Bicycles with “Step through†frames, traditionally referred to as “Women’s Bicyclesâ€, are easier to get on and off of because they eliminate the top tube between the seat and the handlebars. Many women continue to prefer this type of frame, but the ease of use of these bicycles also makes them attractive for a variety of different riders regardless of gender. These include delivery riders that make many stops, older riders, riders with limited mobility and anyone else who would prefer not to have to lift their leg two and half feet off the ground to get onto their bike.
Dating back to the late 1800s, the step-through frame allowed women wearing dresses or skirts to take advantage of this wonderful new invention. In fact, women’s bicycles played a major role in women’s emancipation.
The Bicycle and Women’s Emancipation
The power of mobility that the bicycle granted to women in Western nations was an unprecedented boon to their independence and their participation in greater society.
Suffragist Susan B. Anthony was quoted as saying: "…I think bicycling has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
The bicycle riding New Woman was a force for political change, and also provoked changes in women’s attire, casting aside corsets and long skirts for more practical and less restricting clothing.
Evolution of the Modern Bicycle
In the years since its invention, there have been many innovations to make the bicycle safer, more comfortable and easier to use. These innovations include many different frame types, more comfortable seats, better breaks and the addition of gears and derailleurs. There is even a company that has added a patented automatic gear changing system called AutoShift to their bicycles. This allows the rider to enjoy the scenery without having to worry about what gear they are in. A user of one of these bicycles offers her reactions: “My bike was a gift,†says Nicole of her step through bicycle with the AutoShift system, “I ride it everyday to work, and I honestly did not know that the bicycle was changing gears for me. All I knew is that it had a very smooth ride; I just get on it and go. I love my bike!†If you think about it, it makes sense -- when was the last time you tried to figure out what gear your automatic car was in?
About the Author
The company that offers women bicycles and other models is LandRider Bicycle, for more information visit them at www.landriderbikes.com
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