*sigh* The joys of being short & hunting for a bike for my uni commute

[crazycanuck]

I've just started my search for a cheap-ish bike for commuting to uni on. I visited one shop tonight near my house & can find one in my price range ($600 AUD) but not my size..The hunt shall continue on the weekend

I don't want anything flash but I do want something that won't fall apart in 6months time! Uni is about 15km from my house but due to my urge to avoid traffic, it might be a bit longer if i find a better route!

I really wish bike shops stocked SMALL sized bikes! Not everyone is tall

Any suggestions? Specialized? Giant? Flat bar or Mtn bike?

Aussie ladies-what about SUB bikes???

Gah!

[breezy]

I know what you mean. It is hard to try bikes to see what fits best if there is nothing in stock but bikes that don't fit.

I found several shops that would order a bike in my size so I could try it before I bought it but that didn't appeal to me. I just kept trying shops till I found one that had something in my size. Then I ordered the next step up from the same manufacturer.

[Ana]

I've always been a tad bit obsessive about checking the used bike listings

I like the idea of recycling and oftentimes, you can find a better quality bikes less expensively (and sometimes real steals!)

Check your local newspaper/craigslist (if you have it) and happy hunting! A word of caution though, many people are unable to accurately measure the size of the bike and ride bicycles not fit to them so I find it useful to provide them with a description. For instance, "What is the measurement from the middle of where the seatpost goes in to where the handlebars attach?"

It's also good to have a second pair of (experienced) eyes to go with you when you see the bicycle whose judgement isn't clouded by the exciting prospect of getting a new bike!

[pardes]

The up side of needing a small bike is that if a LBS has them, they don't sell very well, and eventually they end up at a very reduced price. I lucked out this way with my Trek.

Good luck on the search!

[crazycanuck]

I've been keeping an eye on all sorts of cycling boards for second hand bikes. None of them are small enough for me

[NbyNW]

I'm 5'1" and I commute on a Dahon. Nice thing about the folding geometry is that standover height is a non-issue for those with short legs. They're highly adjustable, too.

Bike theft is pretty high on American campuses - don't know if your University has a similar issue. Nice thing about a folding bike is you may be able to bring it inside with you, if you can find a space to stash it. I'm making a slipcover and strap carrying system for mine, so that I can bring it into offices that I visit, without worrying about getting grease all over things.

A mixte might work, too, if you can find one. Have you checked out the mixte thread recently?

[bikerHen]

A mixte might work, too, if you can find one. Have you checked out the mixte thread recently?

Hey! I have a mixte I need to sell. It just a tad to small for me. It would be a good fit for you. Wonder what shipping would cost? bikerHen