.
This can also be very helpful from the standpoint of finding a bike with all the options that you want without worrying about some of the specs being off due to being designed for a much taller person or someone with much longer arms. This is a really practical consideration that the traditional bike market has not caught up with.
2. Easy Mounting
As discussed above, a step through bike is really easy to climb onto. This is something that can be ideal for all kinds of different needs, from mobility issues to considerations due to clothing, to preferences alone. You don’t have to want to lift your leg over the bike frame even if you are not physically limited when it comes to doing so.
Easy mounting can make your bike riding hours a lot more fun and straightforward whether you are a man or a woman, a child or an adult. This is one of the key benefits of this kind of bike when compared to step over bike frames that are harder to navigate for many riders.
3. Stability
Step through bikes are made to be far more stable than traditional bikes due to their frame differences from standard bike designs. This can be a big help if you don’t want to be responsible for fighting with the balance of your bike as you ride, and it can add a perk for those who are struggling with physical limitations that make it hard to ride traditional-style bikes.
Stability is one of the key factors that leads to people moving away from riding a bike, but your step through bike will offer you this benefit in spades. If your step through bike is an e-bike you will have even more stability to call upon due to the pedal assist, which helps prevent wobbling and tipping when you need to go up inclines or handle slightly tougher terrain.
4. Design Limitations
One of the main downsides of a step through bike is that they are not easy to travel with and there are not many variables when it comes to their design. You will need to be able to transport your bike on a rack, as these bikes typically cannot be folded up for travel.
Some people wish there were more design options for these bikes as well, but they are nice to look at even if their aesthetics are consistent and not highly varied. You might also have trouble accessorizing these bikes due to the lack of frame space for add-ons.
While the design does limit some factors for some riders, it can offer so many benefits that most people are perfectly happy with this compromise.
Step Through Bikes Can Make it Possible to Ride Bikes Again
If you have stopped riding bikes due to the need to step over the top of the frame to get on the seat of your bike, a step through bike can make it possible for you to ride bikes again with ease. There are lots of benefits with this style of bike, from the riding style to the added balance it offers. Being able to select this kind of bike frame for your commuter or just for fun bike can allow you to get back to the things that you love doing with ease!
