Have you thought about a folding bike? They have smaller wheels and are easier to carry into apartments - I have two - a dahon and a downtube - I commute on the downtube a lot (it has fneders and a rack) and it fits easily into my small office and - if elevator is out - is a lot easier to carry up the three flights of stairs to office than my hybrid. I am 5'2 and the folders ride just fine.