Small bike for big girl with short legs (also posted in 50+)
 

Yesterday I went to a shop of re-vamped bikes; no luck. The fellow there suggested I try a small bike (20" or 24") -- for the sake of stability (getting on and off). I am 5'2". My height is not in my legs, and my weight is all around the middle -- and so getting on a 26" bike (the usual size for folks my height) is a bit of a feat.

This may be the interim solution. What do you think?

pmhlb

There are decent quality kids bikes out there that would work fine. I know Fuji has drop bar road bikes w/ 650C and 24" wheels as well as a flat bar road bike w/ 20" wheels. I would assume most of the major manufacturers would be the same. Kids MTBs are widely available as well. Just stay away from pink ones that say Barbie on the side and you should be fine.

Have you tried the Biria or the Sun really low step through frames? That might work for you.

P2

My wife is 4ft 11 3/4 inches (in shoes)
She is comfortable on a 2010 Giant Suede DX (Womans) - yes, the seat is ALL the way down, but as a pedal-forward comfort bike, both feet can also hit the ground while she is seated - she loves it.

Good luck to you