It's definitely one of my problems, I'm quite short, 5'0" so my bike is kind of high for me, it was a gift so I continue to use it. I think I should buy a new one which really fits. Thanks for the ideas!
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4'11 and 57 years of age. Arthritis from the neck down, torn ACL and meniscus (both knees), broken big toe and a compression fractured spine.
Fit's extremely important for me. All of our bikes are steel. When it comes to road bikes I have and have had the following;
47 cm namesake Trek 420, steel frame and fork. Upgraded the heck out of it. Comparable to the current Trek 520.
My Mondonico is full custom build. It's an engineering marvel. When you're short like us you have three choices:
smaller wheels and/or ...
sloping top tube and/or ....
toe overlap.
The Mondonico has full size wheels, diamond frame and no toe overlap. I don't know how Antonio managed that one but the guy is brilliant. Unfortunately I hear that he's retired.
My 40 cm Soma Buena Vista mixte is very zippy and fast. Also quite comfortable. Yes, it's a mixte but feels almost as fast as my Mondonico.
I just bought a Salsa Vaya and while she will be the workhorse bike, slightly heavier than the other 2 but I was surprised at the fit. The Salsa's a 50 cm and fits quite well.
Fancy Schmancy Custom Road bike ~ Mondonico Futura Legero
Found on side of the road bike ~ Motobecane Mixte
Gravel bike ~ Salsa Vaya
Favorite bike ~ Soma Buena Vista mixte
Folder ~ Brompton
N+1 ~ My seat on the Rover recumbent tandem
https://www.instagram.com/pugsley_adventuredog/
It's definitely one of my problems, I'm quite short, 5'0" so my bike is kind of high for me, it was a gift so I continue to use it. I think I should buy a new one which really fits. Thanks for the ideas!
Oh gee, just noticed this 2+ years later! I hope you found your bike, goldfinch! - I'm also just under 5 feet, have really short arms, and I'm older. I ended up having a custom Seven built around 650 wheels, and have not looked back. 700c wheels are NOT appropriate for riders as small as us - there is no way to get your weight over the rear wheel. The 26 in wheels were a good idea on your end. The Seven I had built is a titanium frame - much more give and dampening of road vibration than aluminum. You could have an Axiom made in the 4000 dollar range. When a custom is built, it is built to you, and you alone - there is nothing comparable in the commercial standard sizing.
2012 Seven Axiom SLX w/105, WTB Shadow saddle
2014 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 26
SE Draft Lite beater w/Gatorskins and stickers
Hi dinbuffalo - welcome to TE! Sounds like you may have a little something to share with us over on this thread??
Rebecca
Riley - custom 2014 Enigma Etape
Bridget - 2010 Surly Cross Check
Lorelei - 1979 Puch Princess mixte
Astrid - 2014 Viking Bromley singlespeed mixte
Lucy - bespoke 2012 Brompton S1L
Visit my blog: velovoice.blogspot.co.uk
I just bought a vintage Specialized Sirrus in I believe 49cm, I literally just got it yesterday. I have to double check of the exact size. I have to tip toe when I stand on it but I feel comfortable riding it... I love it but it may be a little too big for me. It is really hard to find my perfect size in the older models....it's sad. I am enjoying the ride for now... I can always sell it I guess since it is in the shop right now getting tuned up.
I know this is a very old thread, but I am one of the shorties here, at barely 5'0". I purchased a Specialized Vita Comp in the XS frame, which is the size I needed. I can stand over the top bar (just barely, but enough), and the rest seems to fit me well. So for those who are looking for bike for very short riders, check out the Specialized line and look specifically for models that have a size "XS."