> Why the difference in shape? Why does a men's bike have that bar going
> across from the seat to the handlebars? Is it so we can injure ourselves
> more severely when we have an accident and slip off the seat? Why aren't
> all bikes the same? Perhaps it has something to do with center of gravity
> and weight distribution. Who knows?

My guess:
Men's bikes have the bar across because it makes the frame sturdier, or something along those lines.
Women's bikes don't in order to leave room for the skirts of the womans dress.

Paul