Is there such a thing as a good step thru mtb?
 

I want to expand my fleet by one, and it's pretty specific. I want a step-thru frame for when I get too old and decrepit to throw my leg over; worse, it needs to be 16" or 17". Mountain bike because of my love of 26" wheels. I love the late '80's/early '90s Diamond Back Ascent & Apex, with their cool paint jobs and mid-fork adventure nipples, but I'm open to other makes.

Does such a beast exist? Should I keep searching CL and eBay, or content myself with what I have?

EDIT: It occurs to me that with a lower top tube, I could go with an 18" frame.

Not a mountain bike and I don’t think it meets all of your criteria but the new Low Kicker from VO is pretty cool and the first thing that came to mind for step through, steel, quality and smaller/fatter wheels.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2b82ca8cd.jpeg

It depends on what you definition of good is. I am pretty sure most companies made a smaller ladies frame with TreTubi ChroMoly and a ChroMoly fork. You just need to keep your eyes open. Doing some research so you can spot what your looking for is a good idea. A seller might just post “Diamondback lady’s bike”, but doesn’t mention that is a Topanga. If you know that a Diamondback Topanga has the basic frame qualities you want and roughly what colors it came you are leg up on other buyers


I am thinking along similar lines but want a tall Mixtie, but it has to be full ChroMo with a RD hanger.

Custom? I don't ever recall seeing a truly good quality step through mtn bike

this guy is in san jose (yes I know solid 6 hour + drive from your area) he has been around for a while and his prices are pretty reasonable as these things go frame and fork (custom frame and fork $1650/1750 fillet/lugged)

PS..to OP did you see the video of buddy the elf in downtown arcata? if so that was my kid :)

I've been drooling on that bike since before it came out. If I was still employed I'd seriously think about it, but $800 for a frame is just too much.

When you're 'old and decrepit', you won't want a mtn bike, you'll want a classy late 50's Raleigh Sports.
You could upgrade the hub to 5 speeds or more but they really are a charm, as is.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...860743f9c6.jpg

a long time ago i had a entry level specialized step through frame (grabbed it from a dumpster for the fork). i don't remember the model, but it had oversized tubes and was steel. even suspension corrected for an 80mm travel fork. it wasn't a spectacular, but everything worked well. alivio drivetrain and tektro v brakes. grip shifters as i recall

Pic assist

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a7bb09d09a.jpg

Seems pretty good from here

something like this?

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...246611805.html

Interesting site. Is it legit?

Pretty sweet. They also made the RockHopper, the next model up, in step thru. Pretty rare though.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...16fb3ac8a3.jpg

Schwinn Meridian.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a156bc90e5.jpg

Available at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-M...ilver/16541352

i really couldn't say. maybe try contacting the seller?

beyond anything else, i posted the link as example of what might be out there for you to explore. it's pretty nice bike. with something like that in mind, i'd wager you could find something to your liking. draw it into your experience all magical like and stuff. ;) afterall, if there's that one out there, there's usually another and more.

rockhopper? that reminds me of the model i pulled from the dumpster as i mentioned above. it was a hard rock

That looks like something the older Amish folks ride up around Shipsewanna In

again, can't say how legit, but with some quick searches i continue to find possibilities

https://chestnut-nj.americanlisted.c..._32652641.html

there's three step thru's advertised if you scroll down

and, again, if nothing else, the ads will give you some basis for searches

:lol: 🤮 Sorry, not sure whether to laugh or... not.

Start looking for a Breezer. When my dad couldn't get his leg over the Milano anymore we got him a step through Breezer and it was pretty sweet. When I visited, I took it on some less technical single track and it was very well behaved. It was a IGH but there were/are derailleur models.

Probably not what you're looking for, but this Bridgestone RB-T is pretty.

I didn't see the video; do you have a link?

Who's the guy in San Hoser?

Any opinions on this Nishiki Manitoba? I'm sure I could sell the other bike.

I scrolled through 2,000+ "vintage bicycle" on eBay, and this was all I could find. I think it may be the time of year.

ETA: Ooh, or this DB Sorrento.

Another take on easy entry was Cannondale's Killer V frame. For easy entry, stick to rigid geometries for a low front end.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...68836f3585.jpg
Killer V

Thanks, but I'm more of a "steel is real" kinda gal.