RoniSue

Could I get some help figuring out what bike options are out there for my needs, and how to find them? My online searches have me frustrated and confused because I don't speak "bike language"--they've have changed so much since I last owned a 10-speed, 20 years ago. I'm a 50+ female, 5 feet tall, with short legs. I want a bike for casual city and park rides on mostly-paved paths, both flat and with medium/low inclines. I need one that:
1) fits my height/leg length;
2) has at least a few gears;
3) has at AT LEAST ONE EASILY-REMOVABLE WHEEL, so I can haul and store it inside my tiny Fiat 500 hatchback on weekend trips. This has been the hardest feature to search for. I was hoping to find something more "commuter" or "hybrid" than "mountain bike", but I can't find the removable wheel spec on any bikes for short women, unless I go "mountain". Is mountain my only option? Using the term "quick release" in my searches hasn't been very helpful.

-- If I see some commuter/hybrid bikes that fit my legs and have some gears, how can I tell if one/both wheels are easy to remove? Many times, the specs don't mention that feature. Is that because ALL bikes have this now? Or, are there terms I should look for other than "quick release"?

-- Should I just buy a bike that fits my legs and has a few gears, then plan to have the wheel-type changed? If yes, what spec terms should I look for to make sure it's possible to have it changed to quick-release? Any spec terms I stay away from? (I would be paying someone else to change this for me).

I will truly appreciate any constructive shopping recommendations, search-term tips, or "reality checks", so I can stop looking in circles. Thank you!

rumrunn6

fwiw - Wifey is 5 feet even & likes her 15” Trek Stagger

EDIT: you sound like a candidate for a folding bike. some gave small wheels & frames & some are full size folding frames w/ full size wheels

indyfabz

Surly Long Haul Trucker. My ex is your height. She rides the smallest size they make. Quick release wheels. 30 speeds, with low gears meant for touring with full loads.

shelbyfv

Most bikes above Walmart spec will have quick release wheels. Disc brake bikes have a different mechanism known as thru axle, also easily removable.

icemilkcoffee 

Basically all new bicycles have quick release front wheels. If you see a lever on one side of the hub that is the quick release.

RoniSue

Thank you! Can she easily remove a wheel or two on her bike?
I'll look at folding options. I haven't tried that, yet.

RoniSue

Thanks for the recommendation! It looks like the center bar is high for a short-legged person, but I'll keep this one in mind and see if I can find one local to try in person.

RoniSue

Ok, thru axle. This is the kind of info I don't know, and am desperate for.

indyfabz

Yes. Tough bike, too. Top tube slopes a bit for greater clearance. Good luck with your search.

Rogerogeroge

Here are your variables for ease of front wheel removal -

Are the brakes cantilever/v-brake or disk brakes?

Is the axle a thru-axle or a quick release?

Go to a bike shop. Have them show you examples of each, and how to remove and put the front wheel back on. Then try it yourself. You'll probably find that a disk brake combined with a thru-axle is a bit more difficult to install, but it's not hard. A quick release with cantilever/v-brakes is super easy to install.

Also, if you end up getting a bike with hydraulic disk brakes, be sure you know how to put the block between the brake pads when transporting your bike in that tiny Fiat. You don't want to accidentally press a hydraulic brake when the wheel isn't installed.

blakcloud

For the back of a Fiat 500, folder as already suggested, is certainly the way to go. You could spend $300 to thousands depending on what your needs are. Name brands such as Tern, Dahon and Brompton are worthy contenders. For more inexpensive, have a look at Citizen or Origami folders. Both owners of these companies post in the folder forum.

Good luck with your search. If asking for further advice kindly post the approximate amount you want or think you want to spend it helps other forum members formulate their responses.

Korina

Nothing wrong with mountain bikes. I'm 5'4", Pretty Purple Princess Penelope is an 18". Look for a 15" or 17" '90s steel mountain bike; Trek Singletracks are popular. My whole build cost upwards of $700, including short cranks I haven't put on yet, and she's a much better bike than I could buy new for the price. Particularly note the short stem and swept bars.



Great Ghu, it's NDS! Horror!

Pugs2xLove

The front wheel can easily be removed. Doubt you want to mess with the rear tire since there's a chain and other components involved.

My wife is your height. We've talked about getting her into biking since I'm constantly on my bike all the time. She is a casual rider around the neighborhood nothing pricey or fancy.

oldlady62

Yesterday, I ran across the Fuji bikes page. They have quite the selection of women's bikes. Maybe browse those. I'm a bit bias, though. I have had my Fuji for 42 years. They seem to fit all your requirements, and come at several price points and woman friendly sizes. They all have quick release.

https://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/pavement/womens

My preference would be the Absolute.

https://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/...ns/absolute-st

AnthonyG

I'm 5'1" with short legs as well and when it comes to off the shelf bikes for our size the best choice is 24"wheeled juvenile bikes.

See these, https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bi...ears--24-inch- I ride an ARX-24 myself although the Escape JR 24 looks like it would be right for you.

RoniSue

Wow, she's inspiring!