Size & Style Help
07-31-11 | 08:37 AM
#1
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Joined: Jul 2011
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Size & Style Help
I hope y'all don't hate me for posting this, but my knowledge is lacking and I could really use some help...
I am short (5ft) and bike shopping has been a pain. My torso is fairly average, but I suffer from short leg syndrome!
I have tried some standard 26" bikes and though I can ride them, I just don't feel comfortable. I haven't been able to find a store that carries 24" women's style bike, they only have the typical "girl" bikes...
I love the look of cruisers, and I found a mint green firmstrong online that I like. However, I think I need something with a bit more utility (running errands, carrying bags, towing child), but haven't been able to find that option in my size.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!
I am short (5ft) and bike shopping has been a pain. My torso is fairly average, but I suffer from short leg syndrome!
I have tried some standard 26" bikes and though I can ride them, I just don't feel comfortable. I haven't been able to find a store that carries 24" women's style bike, they only have the typical "girl" bikes...
I love the look of cruisers, and I found a mint green firmstrong online that I like. However, I think I need something with a bit more utility (running errands, carrying bags, towing child), but haven't been able to find that option in my size.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!
07-31-11 | 09:58 AM
#2
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Might need to look for older bikes, like a Raleigh Colt or SpaceRider (24" wheels). My wife is short (she claims 5'-1" 
) She rides a Raleigh Colt just fine. We were able to get a extremely short framed hybrid to fit her. IIRC it was a GT Slipstream. There are bikes out there, but you are 5% of the market so they don't make much to fit. FWIW I am 5% on the other end of the scale. Schwinn also made some decent bikes back in the 70's that were decent and could be had with 24" wheels.
Another option is to look at folding bikes, no I am not crazy, they can be easily adjusted to fit people from 4'-8" to 6'+. I would look at the ones with 20" wheels. Dahon is a reputable brand to start looking at. They work well for utility too if you chose the correct model.
Here is a picture of a couple of my vintage folding bikes to give you an idea of the size range. Mine is obviously the one with the looong seat post. But I can run it far enough down along with the handlebars so my bride can ride it just fine.
Aaron
) She rides a Raleigh Colt just fine. We were able to get a extremely short framed hybrid to fit her. IIRC it was a GT Slipstream. There are bikes out there, but you are 5% of the market so they don't make much to fit. FWIW I am 5% on the other end of the scale. Schwinn also made some decent bikes back in the 70's that were decent and could be had with 24" wheels. Another option is to look at folding bikes, no I am not crazy, they can be easily adjusted to fit people from 4'-8" to 6'+. I would look at the ones with 20" wheels. Dahon is a reputable brand to start looking at. They work well for utility too if you chose the correct model.
Here is a picture of a couple of my vintage folding bikes to give you an idea of the size range. Mine is obviously the one with the looong seat post. But I can run it far enough down along with the handlebars so my bride can ride it just fine.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
07-31-11 | 10:56 AM
#3
Used & Abused
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 314
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Bikes: GT Avalanche 2.0 + Burley D'lite
There are 24" bikes out there. Bikesdirect.com should have some, but then you need to put the bike together or pay the LBS for assembly. Can any of the local stores order you a 24"????
07-31-11 | 02:30 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
My housemate has a cheap mountain bike with 26" wheels and a low frame. It has a short seat tube and the top tube is almost as low as a typical step-through frame. The saddle can be lowered a long way which may be suitable. Failing that, there are 24" wheeled bikes out there, though mostly will be diamond frames, so if you're looking for a step-through style, a folding bike may be a better option.
