Do you actually step through your Clem or Platypus?

[Andy Beichler]

This is not exactly an important question but I am curious.  I bought a Yuba cargo bike last Fall.  It has a low top tube to make it easy to mount.  However, I still find myself throwing my leg over the saddle.  Do the Clem, Platypus and other low top tube bike owners here actually step through?

I think the main reason I don't is habit.  I have been throwing my leg over the saddle of bikes for about 50 years.  Since I have three other bikes that require me to go over the saddle, breaking the habit is unlikely. 

What about you?

[EGNolan]

I had a Cheviot and the real benefit of the low top tube on that bike, for me, was standover, not step through. I got on it like I would any bike. 

Best,

Eric

Indpls

[tío ryan]

No, but I do like to sit on the low top tube when I'm waiting at lights. It's especially nice with an inverted mtb portage pack since the underside of the bag has a padded strap that's very comfortable to sit on. 

It was this Blue Lug video where I saw one on Roman's bike and copied the idea. It's fantastic! 

-tío 

[Richard Rose]

I ALWAYS “step through” my Clem - unless I forget, which I occasionally do.:)

Not the Gus though.

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 20, 2025, at 10:56 AM, Andy Beichler <andybe...@gmail.com> wrote:



This is not exactly an important question but I am curious.  I bought a Yuba cargo bike last Fall.  It has a low top tube to make it easy to mount.  However, I still find myself throwing my leg over the saddle.  Do the Clem, Platypus and other low top tube bike owners here actually step through?

I think the main reason I don't is habit.  I have been throwing my leg over the saddle of bikes for about 50 years.  Since I have three other bikes that require me to go over the saddle, breaking the habit is unlikely. 

What about you?

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[iamkeith]

I operate the same as you, Andy, and agree with Eric.  I dont have either of those models (yet), but do have a Susie Longbolts and a Jones Spaceframe.  To me, it actually feels easier and less gymnastic to throw my leg over the saddle.  I just lean the bike further if I'm feeling particularly unflexible for some reason.  It's great to have that crotch clearance for sudden, unexpectrd stops though.  Especially on trails and side slopes, where you'd fall over if you couldn't plant your feet straight down. It gives me much more confidence in attempting to ride some sections.

[Armand Kizirian]

At first it was a mix, but now I step through 100% of the time. I'm 34 years old and have zero mobility issues (do a lot of gymnast training), but it's a nice convenience. Also just an elegant way to dismount a bike. I will grow accustomed to the leg-over-saddle maneuver again, which was never a problem to begin with, with my upcoming Atlantis frame swap.

[Steve]

Like Andy, by force of habit I usually throw a leg over the saddle when I mount my Platypus.   The step through technique though does come in handy now and then, especially in street clothes. 

Armand, I'll be curious to hear your impressions of the Atlantis vs the Platypus. 

Steve in AVL

Gratuitous Platypus pic:

[Joe Bernard]

My Platypus-like custom is too tall for the step-through. I always step through my Clem L. 

[Michael Baquerizo]

step through. clem has a child seat on the rear that i'd kick if i swung my leg over.

[Mackenzy Albright]

I love making high speed "step through" dismounts on my clementine. Ill pop my opposite foot on far pedal and "scooter" coast up to wherever I choose and can dismount and nearly any speed - you know, for fun. I also find it particularly handy with an XL large saddlebag that I always seemed to round house kick no matter how generous I thought I was being with my arc...

[Roberta]

I tend to step thru but not always. 

My issue is when I tried to step thru my top tubed Homer Hilsen the other day.  I also most fell over. 

On Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:56:43 AM UTC-4 Andy Beichler wrote:

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I do! Hot tip below…I get a little confused when it’s me and Charlie though…

https://vimeo.com/798500752
Leah

[Kim H.]

I bought a Clem for the reason of it being a step-through frame set. I have grown older with difficulty in throwing my right leg over the back of end of a standard top-tubed bicycle without pain in my hip and leg joint. 

I have no experience with a Platypus bicycle. I just own a Clem.

Kim Hetzel.

[Mike Rossi]

One of the things I do to work on mobility is put my socks on in the morning while standing up. That’s what stepping through my Platypus reminds me of. And having a Sackville on the back makes swinging the leg over tricky. I guess about as much as hoisting my knee to my chest. I go back and forth between the two. 

Mike

On Mar 20, 2025, at 9:15 PM, Kim H. <krhe...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Diana H]

I had to train myself to step through my Platy to make it a habit. My first year I threw my self over the saddle, but one day I forced myself to step through, because isn't that supposed to be one of the main benefits of a step through frame? Now in my 2nd year of riding the Platy I have successfully trained myself to step through and find myself trying to do it with my new Appa lol.

[Herman Michaels]

Just bought a Clem for that purpose. Started having trouble throwing my leg over  (especially dismounting)  after 22 years with Parkinson's. 

[Christopher Accetta]

Nope, I still swing my leg over the saddle.  Oddly, all I own are step-through bikes (Platypus and Susie).  I do appreciate the extra clearance when stopped, though, especially on the Platypus which is a little too big for me.  The low top tube on the Susie is nice on trails with sudden surprises. 

[claudia Jacobs]

I'm a wee late to this party, but, I just needed to share that IMHO, whatever ride you have, it's ALWAYS  coolest and sexy to mount it by swinging your right leg completely over while in motion!    The fact that I don't mount my Platy and never mounted my previous Mixte of 30 years  like that out of basic fear of trying is a character flaw I have apparently chosen to live with!.    RIDE ON brothers and sisters no matter how you ge your arse in the seat! 

(PS.  It was SO great to meet and see many of you at the expo this year!  I know thats another message thread, but, I've FINALLY figured out and succumbed to the fact that no matter how I try, I can only respond to this list from my lap top so...I made it here but am feeling a bit lazy....hmmm....is it fear or laziness that has kept my leg darting through the frame.....) ;)

[claudia Jacobs]

oh, and Leah's dismount is FABULOUS!

[Joe Bernard]

I tried to learn Leah's dismount years ago and nearly killed myself. She's lythe and limber and talented, I am none of these things! 🤣

[Leah Peterson]

It’s so easy - just cross your right foot over the sloping top tube, feather your brakes and step off into a walk!

Claudia - you can only initiate your first response to a thread or make a post from a laptop or iPad. But you can respond via iPhone from your email after that. Irritating, I know. 

On Mar 23, 2025, at 8:44 AM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

I tried to learn Leah's dismount years ago and nearly killed myself. She's lythe and limber and talented, I am none of these things! 🤣

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[ricksteves]

Something I appreciate about my Plat is that I'm continually finding ways to leverage her purpose-built nature. Those guys at Riv are so intelligent and inventive with bicycles that there are little details that I discover almost every time I ride. One such thing is getting every ounce of usefulness out of the step through. It doesn't hurt that the mixte dismount has a certain amount of panache to it.

Nick

The Triangle, NC

On Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:56:43 AM UTC-4 Andy Beichler wrote: