Folder for person with short reach
#1
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Aveiro, Portugal
Bikes: Folder, e-bike, road bike, tandem
Folder for person with short reach
I'm not short (5' 5.5"). But I have a short torso, and a short reach.
My spouse got a Birdy folder, which he loves. But the reach on that bike is just too long for me! My typical reach is 58cm from saddle center to the stem on handlebars.
I am pricing a Bike Friday because they build the frame to your size. Just wanted to ask if there is some brand of folder that I should consider.
I am so jealous of my spouse with the suspension on the Birdy!
My spouse got a Birdy folder, which he loves. But the reach on that bike is just too long for me! My typical reach is 58cm from saddle center to the stem on handlebars.
I am pricing a Bike Friday because they build the frame to your size. Just wanted to ask if there is some brand of folder that I should consider.
I am so jealous of my spouse with the suspension on the Birdy!
#2
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 382
Likes: 19
I had a Dahon d8 that was slightly too long for me. I also belong in the short reach club. I swapped out the handle bar with a curved one and the handful inches toward me was enough to make it comfortable. So just adjustment of parts may be enough if your short reach is slight to moderate.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 457
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Now: HPV Gecko FX 20 w/ assist.. Old: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
I am 5'5" with what I call "t rex" arms, lol. Brompton reach was too long for me no matter which handlebar or seat position. I had a Dahon Mu Uno and it was too long so I used a swept back bar and that worked okay. My best fit was my Bike Friday pakiT which was sized perfectly for me. BF uses standard ahead stems so you can go as short as you need and you can use any standard handlebar as well. With my pakiT, I used the included straight bar for fast exercise rides but for touring and city commuting I used Soma Sparrow narrow bars to be more upright. Easy to swap. If you have specific BF questions, feel free to DM me - I've owned a couple different ones.
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 570
The Birdy exist with two stems, the 21 degree sport stem and the comfort 10 degree stem that has a shorter reach.
If your spouse has a Birdy with sport stem, a Birdy with comfort stem should fit for you.
The Birdy stem has two positions, one with a longer reach, another with a shorter reach, see :
Riese & Müller Birdy come ex factory with the stem on the longer reach position, you might try the shorter reach.
Another excellent folding bike with a short reach is the Tyrell Ive
If your spouse has a Birdy with sport stem, a Birdy with comfort stem should fit for you.
The Birdy stem has two positions, one with a longer reach, another with a shorter reach, see :
Riese & Müller Birdy come ex factory with the stem on the longer reach position, you might try the shorter reach.
Another excellent folding bike with a short reach is the Tyrell Ive
Last edited by Jipe; 06-24-23 at 02:08 PM.
#7
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 7
From: Aveiro, Portugal
Bikes: Folder, e-bike, road bike, tandem
[QUOTE=Jipe;22932944]The Birdy exist with two stems, the 21 degree sport stem and the comfort 10 degree stem that has a shorter reach.
If your spouse has a Birdy with sport stem, a Birdy with comfort stem should fit for you.
QUOTE]
I should have stated that spouse has the Birdy stem with the comfort 10 degree angle.
I read in this forum that I could buy the 21 degree stem and mount it backwards, but the risks in doing that did not appeal to me.
I think I measured my reach incorrectly. From center of seatpost to center of headset it's 50cm on my best-fitting bike. The bike fit I had done years ago says my reach measurement is 52cm.
I live in Portugal. I prefer 20" wheels. Portugal has a LOT of cobblestone-like pavement.
My road bike size is typically 51cm frame with some risers for handlebars, and attention paid to the max seat post height.
I will checkout Tyrell Ive and the other recommendations, thanks.
If your spouse has a Birdy with sport stem, a Birdy with comfort stem should fit for you.
QUOTE]
I should have stated that spouse has the Birdy stem with the comfort 10 degree angle.
I read in this forum that I could buy the 21 degree stem and mount it backwards, but the risks in doing that did not appeal to me.
I think I measured my reach incorrectly. From center of seatpost to center of headset it's 50cm on my best-fitting bike. The bike fit I had done years ago says my reach measurement is 52cm.
I live in Portugal. I prefer 20" wheels. Portugal has a LOT of cobblestone-like pavement.
My road bike size is typically 51cm frame with some risers for handlebars, and attention paid to the max seat post height.
I will checkout Tyrell Ive and the other recommendations, thanks.
Last edited by esther-L; 06-24-23 at 07:48 AM. Reason: clarify




