Thinking of acquiring a bicycle and don’t know which one you should go for? If you are a total beginner, picking the right bike is not as easy as one might be tempted to think. However, if you are looking to upgrade, you might have some little knowledge but it still can get surprisingly confusing.
Stick around and learn.
A bicycle is a long-term investment and when acquiring one, you should consider getting value for money.
Bicycle designs are important not only for aesthetics but also for performance. Over the years the bicycle designs have gone through an evolution. Not only have the style options increased, but some have also gone as far as equipping them with motors to meet various cycling needs.
In addition to the traditional bikes which we are accustomed to, a step-through frame design is already on the market. Each of these bike designs has unique features.
In this guide, we will discuss the aspects between these two models and their unique selling points.
What is a Step-Through Bike?
Step-through bikes are bikes that have a lower than usual frame. These bikes go way back to the 1800s when women wore dresses and never pants, and so the design was practical and fun.
This is because it is easy to mount and dismount and women did not have to worry about the indignity of having to swing the leg over the rear wheel.
However, lately, that’s no longer the case and more step-through frames are designed for unisex. Men too are preferring a bike with the ease and comfort of mounting and dismounting.
Surprisingly enough, many female cyclists are going for the horizontal crossbar traditional bikes.
These bikes are fun and enjoyable to ride but can be a pain when navigating hilly terrains.
Step-Through Bike comes in variant frames
- Mixte
Pronounced as ‘mikst’, this is a step-through frame with a twist. The top tube of the traditional step-over bike is replaced by a pair of small diameter lateral tubes that run from the top of the bike’s head-tube all the way to the rear axle connecting to the seat tube along the way.
Another variant of the mixte, uses a single tube running from the top head tube to the seat tube but retains the middle set of stays.
- Cross
This frame consists of two tubes that form a cross. One is a seat tube from the bottom bracket to the saddle, the other is a backbone from the head tube to the rear hub.
Types of bikes with the step-through frame
- Cruiser bikes: These bikes come with a curved step-through frame. They are colorful and designed for slow, social riding.
- Maxi Comfort: This is a low-entry bike that is a variation of the traditional tricycle. This is ideal for the older folks or those with mobility issues who still want to get around. It allows the rider to have both feet on the ground and an ergonomic sitting position. With this tricycle, the neck, wrists, and shoulders are hardly burdened.
Advantages of Step-through Bikes
They are easy to mount and get off. This is a plus for individuals with restricted mobility issues, older riders, and riders who do deliveries since they need to jump on and off the bike multiple times.
- For the ladies, a step-through bike would be the most preferred as it is flexible, meaning you don’t have to swing your leg over the top tube in formal attire or worry about your skirt or dress riding up.
- Step-through bikes are made from thicker and heavier materials compared to the traditional step-over bikes. This is to compensate them for the lack of a horizontal bar which makes them less sturdy.
- The step-through bike design is versatile because it can comfortably fit people of different heights. With the step over-bike, a short person may not be able to swing their leg over the top bar or even reach the pedals
- ST bike is considered safer to ride because, if you happen to lose balance, you can comfortably place both feet on the ground without getting entangled.
- If you have a need for speed, the conventional step-through bike won’t give you that. However, you might consider getting a cruiser bike. This is an electric step-through bike. With the thrill of a motor on the bike, it’s obvious you will be able to ride further even when you are feeling unfit.
Disadvantages of a Step-through Bike
- Accessorizing the step-through bike is quite tricky. Because of the low frame style, there is no room to mount attachments like bottle holders, air pumps, or mini-backpacks. This can be inconvenient especially when you are cycling long distances. However, this is bound to change as more accessories are being made for these models
- It is difficult to secure a step-through bike on the rack at the back of your car because many racks are made with step-over bikes in mind. Therefore, you will need to buy a top-tube bar adapter.
- Manufacturers use thicker and more durable materials on the step-through bike to compensate for the lack of the top tube. This makes the ST bikes heavier and more difficult to carry than the conventional bike.
- A Step through bike would not be the ideal bike for hilly terrain since it has a delicate frame. When riding uphill, the weight shifts to the frame and this might cause it to bend.
What is a Step-Over Bike?
Step-over bikes are the traditional bikes, with a step-over frame, also known as the triangle or diamond frame. The reason they are called Step Over is that to mount this bike, you have to swing one leg over the rear wheel to straddle.
Step-over frames are commonly used on road bikes, mountain bikes, and professional racing bikes. This is due to the classic frame that has stood the test of time. With a step-over bike, the sky is the only limit!
Types of bikes with the Step-Over frame
- Road Bikes: These bikes have lightweight step-over frames designed particularly for use on the pavements, including professional racing, touring and daily city commuting
- Mountain Bikes: The step-over frame of mountain bikes is strong and rugged. This is because this bike is designed for rough terrains
Related article: Women’s Bike Size Chart
Advantages of Step-Over Bike
- Step-over bikes are made for all kinds of terrains. Its solid frame makes it suitable for any sort of ride, whether on the road or off-road in any kind of weather.
- Step-over bikes are built from very lightweight components. With this bike, you will experience enhanced performance when it comes to speed and handling. This means you will attain maximum speed while expending less energy.
- When people go shopping for a bicycle, performance and longevity are top of the list. With step-over bikes, you can never go wrong because they are tried and tested.
Disadvantages of Step-Over Bikes
- Step-over bikes, even with the design built for all terrains, cannot withstand extreme riding conditions or heavy riders. For that reason, you might be required to spend more money to customize it to your specific needs.
- If you intend to ride your bike in various conditions, you may need to invest in specialized tires for your step-over bike. This is because the step-over bike, even with its sturdy frame, is built for 90% street riding and 10% off-road riding. Alternatively, make sure you buy the appropriate bike for the terrain you wish to tackle.
Related article: Types of Bike Brakes
How to Choose What’s Best For You?
Step-Through Vs Step Over
Frame
Although the step-through frame is made from heavier components, it is considered weaker than the step-over frame. When ascending, the step-through frame creates uneven distribution which may cause it to bend.
The step-over frame on the other hand has a solid frame suitable for all terrains. You only need to identify which type suits your preferred terrain.
Comfort
Step through is a good option for with those impaired mobility, the aged, and also those to need to constantly get on and off their bikes.
The step-over design requires you to break a sweat because you have to lift your leg to get on or off.
Suitability
For casual rides, grocery shopping in your neighborhood, or commuting to work, the Step through frames are an excellent choice.
If you are an adventurous person who loves challenges, then the step-over bike is your best bet. Its solid frame can withstand any terrain
Weight
To compensate for the lack of the top bar, the step-through is made of thicker and heavy material. The result is an overall heavier bike.
On the other hand, the traditional step-over bikes are lightweight because they are designed for faster riding while expending less energy.
Accessorizing
Without the top bar, the Step through bike is not built to handle accessories, such as the air pump or the water bottle.
However, one can comfortably carry a water bottle and even a small backpack on the step-over bike
Safety performance
In the event you lose balance when riding, you can cross over through the step through-bike and avert a fall and possible injuries. With the step-over bicycle, you will eventually topple over and possibly sustain injuries.
Perfect for women riders
If you want to look chic in that new dress or skirt while riding to the office, a step-through bike is the best alternative as you’ll arrive at your destination still looking fresh. The same cannot be said for the step-over bike.
Longevity
A bike’s longevity is an aspect to be considered when making the purchase. Step-through frames are considered weaker and are more prone to bending given that the design creates an uneven distribution of weight. The traditional Step-over frame gives you amazing durability
Final Thoughts – What is a Step-Through bike?
Still unsure which one to choose between the Step-Through and Step-Over bikes? With each possessing unique characteristics, there is no right or wrong choice. It all boils down to your needs. Before purchase, you need to ask yourself these questions;
- Why do I need this bike? What do I expect from my new bike?
- How often do I intend to be riding?
- Where do I want to ride? Is it off-road or on-road?
- What’s my budget?
You will need to be honest and realistic with your purpose and expectations. This will help you greatly when making the purchase.
Armed with the answers to the above questions, hit the bike stores. Since you aim to get the best fit for your needs, here are some of the questions you might need to ask the shop staff;
- Which bike is best suited for my needs?
- Why would you recommend this particular bike?
The salesperson might provide you with information you might have missed
- What’s the availability of components?
This is to ensure that you can get the required parts when it’s time for repair maintenance.
- Are there more or less expensive options?
It’s always good to have alternatives in case you need to adjust your budget.
- Does the bike come with a warranty?
Since you are making an expensive purchase, make sure you are covered.
Take the bike you have chosen for a spin to get a feel of what to expect and also to learn how the bike features operate.
Armed with the above information, you can’t go wrong with whichever type of bike you pick as both designs are made to fulfill the purposes they were intended to.
Enjoy your ride!