Re: Womens Bike MB Kit
Pictured below are two 1963 Schwinn American Deluxe step through models. Like the Acme in the earlier post the upper cross member sweeps low to the frame giving plenty of engine room. Technically middleweights, these Americans have strong frames of steel with good welds. I have well over a thousand miles on the blue one with no frame problems and I weigh 200 pounds. Someone asked why anybody would want a woman's bike. For one, some of them just plain look cool. Some of us have disabilities with knees, hips (for me partial paralysis) which makes it hard to swing your leg over the seat. Also some women who grew up with step through cruisers find a man's bike hard to get used to. Older riders are more stable mounting the bike if they can put a leg through while mounting. So, those are some of the reasons. Visually, it also helps to emphasize the engine, which is what these bikes are all about... they're motorbicycles. Another consideration is that the same model bike in a step through usually sells for less than the men's version. Also on an older bike the women's usually got better threatment and are less beat up. One of my project bikes this winter is a 1939 Elgin step through which is going to be a real beauty with fender skirts and a really nice frame design... very strong. Tank mounting is pretty much delegated to a rear rack or at least behind the seat and routing cables is more of a hassle if your want them out of the way. I can give more details on this for anyone building a step through who needs foot clearance. So to answer the question of why a ladies bike I say, why not? I read in a post here in another thread that someone felt the women's bikes are not as strong and vibrate more. I haven't noticed this at all. The old ones made of steel are certainly stronger than the men's walmart bikes coming out of China. I would stick with an older model step through and not even consider a new one. Hope this helps.
SB