Do short people not ride bikes?!

[Deb13b]

I will apologise in advance for my rant lol, sorry !
Been trawling the Internet for a month now, every day, trying to find "the one". I know exactly what I want, but finding it in a size that will fit me is proving very frustrating. I can't be the only short**se in the Uk looking for a TDB style ! I had my heart set on a dutchie chic. It was online, too far away to try it for size, so I did loads of measuring and decided even tho it would be a bit too big, I would still be able to ride it. I had to send it back as I couldn't even get up on the saddle, it was enormous. I like the Batavus old Dutch, but it doesn't come in a size that will fit. I absolutely love the velorbis dannebrog which comes in the right size but is waaayyyy outta my price league ! I've looked at giants, ridgebacks, kona etc and they do nothing for me. If I lived in London I could pick up an almost new pashley for half price, loads of them down there. But I'm in Durham so it's a bit far to go lol. Anyway, once again I am sorry for the rant ! If any of you can come up with helpful suggestions, please do ! I'm 39 so it's unlikely I will grow anymore now, god help me when I start to shrink.

 

[Jim_Noir]

What height are you? Not got LBS that can do a custom build?

 

[Deb13b]

I'm just under 5ft 1". Inside leg 28". Lbs are thin on the ground, and have proved very unhelpful, don't think they're keen on noobs. I even went into halfords ( I know, I know!) but they were just as bad. I honestly didn't think it would be so hard. I hope all bike shops aren't like the ones I've come across so far. I've never bought a bike, last time I rode one was when I was a kid, the prices have shocked me.

 

[Paulus]

Hi there Debs, Raliegh do a range of ladies Batavus style bikes, have you thought of something like this?
This one is a 16 inch frame which should fit you.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/raleigh/oakland-2009-womens-hybrid-bike-ec018943

Or maybe?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/dutchess-2011-womens-hybrid-bike-ec018638

 

[Paulus]

Debs, What is your price range? Pashley make similar styled bikes

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec015558

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec018734

Have a look through the Evans hybrid section to get an idea of what is available.

 

[Davidc]

Hello. You might find that Dutch bike shops (real ones in The Netherlands) worth a look. They have bikes to fit everyone, because they're in a country where everyone rides bikes.

A major drawback is that although they'll all speak English if you 'phone the web sites are in Dutch. My experiences when hiring bikes there have been good. The people in the shops know what they're talking about and are extremely helpful.

Could be a good excuse for a holiday, it's a great place to visit.

 

[JonnyBlade]

I'm a 5 foot 7 bloke. I that short enough for you?

 

[Deb13b]

Debs, What is your price range? Pashley make similar styled bikes

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec015558
Lol they're the ones I'm in love with ! Those and the Britannia. With me never buying a bike before I thought I could get one I liked for a couple of hundred quid. Ive come to the conclusion that I'm just going to have to wait and save my pennies.

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec018734

Have a look through the Evans hybrid section to get an idea of what is available.

 

[ufkacbln]

I remember from a previous discussion that the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative do a range of smaller bikes for women, they are also a PAshley dealer which opens up the Sonnet and Poppy... although you are "on the edge" for their sizing.

They are in Newcastle, so closer to you than London, may be worthwhile giving them a ring....


Or follow the example of Arch (Matriarch of this Parish ) who bought a Catrike Dash - far more style than a Dutch bike!

More seriously though, there are some good quality "kids" bikes out there which may be the answer.

 

[vickster]

This says it is suitable for someone from 5ft?

http://www.capitalcy...adies-commuter/

Or by googling http://www.dutchie.co.uk/bikes-dutch/ (this may be the company you looked at first)

http://www.oldskoolh...womens_bike.php

Or direct I think http://www.typicaldu...s-c-60_138.html


Is it maybe worth getting a cheap return ticket toLondon by train and coming down here for the bike

If you buy online, under Distance Selling Rules, you should be able to return the bike if too big, ok tis a hassle of course

Good luck - I have the opposite issue - ladies' bikes are all too small for me and my long arms and legs, now have 2 men's bikes

 

[HLaB]

I'm 5 foot 9 which I believe is average but my mate is tiny compared to me; he's got a nice wee Felt. I see wee as being an advantage less frame/ lighter bike the rider is also lighter too and with that combo there's less p'tures maintenance etc.

 

[Deb13b]

Vickster, the capital cycles one sounds ok, but the others are still too big.

 

[vickster]

Shame

The Raleigh one linked to from Evans looks ok. They have a store in Gateshead according to their site. See if they can get one in for you? Under £200 too

 

[Deb13b]

I will email them, I can get there fairly easy, about an hour on the bus.

 

[brokenbetty]

I think you need to try bikes out rather than going from manufacturer's sizing.

I'm 5 foot one and a half with a 28 3/4 inch inside leg.

My road bike is 19.5" which is the biggest I could go with a horizontal crossbar. My city bike is 20". Both have 700c wheels.

Both these are way too big for me if you go by recommended sizes but I can ride them fine. I can't put my foot on the ground from the saddle but that doesn't bother me.

Alternatively, have you looked at shopper style bikes like the Raleigh twenty?