Womens and Mens bike frames?

Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

Why do womens bike frames have have the top bar mounted lower than the mens bikes? On the mens bikes the top frame goes straight across and is parallel to the ground, on the womens bikes it is typically at an angle.

If its because Women are typically shorter, isnt that why the womens bikes are smaller? Also if you think about it.. due to the "male anatomy" wouldnt it make more sense for the mens bikes to have the lower bar? For a safety buffer? Now I like how the mens bikes are designed right now.. but I was just curious as to why they are like this.