The Most Sexist Industry In The World
This may seem like a strange article coming from a cycling retro-grouch, but really, it just makes sense. Perhaps it is because soo much mfg comes from less developed countries, or because of cycling traditions (like pretending a long bike ride is some sort of Herculean accomplishment…c’mon, you guys know who you are). The bicycle industry really is quite sexist.
We could talk about pay and prize inequity in racing, or laughable women specific designs, but to me it is even more basic. We’re still stuck on the idea of “Women’s” and “Men’s” frames!
Just try to get a step through frame that isn’t pastel or shiny. I get it. There is a great gender bias baked in to our upbringing. “Men” like things dark, bold and a threat to their masculinity, but have you tried getting a diamond frame in a pastel color?
Guess what, men like the comfort and control of a step through Dutch style bike as much as women. Women like the quick handling and efficiency of a diamond frame. The same goes for colors.
Women often comment on how they want a more traditional step through design (usually the only ones designed for long legs and a short torso), but really want that flat green or black they see on the “men’s” bikes. I think of a really big, tough guy that wants a step through bike, to accommodate a sports injury. It was hard enough for him to admit that he needed the accommodation, imagine trying to get him on a bubble gum pink or sun flower yellow bike (this fit, 6’7″ football player settled for, “Ruby Red”).
My buddy wanted to surprise his wife with a campground cruiser folding bike. Due to knee and hip issues, it has to be a step through. Now his wife is as feminine as you can get, but c’mon, it was available only in Bubble Gum pink! This is an over powered fat bike for playing around in the mud and grass! He could wait three months and choose between Dreamcicle Orange (I actually liked that one) or Cream. The same company offers “men’s” bikes in Camo, Flat Black and Army Green. Fortunately, he has a theme in mind and it should end up pretty cool…not many are that creative.
I am not a fan, but fat bikes are extremely popular with e-bikers for riding on pavement.* Just try getting one full sized, with a step through frame. Guess what mfg’s, most people buying e-bikes today aren’t trying to prove themselves to anyone. Your giant, heavy, hard to handle bikes really could benefit from being a lot easier to get on and off!
I don’t know the answer. Repainting frames is a $250-$500 proposition. Custom builds are a lot more. I do think that most of us would be willing to pay a little more to have a few more choices.
*fat tires vibrate and buzz on pavement. That “cool” sound puts your hands to sleep. They respond slowly and suddenly when turning because the soft sidewalls squirm and they brake poorly because the same makes them dive when stopping. They are heavy, so they require heavier frames. That means they eat batteries. Fat bikes are great, edge of your seat fun, off road and for short distances. They are not practical or efficient cruisers.