bilder

Looking at a el cheap-o bike to use while I save up for a nicer ride.

One option I have come across is a Magna brand bike owned by an elderly couple. They bought a pair of these a few years ago and rode them a couple times then put them away in the garage ever since.

Both of them a womens models. I personally do not have an issue with riding a womens bike. I actually prefer them due to the fact that I am a short guy and most cookie cutter men's bikes are simply too tall for me. My family jewels are usaully squeezed against the top bar when straddling a mass market bike. Should I ever need to get off the seat in a hurry I will pay for it.

My wife seems to think that ladies models being ridden by guys is some sort of social taboo.

How many of you guys ride a "ladies" model bike?

gear

If someone mentions it to you, tell them you come from Amsterdam. Everyone rides step through bikes in that town.

huhenio

Tell them that you are a sperm selling stud, and your livelyhood depends on your semen being in tip top shape.

DieselDan

I just posted a bit about riding a step through frame over in the racing forums. My "baby" bike is a step through Specialized Rockhopper Classic. I installed a Topeak Babysitter seat on it for my daughter, and I've seen many a bad result from using child seats on a regular, diamond frame. I do ride my "baby" bike around every once in a while just to relax and cruise around town.

For the uneducated:
Diamond frame = men's frame
step trough frame = woman's or monk's frame

Nightshade

"My wife seems to think that ladies models being ridden by guys is some sort of social taboo."



Unless you're a card carring "He Man" it don't damn matter.

Ride what YOU want the rest of the world can go fish.

Maelstrom 

I get the "sloping top tube is a girls bike" argument once in a while. All of my bikes would resemble older girls bikes with the top tube sloped down. Personally I don't care, it protects my junk when I go jumping or anything else that is stupid

xyz

Wear a dress when you ride to give yourself a reason to need it.

Bockman

Ewww.................. that's gay!

edp773

It is a social taboo if you want to be a part of the patriarchal society. Maybe your wife will be embarrassed and that is why she pointed this out. If what other people think does not bother you, then go for it. Protecting the family jewels would be good enough reason for me.

I came real close to purchasing a step through or mixte frame bike in the fall of 2004. The reason for wanting to purchase this style of bike was because I was not stong enough to lift my leg over a standard frame. Any remarks would have been ignored or would have given me the chance to practice snappy comebacks. LOL

Siu Blue Wind

Why not? Women ride men's models.

tulip

those compact frames look awfully girlie to me

TomM

Tell people you have been through a sex change operation and needed a new bike.

Nermal

. . . and if you need a card to be sure, you aren't.

bilder

Well I managed to fix my Huffy, so buying the Magna is out for now.

Will have to live with the high bar till I have an accident and squish the goods.

When I get a better commuter bike I will make sure it fits properly.

bilder

I am from Alaska.

Where men are men and women win the Iditarod.

divineAndbright

Ive had a few girls bikes in the past and rode em, I currently dont have any right now, but girls model bicycles rock! nothing to feel weird about there' there not much sexier than a lady riding a mans bike, so the opposite rings true as far as im concerned!

chicbicyclist

Social taboo?

Dude, you're a grown man. Riding a bike. In the USA.

trayer350

I've seen lots of men riding girls' bikes. They're usually illegal aliens. They don't wear helmets , or use lights at night, but they often have those handlebar baskets in front. Their clothing kit is usually white tee shirts and tan pants. You can probably get your kit at K-Mart.

Maelstrom 

Well put....very very well put

the beef

Haha. There's no problem with riding a 'women's model'. The only difference is the sloping top tube, it's more convenient in many cases anyway. I've been riding a 'women's' GT mountain bike for ages. There's nothing feminine about it, with the sharp silver/navy blue paint job, Mavic rims, and performance street tires.

trayer350

The reference to "ladies bikes" I think is the old style bike where the top tube makes a quick downward drop to just above the pedals.

nedgoudy

I seriously considered buying a
step through (women's bike)
before I got my bent, as I too
was tired of lifting my leg and
had a couple of crashes where
my 'junk' as one fellow put it
got damned sore when I couldn't
make a clean dismount. OUCH!

I'd say if it works for you, do it.
I get enough donkeys (particularly
young men, once in a while) that
think a recumbent is a sissy bike.

The last carload of em today I saw
were either drunk or stoned and driving
Daddy or Mommies SUV and when they
razed me at a stop light I just looked over
my shoulder, smiled and yelled...

"Laugh Clown, Laugh... When Gas hits
$10.00 a gallon Mommie won't let you
drive the gas guzzler anymore and you'll
be LUCKY to ride a bike."

He gave me the finger, but he looked
worried as the SUV sped away.

As Nelson Munz would say: "HA HA!"

stapfam

Why worry? If it keeps you riding then get it. If anyone laughs or makes fun at you- tell them you are on a sponsored ride and they haven't donated yet. Wheres their wallet?

geo8rge

Wear a toolbelt and a hard hat when you ride.

Grand Bois

I've got no problem with riding a women's bike, but I never want to be seen riding a Magna. Look around more, it's possible to get a quality used bike for very little money.