Folding Bikes - Will a Downtube Mini fit a petite female?

I'm interested in the Downtube Mini, but am wondering how it can fit such a wide range of claimed rider heights. Is the top tube fixed in length, or does it telescope in some way? If it is fixed, is all the cockpit adjustment via different stem sizes?

I am a petite female, 5'1-1/2", with a short torso, so normally need WSD (womens-specific design) road bikes with short top tubes. I ride a 44-46 cm frame in road bikes and an XS Titus Racer X mountain bike.

Could someone with a Mini measure the effective top tube for me, from the center of the seat tube to the center of the top tube (parallel to the ground)? That's probably the only way I'll know if it will fit since I doubt I'll find one to test ride.

Thanks so much for your help!

Emily

Emily, as you are in NC, why not drive to Ocracoke Island and try the Mini at the DT dealer?

... Could someone with a Mini measure the effective top tube for me, from the center of the seat tube to the center of the top tube (parallel to the ground)? ...

Yes. I measure that at 21.5"

Emily:

I'm 100% sure you'll find the Mini to fit you nicely. I'm a 6 footer and ride a Mini. I have to modify some things to be able to ride it comfortably (like extending the stem and seatpost). It's more geared towards someone your size than mine.

Just to help out, here's picture of my niece who's 5'3" riding a 2007 Mini:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/IMG_1724.jpg

As you can see, she's quite comfy on the bike.

Emily, as you are in NC, why not drive to Ocracoke Island and try the Mini at the DT dealer?

NC is a very big state takes over 5 hrs for me to get to Raleigh which is in the middle of the state....Charlotte would be a full day's drive.

Thanks,
Yan

I'm interested in the Downtube Mini, but am wondering how it can fit such a wide range of claimed rider heights. Is the top tube fixed in length, or does it telescope in some way? If it is fixed, is all the cockpit adjustment via different stem sizes?

Top tube is fixed in length. The new Mini's have a short stem to make such adjustments. So you can make it longer but not shorter. However, I would be surprised if you wanted it longer given the short reach on the stock bike.

Could someone with a Mini measure the effective top tube for me, from the center of the seat tube to the center of the top tube (parallel to the ground)? That's probably the only way I'll know if it will fit since I doubt I'll find one to test ride.

Looks like someone already answered the question. But Yan actually has some dimensions on the Downtube website.

http://downtube.com/Bike_Measurements/

Looks like someone already answered the question. But Yan actually has some dimensions on the Downtube website.

http://downtube.com/Bike_Measurements/

Thanks....I forgot I created that page a while ago.

Thanks again,
Yan

Thanks for the helpful replies. I am really excited to find out about the shop in Okracoke. I don't live near it since I am in central NC, but our sailboat is docked near Oriental, and that's what I want the Mini for. We can get to Okracoke by boat!

I think a 21.5" top tube will work, no problem. My MTB has a 21" top tube, but also a 10 cm stem.

Thanks again,
Emily

Thanks....I forgot I created that page a while ago.

Thanks again,
Yan

No problem Yan.

-G