Why do boy's bikes have the horizontal bar, but girl's bikes do not? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

truthisparadox · 12-17-2007, 07:49 PM

I racked my tailbone and other parts years ago when hopping down on a boy's bike...I assume that this is every bit as unpleasant, if not more for guys--why have that bar at all?! :-)
Yes, the bar will accomodate a girl in a skirt...but why even have it at all for a boy's bike? It is potentially risky--what value does it add?

fixedinseattle · 12-17-2007, 07:50 PM

the added value of a horizontal (or nearly) top-tube is added overall stiffness of the frame.

that is, if you stand up and sprint, it won't flex on you as much.

btw some people put pads on their top-tube, to avoid mishaps.