Does anyone make a SS full-susp MTB for petite rider?

[Reesha]

Thanks Reesha -- will look at Surly!

DOH! Apparently I am a piss poor reader. These are not full suspension frames at all! They are no suspension frames I am fool.

[emily_in_nc]

DOH! Apparently I am a piss poor reader. These are not full suspension frames at all! They are no suspension frames I am fool.

No problem Reesha -- I gave up on the full-susp. idea since people told me it would not work as a single-speed. I believe I saw that the Surley 1x1 frame can be built as a single-speed and with a front shock, but building a bike is not something I can do from Belize for various reasons I stated above.

The logistics of getting a new bike down here are difficult, though it can be done. When we moved, we'd already packed up our beach cruisers for shipping, and they were part of the pallet we shipped down. If I were to order a bike now, I'd have to have it shipped directly to our shipper's warehouse in Texas, then have him bring it down. It gets expensive, so I am probably just dreaming right now.

The suspension seatpost will probably be the best I can do for awhile. If we decide to stay here long-term, then perhaps a new bike will be in order. We're still in our first year here and are taking things day by day to make sure this move is going to "stick". We love many things about it here, but we also miss many things about the US -- like road cycling!

[Irulan]

Here's this to think about. When you ride a SS, you are out of the saddle a lot. I have a SS with an old rockshock fork on it, and I can attest to that. So you get to work on your "body english" suspension.

[emily_in_nc]

Here's this to think about. When you ride a SS, you are out of the saddle a lot. I have a SS with an old rockshock fork on it, and I can attest to that. So you get to work on your "body english" suspension.

Yes, this is definitely true in the actual mountain biking world. I have a friend I used to ride trails with occasionally -- me on my fullie, him on his SS, and he was out of the saddle a LOT turning that big gear! But my needs are much simpler since it's flat here on Ambergris Caye. As I've mentioned, though, the roads leave a lot to be desired in places. I just want to be more comfortable on the gravely, rocky parts, going over the potholes, and on the cobblestone "paved" roads. Not to say that I'll never be out of the saddle, I will; but not a lot -- I ride much more leisurely here; these are slower utility rides to town to buy groceries, to visit friends, to go to restaurants, not technical trail rides. My beach cruiser bike is my vehicle here since we are car-free, so it needs to be comfortable. And oftentimes I'm doing this riding after a 4-5 mile morning run, so my quads aren't really up for a ton of out-of-saddle riding at that point. Riding is VERY relaxing compared to running here!

So, after considering all the myriad of options offered up here (thanks to all who contributed!), doing a bunch of research online, and considering the logistics and cost of getting a new bike here, I've decided for now to pursue the suspension seatpost only. In time, a new bike may be in my future, but for now, it makes sense for me to work with what I've got and save a bunch of money. It's not like I'm out doing 50 or 100-milers or anything close to it. My bike is just my transportation here, and the more comfy I can get it, the better. I've already changed out the big cushy, cruiser saddle that came on it for one with a cutout, and the original super wide handlebars for some that are less swept back (the super swept-back ones were giving me elbow pain), and that has helped a lot.

[Bethany1]

Salsa mukluk or a Surly Puglsey. There are other fat bikes out there and they do come in various sizes and you can do single speed. They also make a bash guard to keep out grime and rocks.

I think the first mountain bikes were modified cruisers.

Check to see what the widest rims and tires you can put on your bike are. Maybe you can put fat tires on yours.

[emily_in_nc]

Salsa mukluk or a Surly Puglsey. There are other fat bikes out there and they do come in various sizes and you can do single speed. They also make a bash guard to keep out grime and rocks.

I think the first mountain bikes were modified cruisers.

Check to see what the widest rims and tires you can put on your bike are. Maybe you can put fat tires on yours.

I'm guessing the only way I could do that (if at all) is if I remove the fenders, and they are a real MUST here during rainy season. I have to ride through many puddles, shallow and deep, and the white clay here STAINS when it it hits clothing.

I have no idea how to determine what the widest rim/tires that would work with my current bike are. However, because such tires aren't available here in Belize, I'd have to make sure to have plenty of spare tires and tubes. It's much easier to stick with standard tire sizes that are available here (I currently run 2.1" cruiser tires). If you've never lived in a foreign country, you have no idea what it's like not to be able to order/buy the things you want and need easily. So few bike parts are available here, it's crazy, and most of what is available is of extremely low quality. Think heavy and cheap. It's reallllly frustrating at times, but part of the price of living in a place where I can see the turquoise Caribbean sea right out my window as I type this.

So I am thinking I really need a rain bike (with fenders) and a dry bike! Maybe someday... I definitely love the idea of a fat-tire bike.