Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

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Date: 11 Aug 2007 16:08:23
From:
Subject: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
of the right bike, except it's custom made: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm

Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
one she can test ride.

Date: 20 Aug 2007 21:55:41
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 20, 7:24 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
<sunsetss0...@innvalid.com > wrote:
> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Aug 20, 6:20 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
> > <sunsetss0...@innvalid.com> wrote:
> >> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> >>> ...
> >>> Of all the crank forward bikes, however, the lightest and best
> >>> performing that we looked at are made by Rans. Not surprisingly, they
> >>> are also the most expensive (Rans also made our recumbent bikes)....
>
> >> What is a "Rans"?
>
> >> --
> >> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> >> 1999 RANS Wave to Tailwind Conversion
> >> 2000 RANS Rocket
>
> >http://www.ransbikes.com/
>
> Hey look, I'm on the website:
> <http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/Sherman.htm>!
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account fromhttp://www.teranews.com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Yeah, I didn't notice your sig when I posted the link . . . Nice work
with that conversion!

My wife has a Vivo she bought in 2000. Rans subsequently put out a
version of the Vivo with lower quality components in order to get the
price down, but that added a lot of weight, and sales of the model
dropped like a stone. The Vivo was discontinued shortly thereafter. I
had bought a Vision around the same time. I liked it a lot, but I
started having trouble keeping it in gear under load. Dale (of Angle
Lake) wasn't able to fix it, and I needed a bike to train for the STP
(Seattle-to-Portland), so he let me use his Vivo, same version as my
wife's bike. Well, I'm still riding Dale's Vivo two years later, and
Vision is out of business. Dale eventually wants it back. I have a
feeling he will sell us a couple of Rans CF bikes, so he's not
complaining. I still like these recumbents, but I do get tired of
being overtaken by joggers going uphill. : >)

Date: 20 Aug 2007 19:06:15
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 20, 6:20 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
<sunsetss0...@innvalid.com > wrote:
> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> > ...
> > Of all the crank forward bikes, however, the lightest and best
> > performing that we looked at are made by Rans. Not surprisingly, they
> > are also the most expensive (Rans also made our recumbent bikes)....
>
> What is a "Rans"?
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> 1999 RANS Wave to Tailwind Conversion
> 2000 RANS Rocket
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account fromhttp://www.teranews.com

http://www.ransbikes.com/

Date: 20 Aug 2007 21:24:09
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> On Aug 20, 6:20 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
> <sunsetss0...@innvalid.com> wrote:
>> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>>> ...
>>> Of all the crank forward bikes, however, the lightest and best
>>> performing that we looked at are made by Rans. Not surprisingly, they
>>> are also the most expensive (Rans also made our recumbent bikes)....
>>
>> What is a "Rans"?
>>
>> --
>> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
>> 1999 RANS Wave to Tailwind Conversion
>> 2000 RANS Rocket
>>
>
> http://www.ransbikes.com/
>
Hey look, I'm on the website:
<http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/Sherman.htm >!

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 20 Aug 2007 21:26:44
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

Tom "Johnny Sunset" Sherman wrote:

> Hey look, I'm on the website:
> <http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/Sherman.htm>!

You know, I'm almost starting to miss the Jobst Lean pic...

Date: 20 Aug 2007 17:37:57
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 14, 6:45 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
<sunsetss0...@invailid.com > wrote:
> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Aug 13, 7:10 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
> > <sunsetss0...@invailid.com> wrote:
> >> The Challenge SL bikes are less than half that weight:
> >> <http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/html/index.php?taal=3Den&selectie=
=3Dr... >.
>
> > Sweet! And it looks like Angle Lake sells them. Of course my wife will
> > never forgive me if I'm the only one who ends up with a new bike.
>
> The Challenge Mistral SL [1] looks like it would be a relatively easy to
> get on and off of with its 49 cm (19.3") seat height and a moderate
> 31=B0-35=B0 seat angle.
>
> [1]
> <http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/html/index.php?taal=3Den&selectie=3D=
m=2E.. >.
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> "I didn't expect a kind of Spanish Inquisition"
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account fromhttp://www.teranews.com

Pardon me if this message appears more than once. I hit "Send" but
when I tried to navigate away, I got a message that the post hadn't
been sent.

I thought I'd post a follow-up report in the event someone else is
dealing with the same issues. My wife has now test ridden quite a few
bikes looking for something with an upright posture, step-through
frame (or a least lower top tube), but lighter and faster than the
typical "comfort" bike. Here are a few observations.

Trek 7.5 FX WSD hybrid, while a nice riding bike, has a riding posture
that is still too hunched forward, putting too much pressure on her
wrists. She tried other hybrid bikes of similar design (e.g., Bianchi
Boardwalk), and had the same problem.

Trek 7300 WSD. This bike could work. It has a low step-through frame
and comfortable upright seating, but also has 24 gears and 700x35c
tires, if I recall correctly. However, it still felt pretty heavy and
slow, perhaps because it has both seat and front suspension.

Breezer Villager. She really liked this bike. She found it easier on
her wrists than the Trek 7300 (perhaps due to the shape of the
handlebars), and generally very comfortable. It was also lighter than
expected, around 31.5 bounds, including rack, lights, kickstand, bell,
chainguard, etc. However, because of its weight, fat tires, and a
seven-speed internal hub gear system, it is not exactly a performance
bicycle. We live on a hill, so almost any ride will involve some
fairly strenuous climbing. My concern is that longer rides and hills
may be difficult with this bike. My wife has the opportunity to give
it a much longer test ride, which she will certainly do if she decides
it's the one she wants.

Today we looked at some "crank forward" bicycles. These have the
seatpost canted back behind the crank so that the rider's center of
gravity can be lower with his or her legs properly extended. The
result is a more relaxed, upright riding posture. It also allows the
rider's feet to be flat on the ground while sitting on the seat. My
wife felt much more stable and secure on these bikes, as well as
comfortable. We looked at the Electra Townie series, and she rode a 21-
gear model, which she liked better than all the bikes mentioned so
far. It seemed to have the best combination of comfort and
performance. Electra also makes a Townie 21 700c, which I think will
have even better performance (larger wheels, thinner tires, no front
suspension, lighter). Our dealer has this bike in stock, but it needs
to be built up if she is going to try it.

Of all the crank forward bikes, however, the lightest and best
performing that we looked at are made by Rans. Not surprisingly, they
are also the most expensive (Rans also made our recumbent bikes).
These bikes do not have true step-through frames, but the top tube and
seat are both fairly low, comparable to the Trek 7.5FX WSD mentioned
above. They have very comfortable, upright seating, and, depending on
what you want to pay, very good components. They weigh anywhere from
19 to 26 pounds. I rode a couple (the Cruz and the Citi), and loved
them both. My wife did not want to try them at first because the
design is a little radical, but she eventually did so (to be a good
sport, she told me later). She liked the Cruz a lot, notwithstanding
its lack of a step-through frame. It gives her the comfort and feeling
of security that she gets from the Townie or the Breezer, and yet it
is light, maneuverable, and responsive. I think the ability to put her
feet flat on the ground while seated makes up for the lack of a step-
through frame. Anyway, we brought the Cruz home to try for a few days.
I may take it out on a longer ride tomorrow. I'm not crazy about the
styling of this particular model, but they make another one, the
Fusion, with the same geometry, and I like it better. I also plan to
test ride the Zenetik. It's hard to look at all these new bikes
without wanting one for myself.

Thanks everybody for your input. It has really helped us to focus our
search, and given us a lot of good leads.

Date: 20 Aug 2007 20:20:52
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> ...
> Of all the crank forward bikes, however, the lightest and best
> performing that we looked at are made by Rans. Not surprisingly, they
> are also the most expensive (Rans also made our recumbent bikes)....

What is a "Rans"?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
1999 RANS Wave to Tailwind Conversion
2000 RANS Rocket

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 14 Aug 2007 16:25:17
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 13, 7:10 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
<sunsetss0...@invailid.com > wrote:
> The Challenge SL bikes are less than half that weight:
> <http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=r...>.
>

Sweet! And it looks like Angle Lake sells them. Of course my wife will
never forgive me if I'm the only one who ends up with a new bike.

Date: 14 Aug 2007 20:45:19
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> On Aug 13, 7:10 pm, "Tom \"Johnny Sunset\" Sherman"
> <sunsetss0...@invailid.com> wrote:
>> The Challenge SL bikes are less than half that weight:
>> <http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=r...>.
>>
>
> Sweet! And it looks like Angle Lake sells them. Of course my wife will
> never forgive me if I'm the only one who ends up with a new bike.

The Challenge Mistral SL [1] looks like it would be a relatively easy to
get on and off of with its 49 cm (19.3") seat height and a moderate
31�-35� seat angle.

[1]
<http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=mistralsl >.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"I didn't expect a kind of Spanish Inquisition"

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 14 Aug 2007 09:10:01
From: Alex
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 7:08 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> one she can test ride.

I would test ride a few models to find the one that fit the best.
Then I
would buy the cheapest bike in the range with the same frame. Then
you can swap out all the heavy parts for more reasonable parts. It
will
end up costing a bit, but in the end it will probably be worth it.
-----------------------
Alex

Date: 14 Aug 2007 08:39:16
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 13, 11:13 pm, bob prohaska's usenet account
<b...@www.zefox.net > wrote:
> I'm not aware of any suspension option on the Uptown 8, it certainly
> isn't a necessity. Soft tires don't _have_ to be soft, you can pump
> them up till they ride like rocks if you wish and the rolling resistance
> will noticeably diminish.
>...
> bob prohaska

According to their website, they do have both seatpost and front fork
suspension, but I now see that the front fork suspension is just an
option, not required. I also wondered whether the light generator
would create some drag. Other models are a pound or two lighter (34.5
pounds down to 32.5 pounds), and appear to have slightly narrower
tires, but only one other model has the eight-speed hub, which I think
would be a necessity. For that weight, you get a rear carrier,
kickstand, chainguard, lights, bell, etc., all things that my wife
added to her existing bike. So it is definitely worth checking out.

I think we'll also take another look at the Trek 7300 WSD, or others
in that series. I tried the men's version of the 7300, and it seemed
OK. The riding posture looks similar to that of the Breezer, but the
tires look a little ligher. At least on the men's, I could certainly
imagine a half-day ride without feeling like you're in a rowboat.

Date: 13 Aug 2007 10:18:29
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 13, 9:22 am, "OldGirl" <oldg...@rr.com > wrote:
> You can have your bike shop do the build up. It isn't that expensive. Tell
> them what you want to do and buy parts from them other than the frame. Bike
> shops do this kind of thing a lot.
>
> <caseydo...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1186954337.187841.206470@l22g2000prc.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > On Aug 12, 9:02 am, "OldGirl" <oldg...@rr.com> wrote:
> >> If I wanted a light weight step through I'd probably start with an older
> >> mixte frame - they are easy to find on Ebay or craigslist.
>
> >> I'd spend most of my money on wheels - get a good set of lightweight
> >> wheels
> >> and use something like a Schwalbe Kojak tire, relatively light but wide.
> >> Use reasonably good modern mid range components like Shimano 105, for
> >> example. Get a carbon fiber fork, carbon fiber seat post, maybe even
> >> carbon
> >> fiber handlebars. You'd easily end up with a bike between 20-25 lbs. It
> >> would cost you under $2000.
>
> > I wish I had the skill or confidence to do that, but I have never
> > built a bike before. With so many parts of various sizes, I can't
> > count on building it up and having it fit properly. Fit appears to be
> > pretty important in this case.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

My wife test rode another bike yesterday, a Bianchi Boardwalk hybrid,
and another problem cropped up: it really bothered her wrists, which
have had carpel tunnel problems. This was also the case with some of
the Trek hybrids she tried, although getting a longer stem seemed to
help, at least on a short ride. I just don't think it makes sense for
her to buy a bike unless she can first give it a good long test ride.

The shop in town that handles the Breezer Uptown 8 also rents them.
Maybe we can try a longer ride with that style bike. They run around
33 pounds. It is a very upright bike with a low step through frame. I
suspect, however, that more than the weight that makes these "comfort"
bikes inappropriate for longer rides. All that suspension, soft tires,
etc. must absorb some energy.

Date: 14 Aug 2007 06:13:57
From: bob prohaska's usenet account
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
>
> The shop in town that handles the Breezer Uptown 8 also rents them.
> Maybe we can try a longer ride with that style bike. They run around
> 33 pounds. It is a very upright bike with a low step through frame. I
> suspect, however, that more than the weight that makes these "comfort"
> bikes inappropriate for longer rides. All that suspension, soft tires,
> etc. must absorb some energy.
>

I'm not aware of any suspension option on the Uptown 8, it certainly
isn't a necessity. Soft tires don't _have_ to be soft, you can pump
them up till they ride like rocks if you wish and the rolling resistance
will noticeably diminish.

Your point about the ergonomics is well taken: I prefer my old
Cannondale for long rides when I'm fit. However, when I'm not
fit to ride the Cannondale, the Breezer is an exceedingly good
alternative. It's handy, comfortable for half-hour rides and
well-appointed. All you need is a pump and a patchkit to go
as far as you want, given appropriate rest intervals.

I'd encourage you to rent the Breezer for a few days to see
how it works in your environment.

bob prohaska

Date: 13 Aug 2007 18:51:59
From: Steve Gravrock
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On 2007-08-13, caseydoug3@gmail.com <caseydoug3@gmail.com > wrote:

> My wife test rode another bike yesterday, a Bianchi Boardwalk hybrid,
> and another problem cropped up: it really bothered her wrists, which
> have had carpel tunnel problems. This was also the case with some of
> the Trek hybrids she tried, although getting a longer stem seemed to
> help, at least on a short ride. I just don't think it makes sense for
> her to buy a bike unless she can first give it a good long test ride.

That's a common problem with straight handlebars. The palms-down hand
position puts a twist in the forearm, which will tend to aggravate a
variety of wrist problems. Getting a handlebar with significant backward
sweep will help. The problem is that you're unlikely to find anything
but the slowest cruisers set up with such handlebars at the bike shop.

For retrofitting bikes with straight handlebars, I like the Mary
bar. It keeps the grips in the same place but rotates them back 40
degrees: <http://preview.tinyurl.com/ypz6z2 >, or
<http://www.on-one.co.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=6 >.

Drop bars are also a good choice for people with carpal tunnel, quite
possibly the best choice. The trouble is that you're going to have a
hard time finding a bike that has them and meets your wife's other
requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 12 Aug 2007 15:19:29
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 12, 2:35 pm, velodancer <commerc...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> On Aug 12, 1:58 am, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > mentioned here -- we have some pretty good stores in the area. We will
> > probably also take a look at the Moulton just for the fun of it. They
> > are expensive bikes, but I did say I was prepared to pay more (and the
>
> You could look for a used AM series and build it up as you wish. That
> could help both the cost and weight issues. The 17 inch Moultons have
> lower step throughs than some of the 20 inch ones (I'm still hitting
> my foot on my APB close to 10 years after my AM was stolen).

The Moulton is looking better and better, particularly since we have a
relationship with Dale at Angle Lake. (We bought our recumbents there.
When my Vision had a problem that he couldn't fix, he gave me his,
even though my bike was long out of warranty and the company had gone
out of business). He does occasionally have used bikes there. I'm
still not sure I want to build it up myself.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 14:35:42
From: velodancer
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 12, 1:58 am, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:

> mentioned here -- we have some pretty good stores in the area. We will
> probably also take a look at the Moulton just for the fun of it. They
> are expensive bikes, but I did say I was prepared to pay more (and the

You could look for a used AM series and build it up as you wish. That
could help both the cost and weight issues. The 17 inch Moultons have
lower step throughs than some of the 20 inch ones (I'm still hitting
my foot on my APB close to 10 years after my AM was stolen).

Date: 12 Aug 2007 14:32:17
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 12, 9:02 am, "OldGirl" <oldg...@rr.com > wrote:
> If I wanted a light weight step through I'd probably start with an older
> mixte frame - they are easy to find on Ebay or craigslist.
>
> I'd spend most of my money on wheels - get a good set of lightweight wheels
> and use something like a Schwalbe Kojak tire, relatively light but wide.
> Use reasonably good modern mid range components like Shimano 105, for
> example. Get a carbon fiber fork, carbon fiber seat post, maybe even carbon
> fiber handlebars. You'd easily end up with a bike between 20-25 lbs. It
> would cost you under $2000.

I wish I had the skill or confidence to do that, but I have never
built a bike before. With so many parts of various sizes, I can't
count on building it up and having it fit properly. Fit appears to be
pretty important in this case.

Date: 13 Aug 2007 09:22:56
From: OldGirl
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

You can have your bike shop do the build up. It isn't that expensive. Tell
them what you want to do and buy parts from them other than the frame. Bike
shops do this kind of thing a lot.

<caseydoug3@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1186954337.187841.206470@l22g2000prc.googlegroups.com...
> On Aug 12, 9:02 am, "OldGirl" <oldg...@rr.com> wrote:
>> If I wanted a light weight step through I'd probably start with an older
>> mixte frame - they are easy to find on Ebay or craigslist.
>>
>> I'd spend most of my money on wheels - get a good set of lightweight
>> wheels
>> and use something like a Schwalbe Kojak tire, relatively light but wide.
>> Use reasonably good modern mid range components like Shimano 105, for
>> example. Get a carbon fiber fork, carbon fiber seat post, maybe even
>> carbon
>> fiber handlebars. You'd easily end up with a bike between 20-25 lbs. It
>> would cost you under $2000.
>
> I wish I had the skill or confidence to do that, but I have never
> built a bike before. With so many parts of various sizes, I can't
> count on building it up and having it fit properly. Fit appears to be
> pretty important in this case.
>

Date: 12 Aug 2007 08:49:43
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 12, 6:06 am, cmcanulty <cmcanu...@gmail.com > wrote:
> I think if you can find an old mixte frame bike there are some mid
> range quality ones. I had a great Univega Mixte, lightweight and
> strength and efficiency nearer to a man's frame than a regular women's
> frame. I kick myself for ever selling mine.

Is this what you mean:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/393352217.html (first hit on
Google)

Now that's a pretty bike!

It might hard for her to "step through" that frame to mount, and the
seating posture is not particularly upright, but I believe that's the
kind of compromise she will end up making. Many of the hybrid women's
bikes have a top tube that high. Thanks.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 09:02:16
From: OldGirl
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

If I wanted a light weight step through I'd probably start with an older
mixte frame - they are easy to find on Ebay or craigslist.

I'd spend most of my money on wheels - get a good set of lightweight wheels
and use something like a Schwalbe Kojak tire, relatively light but wide.
Use reasonably good modern mid range components like Shimano 105, for
example. Get a carbon fiber fork, carbon fiber seat post, maybe even carbon
fiber handlebars. You'd easily end up with a bike between 20-25 lbs. It
would cost you under $2000.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 13:06:37
From: cmcanulty
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

I think if you can find an old mixte frame bike there are some mid
range quality ones. I had a great Univega Mixte, lightweight and
strength and efficiency nearer to a man's frame than a regular women's
frame. I kick myself for ever selling mine.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 09:12:09
From: bjw@mambo.ucolick.org
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 7:10 pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com > wrote:
>
> Because of the unbraced nature of a step-through frame, it takes a lot
> more material to provide the necessary level of rigidity. This will
> vary according to the material's strength and adaptability to
> different shapes, of course, but all else equal I bet the ratio of the
> weight of a step-through frame to an equivalently built diamond frame
> is about 2:1.
>
> I think you may also be underestimating the degree to which a 5-10
> pound difference will give your wife the ability to tackle any terrain
> or conditions that she wouldn't be able to take on anyway. Of course
> a lighter bike is incrementally easier to climb hills with, but the
> main benefit of a lightweight bike might not be how much easier it is
> for your wife to ride, but just in how much it makes her want to ride
> it.
>
> It's probably not a bad idea to simply find an aluminum step-through
> frame, of any pedigree, and build it up with racing MTB and road bike
> parts. You could even consider getting a value-priced or secondhand
> racy bike, and swap all the relevant parts over to a step-through
> frame. That might be your best opportunity to get into the weight
> bracket of interest without tracking down Damon Rinard to make you a
> custom frame.

I agree that the difference in weight is not
likely to be a large increment. IMO a bigger
issue is that hybrid, "comfort" etc bikes of
moderate price tend to come with cheesy and
fairly heavy suspension forks and seatposts.
These sap some power, feel squidgy, and aren't
really necessary for riding on the road unless
they alleviate some type of chronic/severe
pain, like wrist problems or whatever.

Also, stupid heavy tires, but the OP probably
has that figured out.

Ben

Date: 12 Aug 2007 01:58:13
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 12, 12:12 am, bob prohaska's usenet account
<b...@www.zefox.net > wrote:
> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> > Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> > low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> [snip]
>
> > Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> > one she can test ride.
>
> Have you considered a Breezer Uptown 8?
>
> bob prohaska

I appreciate all the input here. We have actually visited several
shops and seen low step-throughs from Trek, Specialized, Raleigh, and
some others. Gregg's in Seattle has a good selection. I rode the men's
Trek 7300 while my wife was riding the women's. While I didn't get
weights for these bikes, all of them felt pretty heavy to me. We then
went to lighter "hybrid" bikes like the Trek 7.5 FX WSD, but my wife
had a little trouble getting one to fit. She was uncomfortable with
the standover height of the 17" frame. But the 15" frame put the
handlebars too close, so we ended up having them swap out the stem for
a longer one. She is going back in a couple of days to take a longer
test ride.

I will call around to see about some of the other brands that were
mentioned here -- we have some pretty good stores in the area. We will
probably also take a look at the Moulton just for the fun of it. They
are expensive bikes, but I did say I was prepared to pay more (and the
dealer there would probably take my wife's recumbent in trade). We
might even look into the electric assist bikes (I would worry about
her trying to do a 30-mile ride on one of those, however). But in the
final analysis, I think it will come down to a choice: she can just
not worry so much about the weight, as suggested by Chalo, or give up
the idea of a step-through.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 07:12:20
From: bob prohaska's usenet account
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
[snip]
>
> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> one she can test ride.
>
Have you considered a Breezer Uptown 8?

bob prohaska

Date: 11 Aug 2007 23:45:41
From: SMS
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> of the right bike, except it's custom made: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> one she can test ride.

The Trek Navigator 3.0 WSD and 7300 WSD are pretty low. Trek doesn't
include weight on their web site any more, so you'd have to call them,
or visit a shop. Unfortunately, finding a Trek dealer that stocks these
is probably going to be difficult.

Date: 11 Aug 2007 22:39:47
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 10:27 pm, velodancer <commerc...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> Angle Lake Cyclery in Seattle should have some Moultons that fit her
> needs.

I bought my recumbent from Dale. He's great. In fact, this whole quest
started when my wife decided she hadn't ridden her own recumbent in
several years, so maybe it's time to change bikes. Of course that one
is probably 45 pounds!

Date: 13 Aug 2007 21:10:22
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> On Aug 11, 10:27 pm, velodancer <commerc...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> Angle Lake Cyclery in Seattle should have some Moultons that fit her
>> needs.
>
> I bought my recumbent from Dale. He's great. In fact, this whole quest
> started when my wife decided she hadn't ridden her own recumbent in
> several years, so maybe it's time to change bikes. Of course that one
> is probably 45 pounds!

The Challenge SL bikes are less than half that weight:
<http://www.challenge-recumbents.com/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=recumbentmodels >.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"I didn't expect a kind of Spanish Inquisition"

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 11 Aug 2007 22:27:55
From: velodancer
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

Angle Lake Cyclery in Seattle should have some Moultons that fit her
needs.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 01:15:11
From: Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition �
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

<caseydoug3@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1186873703.305561.210460@j4g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> of the right bike, except it's custom made:
> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> one she can test ride.
>

There are some older "mixte" frames made by Triumph, Motobecane, Peugeot and
others with very low top tubes that you may be able to find at a garage sale
or through craigslist, and swap out all the heavy steel parts with high end
mtb or road parts, especially wheels. You will have to do some work,
though.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 02:10:33
From: Chalo
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 7:38 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Aug 11, 4:47 pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Aug 11, 6:08 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > > Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> > > low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> > > so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> > > can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> > > through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> > > to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> > > of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> > > Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> > > one she can test ride.
>
> > Here's the closest thing I know of:
>
> >http://www.fietsgigant.com/assortiment-fietsendetails.php?id=3318&rub...
>
> > For a test ride, you might have to take a trip to Holland.
>
> > Perhaps your wife could benefit from electric assist? I bet the good
> > fellows at Electric Vehicles Northwest in Fremont could set you up
> > with a test ride on something like a step-through Estelle bike or an
> > eZee Sprint:
>
> >http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/images/ezee/eZee-Sprint1000.jpghttp...
>
> > Chalo
>
> Thanks. That bike is over 33 pounds. It looks and weighs the same as a
> number of "comfort bikes" on the market in the U.S. today. I was
> hoping to find something in the 20-25 pound range.

It's equipped with fenders, full chaincase, skirt guard, luggage rack,
lighting, and even a water bottle and cage. That stuff is in the
picture because it comes with the bike. With the convenience features
removed, you'll find that it's a lot lighter than a bike of comparable
weight that doesn't come equipped with all those things.

Because of the unbraced nature of a step-through frame, it takes a lot
more material to provide the necessary level of rigidity. This will
vary according to the material's strength and adaptability to
different shapes, of course, but all else equal I bet the ratio of the
weight of a step-through frame to an equivalently built diamond frame
is about 2:1.

I think you may also be underestimating the degree to which a 5-10
pound difference will give your wife the ability to tackle any terrain
or conditions that she wouldn't be able to take on anyway. Of course
a lighter bike is incrementally easier to climb hills with, but the
main benefit of a lightweight bike might not be how much easier it is
for your wife to ride, but just in how much it makes her want to ride
it.

It's probably not a bad idea to simply find an aluminum step-through
frame, of any pedigree, and build it up with racing MTB and road bike
parts. You could even consider getting a value-priced or secondhand
racy bike, and swap all the relevant parts over to a step-through
frame. That might be your best opportunity to get into the weight
bracket of interest without tracking down Damon Rinard to make you a
custom frame.

> She may need an electric assist, but I'd never get her to agree to
> it. :>)

Tell her all the cool kids are doing it. It's incredibly fun, and a
great way to reduce car trips and get some exercise even when you're
insufficiently motivated for a ride.

Chalo

Date: 11 Aug 2007 19:00:13
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 6:09 pm, Gary Young <garyyou...@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:38:57 -0700, caseydoug3 wrote:
> > On Aug 11, 4:47 pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> On Aug 11, 6:08 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> >> > Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> >> > low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> >> > so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> >> > can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> >> > through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> >> > to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> >> > of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> >> > Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> >> > one she can test ride.
>
> >> Here's the closest thing I know of:
>
> >>http://www.fietsgigant.com/assortiment-fietsendetails.php?id=3318&rub...
>
> >> For a test ride, you might have to take a trip to Holland.
>
> >> Perhaps your wife could benefit from electric assist? I bet the good
> >> fellows at Electric Vehicles Northwest in Fremont could set you up
> >> with a test ride on something like a step-through Estelle bike or an
> >> eZee Sprint:
>
> >>http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/images/ezee/eZee-Sprint1000.jpghttp...
>
> >> Chalo
>
> > Thanks. That bike is over 33 pounds. It looks and weighs the same as a
> > number of "comfort bikes" on the market in the U.S. today. I was
> > hoping to find something in the 20-25 pound range.
>
> > She may need an electric assist, but I'd never get her to agree to
> > it. :>)
>
> How about a folding bike? Most have have a low top tube. Bike Friday and
> Dahon (and probably other manufacturers) have light-weight models in your
> weight range.
>
> http://dahon.com/index.htm
>
> http://www.bikefriday.com/- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I'll take a look. A friend has a Bike Friday recumbent, which he likes
a lot. They apparently custom build each bike, which means you can
specify lighter components. Test riding would probably not be
available, of course.

These comments are confirming what I was seeing in my research. There
is apparently not much market for upright or step-through bikes that
are more high end, i.e., carbon fiber frames and lighter parts. (I
said something like this in an earlier post, but I must have hit the
wrong send button -- sorry). Maybe she will have to settle for a
hybrid bike or a heavier bike, or learn to get her leg over the seat.

Date: 12 Aug 2007 21:22:15
From: A Muzi
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

>>>> caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>>>>> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
>>>>> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
>>>>> so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
>>>>> can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
>>>>> through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
>>>>> to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
>>>>> of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>>>>> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
>>>>> one she can test ride.

>>> Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Here's the closest thing I know of:
>>>> http://www.fietsgigant.com/assortiment-fietsendetails.php?id=3318&rub...
>>>> For a test ride, you might have to take a trip to Holland.
>>>> Perhaps your wife could benefit from electric assist? I bet the good
>>>> fellows at Electric Vehicles Northwest in Fremont could set you up
>>>> with a test ride on something like a step-through Estelle bike or an
>>>> eZee Sprint:
>>>> http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/images/ezee/eZee-Sprint1000.jpghttp...

>> caseydoug3 wrote:
>>> Thanks. That bike is over 33 pounds. It looks and weighs the same as a
>>> number of "comfort bikes" on the market in the U.S. today. I was
>>> hoping to find something in the 20-25 pound range.
>>> She may need an electric assist, but I'd never get her to agree to
>>> it. :>)

> Gary Young <garyyou...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> How about a folding bike? Most have have a low top tube. Bike Friday and
>> Dahon (and probably other manufacturers) have light-weight models in your
>> weight range.
>> http://dahon.com/index.htm
>> http://www.bikefriday.com/- Hide quoted text -

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> I'll take a look. A friend has a Bike Friday recumbent, which he likes
> a lot. They apparently custom build each bike, which means you can
> specify lighter components. Test riding would probably not be
> available, of course.
>
> These comments are confirming what I was seeing in my research. There
> is apparently not much market for upright or step-through bikes that
> are more high end, i.e., carbon fiber frames and lighter parts. (I
> said something like this in an earlier post, but I must have hit the
> wrong send button -- sorry). Maybe she will have to settle for a
> hybrid bike or a heavier bike, or learn to get her leg over the seat.

There are plenty of 'high end'.
http://www.yellowjersey.org/wfdopen.html
http://www.yellowjersey.org/kmdg.html

What there's 'not much market for' are step-through lightweights between
$800 and $2000+.

Tomorrow, we're building a customer's all-chrome fillet brazed Bob
Jackson 853 open frame with Record. There's no shortage of options if
you don't have a price constraint.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Date: 12 Aug 2007 22:57:31
From: Tom \Johnny Sunset\ Sherman
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

A Muzi wrote:
> ...
> http://www.yellowjersey.org/wfdopen.html ...

"I would too"?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
�the bacteria people tuned in-as to bioengineering at the correct wave
Point� - gene daniels

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Date: 12 Aug 2007 23:08:03
From: A Muzi
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

> A Muzi wrote:
>> ...
>> http://www.yellowjersey.org/wfdopen.html ...

Tom "Johnny Sunset" Sherman wrote:
> "I would too"?

The other wrench says "Vada Would". They both say "Phil Wood" on the
front side.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Date: 11 Aug 2007 20:09:26
From: Gary Young
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:38:57 -0700, caseydoug3 wrote:

> On Aug 11, 4:47 pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Aug 11, 6:08 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>> > Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
>> > low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
>> > so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
>> > can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
>> > through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
>> > to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
>> > of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>>
>> > Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
>> > one she can test ride.
>>
>> Here's the closest thing I know of:
>>
>> http://www.fietsgigant.com/assortiment-fietsendetails.php?id=3318&rub...
>>
>> For a test ride, you might have to take a trip to Holland.
>>
>> Perhaps your wife could benefit from electric assist? I bet the good
>> fellows at Electric Vehicles Northwest in Fremont could set you up
>> with a test ride on something like a step-through Estelle bike or an
>> eZee Sprint:
>>
>> http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/images/ezee/eZee-Sprint1000.jpghttp://www.estelle.de/bilder/tour_28.jpg
>>
>> Chalo
>
> Thanks. That bike is over 33 pounds. It looks and weighs the same as a
> number of "comfort bikes" on the market in the U.S. today. I was
> hoping to find something in the 20-25 pound range.
>
> She may need an electric assist, but I'd never get her to agree to
> it. :>)

How about a folding bike? Most have have a low top tube. Bike Friday and
Dahon (and probably other manufacturers) have light-weight models in your
weight range.

http://dahon.com/index.htm

http://www.bikefriday.com/

Date: 11 Aug 2007 17:38:57
From:
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 4:47 pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Aug 11, 6:08 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> > Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> > low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> > so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> > can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> > through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> > to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> > of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> > Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> > one she can test ride.
>
> Here's the closest thing I know of:
>
> http://www.fietsgigant.com/assortiment-fietsendetails.php?id=3318&rub...
>
> For a test ride, you might have to take a trip to Holland.
>
> Perhaps your wife could benefit from electric assist? I bet the good
> fellows at Electric Vehicles Northwest in Fremont could set you up
> with a test ride on something like a step-through Estelle bike or an
> eZee Sprint:
>
> http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/images/ezee/eZee-Sprint1000.jpghttp://www.estelle.de/bilder/tour_28.jpg
>
> Chalo

Thanks. That bike is over 33 pounds. It looks and weighs the same as a
number of "comfort bikes" on the market in the U.S. today. I was
hoping to find something in the 20-25 pound range.

She may need an electric assist, but I'd never get her to agree to
it. : >)

Date: 11 Aug 2007 17:36:13
From: SMS
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

Date: 11 Aug 2007 17:34:20
From: SMS
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

caseydoug3@gmail.com wrote:
> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> of the right bike, except it's custom made: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> one she can test ride.

If you're looking for a bike like that sub-30 pounds, forget it.

Look at "http://www.biria.com/bicycles/".

Test riding will be hard, I get the idea that these are not normally
stocked items.

There are "step through" frames of a lot of lightweight bikes, but I
guess not as low as you're looking for, i.e.
"http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_redwood_w.html"

Date: 11 Aug 2007 23:47:29
From: Chalo
Subject: Re: Any Lightweight Step-Through Bikes?

On Aug 11, 6:08 pm, caseydo...@gmail.com wrote:
> Because of arthritis and other problems, my wife needs a bike with a
> low, step-through frame and a fairly upright seating posture, but not
> so loaded up with "comfort" features and heavy low-end parts that she
> can't pedal it up the hills of Seattle. I've looked, and the only step-
> through bikes I've found are pretty heavy and clunky. We'd be willing
> to spend the money for the right bike if it exists. Here's an example
> of the right bike, except it's custom made:http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/betty.htm
>
> Can anyone recommend a make and model that comes close? It has to be
> one she can test ride.

Here's the closest thing I know of:

http://www.fietsgigant.com/assortiment-fietsendetails.php?id=3318&rubriek=stadsfietsen

For a test ride, you might have to take a trip to Holland.

Perhaps your wife could benefit from electric assist? I bet the good
fellows at Electric Vehicles Northwest in Fremont could set you up
with a test ride on something like a step-through Estelle bike or an
eZee Sprint:

http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/images/ezee/eZee-Sprint1000.jpg
http://www.estelle.de/bilder/tour_28.jpg

Chalo