Do you regret buying (or not buying) Step-thru vs. Step-over frame?

[RonFromOregon]

I'm close to pulling the trigger to buy two torque-sensor ebikes (either Aventon Level.2 or Ride1Up LMT'D, but that doesn't really matter for this question). I'm hesitant to buy step-thru frames because they don't look like "normal" bikes to me, and there are fewer options for transporting on a hitch-receiver bike rack.

Does anybody out there regret NOT buying a step-thru frame? Thanks!

 

[rich c]

Not yet. 70 years old and still buying the traditional frames.

 

[Roamers]

Does anybody out there regret NOT buying a step-thru frame? Thanks!

I still ride my analog diamond frame.

The first time I tested a diamond frame ebike, the weight tipping it to the side really caught me by surprise. I'm not a frail old guy, but bought the step through model. Especially appreciated after a longer ride and feeling a bit worn out.

 

[tomjasz]

My scratch build and 2 of seven kitted bikes ate strp yhrough cramk forward frames. Perfect for me and dozens of our kit customers. YMMV See @PedalUma and his torque only incredibly stealth builds. Sustainable and repairable with lots of open source options.

 

[AHicks]

I'm close to pulling the trigger to buy two torque-sensor ebikes (either Aventon Level.2 or Ride1Up LMT'D, but that doesn't really matter for this question). I'm hesitant to buy step-thru frames because they don't look like "normal" bikes to me, and there are fewer options for transporting on a hitch-receiver bike rack.

Does anybody out there regret NOT buying a step-thru frame? Thanks!

I'm 71 and still good to go on the diamond types. Wife bought her last one because she wanted to try a step over - and she loves it....

 

[fooferdoggie]

the only place I want a step through is my tandem. getting your let up and over the bar is a pain. you cant swing it over.

 

[Taylor57]

I'm close to pulling the trigger to buy two torque-sensor ebikes (either Aventon Level.2 or Ride1Up LMT'D, but that doesn't really matter for this question). I'm hesitant to buy step-thru frames because they don't look like "normal" bikes to me, and there are fewer options for transporting on a hitch-receiver bike rack.

Does anybody out there regret NOT buying a step-thru frame? Thanks!

I bought 2 Espin Sports and I regret not getting at least 1 Flow (Step thru) Step thrus are nice for us vertically challenged. If you are over 5'10" I would say no need for ST...

 

[Gazzy]

I (male) bought my first step-through analog bike about 3 years ago, and I love it! I would've gladly gotten the step-through version of my ebike, but they didn't have anything that would fit me.

 

[Tom@WashDC]

I'm close to pulling the trigger to buy two torque-sensor ebikes (either Aventon Level.2 or Ride1Up LMT'D, but that doesn't really matter for this question). I'm hesitant to buy step-thru frames because they don't look like "normal" bikes to me, and there are fewer options for transporting on a hitch-receiver bike rack.

Does anybody out there regret NOT buying a step-thru frame? Thanks!

I have two Aventon Level Step-Thrus. I really like them. I also have two non-step-thru bikes. I prefer the step thru configuration, it is definitely safer on the emergency dismount, and is easier to ride for my occasional guest.

 

[JedidiahStolzfus]

I spent all my life riding standard bikes, I still ride my Trek 820 that's 30+ years old before that it was a variety of bikes growing up. I got my RR2 which is a step through and I don't find it any different riding than any other bike. It balances well, I don't kill my back bending over and even though it's heavy, I find it very easy to maneuver.

I wanted the step through because I knew I would be putting a large basket on the back and I also knew I'd never be able to swing my leg over it. Don't be scared of a step through because it doesn't look traditional, they ride just the same, IMO.

 

[Viking1]

We have one of each. I prefer the high bar for myself but enjoy the ease of the step through. We are full time RV and I usually use her step through to have a basket attached so I use hers to take our trash to the dumpster, or to give the puppies a ride. On the high bar model (mine) I am not able to ride the puppies as I tend to kick them in the head when mounting my bike. The puppies said they prefer a ride on the step through.

 

[sc00ter]

I prefer a step-thru but I can do either one. My analog bike is a mens diamond style frame and I ride it on a regular basis. I bought a E-Lux highstep instead of a step-thru and hated it though. I couldn't toss my leg over the back because I had a trunk on the back. It's the same reason I pick flat floor motor scooters as my main transportation. I'm not as flexible as I used to be.

 

[keithj69]

Back in 2020, I ordered the himiway step through. When it seemed like I could get the full frame faster after waiting 2 month's I asked to switch. I do not regret the bike I got (full frame), but I did order a Surface604 Werk that is a low step. Different bikes, but I prefer the low step over the full frame.

 

[Taylor57]

We have one of each. I prefer the high bar for myself but enjoy the ease of the step through. We are full time RV and I usually use her step through to have a basket attached so I use hers to take our trash to the dumpster, or to give the puppies a ride. On the high bar model (mine) I am not able to ride the puppies as I tend to kick them in the head when mounting my bike. The puppies said they prefer a ride on the step through.

How far you goin with that box strapped to your rack?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Looks are important, but so is ease of use. And I think the latter would eventually win you over. I have no regrets whatsoever regarding my true step-through.

Don't miss swinging a leg over one bit. The frame feels plenty rigid enough for road and light off-road use. And it works well with my Thule EasyFold XT hitch rack.

 

[procreator]

I do not regret buying a step-thru. I am 62 and felt that at some time in the future I may not be able to swing my leg over the seat. Also, I plan on getting a cargo "thing" of some sort which may further inhibit swinging of the leg over the seat. One thing to check is the step-thru or stand-over height. I tried one that was 23". It was actually easier in my case to swing my leg over the seat than to lift my leg high enough to step through. A quick check is this: The average kitchen chair seat is about 18" - 20". Put a broom handle across two chairs and try stepping over it. If it is too difficult to do, then you will not want a step-thru height in that range.

Regarding a rack: E-bikes are heavy and need to be supported underneath. I have this rack: https://hyperax.co/products/volt2. I will need to get crossbars like these to put between the seat post and handlebar stem. https://hyperax.co/products/ebadp. You will find many less expensive versions on eBay or Amazon.

I haven't tried the rack and crossbars yet, but when I do, I will drive around in my bumpy backyard a couple of times to make sure the bikes stay firmly secured in the rack.

 

[Viking1]

How far you goin with that box strapped to your rack?

Just to the dumpster. We bought a Green Mountain Smoker.
I just had to hide the evidence!!

 

[Cowlitz]

I prefer a step thru since I use my bike as a second car and shop at the box store. I seem to be the only one who uses the bicycle rack there.

 

[tomjasz]

I prefer a step thru

Nice ride! I find myself liking Bosch systems more and more. As I close down my shop and settle into riding my last builds we're looking for an eBike for Ms. The LBS here sells and services Trek/Bosch systems. I want her to have a shop to rely on. She can afford the expense and my crippled hands and back get relief from the demands of working on another bike. These days I have the LBS do ALL of the non-eBike-related repairs and replacements.

My only disappointment is that Trek/Bosch is the only game in town. No Gazelle or other Bosch users.

Are the brakes hydraulic rim brakes?

 

[tomjasz]

Don't miss swinging a leg over one bit. The frame feels plenty rigid enough for road and light off-road use. And it works well with my Thule EasyFold XT hitch rack.

I've read comments about frame rigidity for all the years I've owned step-through builds. I've never noticed it on any of the 3 frames I've kitted. I'd have thought that if it were an issue it would be more obvious on a frame not engineered for eBike builds.

FWIW Electra Townie step through acoustic and electric are the same frame.

BTW that is an attractive factory eBike. I especially like the rear rack integration and the front rack looks like it belongs. Not an aftermarket hack. How have Surface shocks performed? I know it's new to you but had you read any disappointing reviews? Who makes the shock?