Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Hybrid Bicycles
Reload this Page >

Bike for a short woman

Notices
Hybrid Bicycles Where else would you go to discuss these fun, versatile bikes?

Bike for a short woman

Old 01-19-22, 04:10 PM
  #1  
UberIM
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Northern New England
Posts: 415

Bikes: recumbent, mtn bike, road bike

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Bike for a short woman

A friend is retiried . 65. wanting to get back into biking which she hasn't done since childhood.
She's 4'11"
Suggestions for a bike?
TIA
UberIM is offline  
Old 01-19-22, 09:43 PM
  #2  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,752

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
Originally Posted by UberIM
A friend is retiried . 65. wanting to get back into biking which she hasn't done since childhood.
She's 4'11"
Suggestions for a bike?
TIA
Vintage 26" wheeled mountain bikes make great rides for us shorter riders. They're dirt cheap compared to modern bikes, better quality for the price, and can be built up any way she wants. You can find 13" to 16" bikes; here's a 13" Stumpie, Specialized's lightweight racing bike; that's a great one, but maybe a little small for her. In general, you want to stay away from suspension forks as they add unnecessary weight and complication. C&V's Vintage MTB To Upright Bar/Urban Bike Conversions has a lot of inspiration. HTH.

Here's my main ride; a bit large, but I like it.



A Princess on the Mad River
Korina is offline  
Likes For Korina:
Old 01-20-22, 09:33 AM
  #3  
travbikeman
Senior Member
 
travbikeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Martinsburg WV Area
Posts: 1,695

Bikes: State 4130 Custom, Giant Trance 29

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 416 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times in 117 Posts
Chances are your friend will need to look at bikes in extra small size.

If your friend has the funds and wants new over used, Giant Bikes for Women are called: "Liv." and are very nice.

Looks like they do have bikes in this size range. Example of a hybrid:

https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/alight-3

They have others options if she wants disc brakes and more of a bike.

Last edited by travbikeman; 01-20-22 at 09:39 AM.
travbikeman is offline  
Old 01-20-22, 12:18 PM
  #4  
blacknbluebikes 
Senior Member
 
blacknbluebikes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 1,275

Bikes: two blacks, a blue and a white.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 441 Post(s)
Liked 838 Times in 406 Posts
Take her on a tour of local bike shops. If she's just return iing to the cycling world, she should hear what different shops have to say, especially how they size her and their suggestions. Then maybe you want to start an Ebay search if 'used' is the preference. But, I'd suggest the LBS route - ongoing support can't be underestimated.
blacknbluebikes is offline  
Old 01-20-22, 05:42 PM
  #5  
freeranger
Senior Member
 
freeranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,576

Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 418 Post(s)
Liked 688 Times in 429 Posts
Guessing since it's posted in "Hybrid", that's the type of bike she wants. Several manufacturers make bikes for women, available in XS size. Just an example of one of them: Quick Women's 5 Remixte | Fitness Bikes | Cannondale
You may want to check what bike shops in your area handle, and see what they recommend.
freeranger is offline  
Old 01-21-22, 09:50 AM
  #6  
sdmc530
Heft On Wheels
 
sdmc530's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 3,124

Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 560 Times in 346 Posts
My wife who is 5' on a really good day uses a step through bike. We were shopping for her last year and she didn't like the bike where she had to throw a leg over a bar. Found a nice Bianchi "grandma" bike my son calls it. The bike was really nice but no go on the bar. We did find a bike called Roll from Spec. It was a big winner for my wife because it was step through bike. She loves it and rides it often now.

The bike she chose:
Roll - Low-Entry | Specialized.com

The bike that was close second. But the step through wasn't quite right but still an awesome bike. I really liked them both but this was a really classic bike.
Venezia Lady - Nexus 3sp - Bianchi Bicycles
sdmc530 is offline  
Old 01-24-22, 12:09 PM
  #7  
Wheels4
Full Member
 
Wheels4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Baton Rouge area
Posts: 373

Bikes: Cannondale, Trek, Cervelo and Santana

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 39 Times in 14 Posts
I have a stryder bike for sale. kidding.

Like suggested above, it might be best to go to a local bike shop. They will be able to point her in the right direction based on what type of riding she is wanting to do. Good luck!
__________________
Bikes: C'dale, Trek, Cervelo and Santana
Wheels4 is offline  
Old 01-24-22, 12:17 PM
  #8  
shootz
First Level Cyclist
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colo. Springs, CO
Posts: 5

Bikes: 2007 Specialized Sequioa 3x10, 90's DiamondBack 64cm heavy steel commuter 3x10, Niner RLT 2020 GRX 2x11 Steel, 3x10 tandem (KHS?, 90's), 2014 Giant Trance X2 Di2 2x11, + others I'm buying/building/selling

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
There's never any harm in going to a bike shop. You can find out what you like, try things you wouldn't otherwise, and get solid advice. They are there to sell, but also to inform.

If there is a used bike place, that's another option. There's a great place here in Colorado Springs called the Pedal Station / Mt. Eqip. Resellers. They sell donated bikes that have been refurbished as well as bikes on consignment. Lots of options.
shootz is offline  
Old 01-24-22, 02:32 PM
  #9  
slowpacer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 119
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 17 Posts
Since your friend has been away from cycling for a long time, the best option would be to try some in person in bike shops, used bikes or rentals. It will help her decide what riding position is most comfortable for her, therefore the type of bike that best suits her.

The most important measurements to look at are stack and reach and some people find standover height important as well.
slowpacer is offline  
Old 01-25-22, 08:17 PM
  #10  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,752

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
Originally Posted by UberIM
A friend is retiried . 65. wanting to get back into biking which she hasn't done since childhood.
She's 4'11"
Suggestions for a bike?
TIA
So? Did she find something?
Korina is offline  
Old 01-27-22, 12:29 PM
  #11  
hokiefyd 
Senior Member
 
hokiefyd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Northern Shenandoah Valley
Posts: 4,123

Bikes: More bikes than riders

Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1438 Post(s)
Liked 749 Times in 559 Posts
I second the idea of a bike with 26" wheels, especially if she's open to looking at used bikes. Most hybrids today will have 700c wheels (which use the same rim diameter as 29" wheels), and the whole bike is just going to be "taller" (even if it's a step-through). Suspension forks add weight but also add height to the front of the bike, so it may be best to avoid them for the very short.

If she really wants new, check into the Townie brand (marketed by Trek). The aforementioned Specialized Roll is another great choice. There are almost certainly other bikes in this category from other brands as well (too many to list probably). Looking for bikes online with "step through" or "low step" frames is probably a good start (if she's interested in that frame style).
hokiefyd is offline  
Likes For hokiefyd:
Old 02-02-22, 09:06 PM
  #12  
Leisesturm
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,968
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2473 Post(s)
Liked 722 Times in 513 Posts
Two of the shortest women I know (4'11" and 5'0") ride bikes with 700c wheels. I set a Trek that one of them bought up with a new saddle. I'm almost certain it was a 48cm frame. I'm also pretty sure Georgina Terry, or her company, is still making women specific bikes and likely takes petite women in the 4'11"+ arena in her stride. I believe she also uses 24" wheels too when necessary. 26" wheels are, of course, an option and may well work for the o.p.'s friend. Not because she is short, but because there are lots of tire choices for the kind of riding a returning older rider might be doing. The women I know are doing club rides with the B group of 30 to 50 miles and 700c has just the right kind of tires for that kind of riding. 26", not so much.
Leisesturm is offline  
Old 03-30-22, 06:31 AM
  #13  
Trav1s
Deraill this!
 
Trav1s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 634

Bikes: 18 Cdale Quick 1, 94 S-Works M2, 98 730 Multitrak, and a few others

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 378 Times in 220 Posts
My 5'2" wife settled on a Trek Verve 3 after riding it and the Specialized Roll. She rode a S Roll but did not care for it. She tried the Verve in both XS and S - she and the shop agreed the S was a better fit for her. The proportions look a bit off with the 700C tires but the bike is easy to ride and for the first time in her life has a bike that actually fits. Plus, we picked up the previous year's model for a significant discount and supported the local Trek shop.

Now to figure out a saddle that fits better than the one that came on the bike...
Trav1s is offline  
Old 03-30-22, 06:38 PM
  #14  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,752

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
Originally Posted by Trav1s
My 5'2" wife settled on a Trek Verve 3 after riding it and the Specialized Roll. She rode a S Roll but did not care for it. She tried the Verve in both XS and S - she and the shop agreed the S was a better fit for her. The proportions look a bit off with the 700C tires but the bike is easy to ride and for the first time in her life has a bike that actually fits. Plus, we picked up the previous year's model for a significant discount and supported the local Trek shop.

Now to figure out a saddle that fits better than the one that came on the bike...
Congratulations to your wife!

What's up with the saddle? Too wide, too narrow, too squishy? She may feel uncomfortable for awhile, until her body adjusts to riding. That said, the last new bike I bought I managed three rides before changing saddles (I had to resist the urge to burn that thing; uncomfortable at first sure, but that one caused pain). These days I use a Brooks B17 softened leather saddle, and love it. But, butts are different and she may need to try a few before finding the right one. I wish her luck and many happy rides.
Korina is offline  
Old 06-24-22, 09:42 AM
  #15  
dmwill
Newbie
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Florida
Posts: 55

Bikes: 1989 Dahon Stainless Steel Classic, 1993 Burley Samba Mixte tandem, 2002 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 2003 Co-Motion Speedster tandem, 2021 Trek Verve 3, 2021 Priority Current

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 31 Times in 20 Posts
Originally Posted by Trav1s
My 5'2" wife settled on a Trek Verve 3...

Now to figure out a saddle that fits better than the one that came on the bike...
FWIW After trying many different saddles, my 5'3" wife found a Brooks C17S works best for her on her Trek Verve 3. The short nose keeps the saddle from snagging on her pants when stepping through the step-through. We put a Kinekt suspension seatpost under it and now she's good for 50+ mile trekking days no problem. The stock saddle was ok for a few trips but a bit too soft and chafes on the butt-thigh interface if that makes sense.

I have a WTB Koda on mine and love it, can ride all day. Also replaced the seatpost with a sping-in-tube one (but not as fancy as the Kinekt) to gain a cm in height and get rid of the unwanted pivoting in the stock post. Could not believe what a difference that made.
dmwill is offline  
Likes For dmwill:
Old 06-24-22, 09:51 AM
  #16  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,974

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1355 Post(s)
Liked 1,802 Times in 1,037 Posts
WTB Koda is a good lightweight 'short' saddle - and also available in a 'wide' version (150 mm)

( wide titanium rail version is around 210 gms )

have one reserved for a future bike / build
t2p is offline  
Old 06-29-22, 05:38 PM
  #17  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,752

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
@Trav1s, how's your wife's riding going? Does she still like the bike? Did she ever find a comfortable saddle? And pics; we want pics.
Korina is offline  
Old 06-29-22, 09:40 PM
  #18  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,974

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1355 Post(s)
Liked 1,802 Times in 1,037 Posts
btw -

not familiar with current Trek lineup - but at one time Trek offered the FX hybrid in a women's (WSD) 13" size

7.2 FX WSD , 7.5 FX WSD, 7.6 FX WSD

really cool little hybrid


link to 2007 catalog

https://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fis...07treklife.pdf

.
t2p is offline  
Old 06-29-22, 10:40 PM
  #19  
zandoval 
Senior Member
 
zandoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,416

Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 928 Post(s)
Liked 1,594 Times in 1,020 Posts

Mixte

__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
zandoval is offline  
Old 06-30-22, 07:06 AM
  #20  
fishboat
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,888

Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 750 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 799 Times in 467 Posts
Originally Posted by t2p
btw -

not familiar with current Trek lineup - but at one time Trek offered the FX hybrid in a women's (WSD) 13" size

7.2 FX WSD , 7.5 FX WSD, 7.6 FX WSD

really cool little hybrid


link to 2007 catalog

https://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fis...07treklife.pdf

.
+1

I recently purchased a like-new 17 inch 2007 7.5FX WSD for $325. I did a drop bar conversion on it. It's now an all-rounder for my GF. Basically a road/gravel bike (runs 38mm GK Slicks) that fits her perfectly. The short effective top tube (WSD frame) is the key. Very agile bike and much lighter than the Verve.


Last edited by fishboat; 07-01-22 at 06:27 AM.
fishboat is offline  
Likes For fishboat:
Old 06-30-22, 09:02 PM
  #21  
Trav1s
Deraill this!
 
Trav1s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 634

Bikes: 18 Cdale Quick 1, 94 S-Works M2, 98 730 Multitrak, and a few others

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 378 Times in 220 Posts
Originally Posted by Korina
@Trav1s, how's your wife's riding going? Does she still like the bike? Did she ever find a comfortable saddle? And pics; we want pics.
Yes she does like the bike but we've been down on ride time this year but for a good reason. I secured new employment and we will be relocating in the next 30-45 days. We'll look into the saddle issue once we get resettled in central Ohio after 18 years away. Thanks for checking Korina and I saved the suggestions you offered.

Pics, eh? If you insist!
Trav1s is offline  
Likes For Trav1s:
Old 07-01-22, 05:27 AM
  #22  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,974

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1355 Post(s)
Liked 1,802 Times in 1,037 Posts
Originally Posted by Trav1s
Yes she does like the bike but we've been down on ride time this year but for a good reason. I secured new employment and we will be relocating in the next 30-45 days. We'll look into the saddle issue once we get resettled in central Ohio after 18 years away. Thanks for checking Korina and I saved the suggestions you offered.

Pics, eh? If you insist!
congrats - and good luck !

have a number of relatives in that area

at one point it appeared my youngest kid would also be living there - but he is now located in SW Ohio
t2p is offline  
Old 07-07-22, 07:03 AM
  #23  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,974

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1355 Post(s)
Liked 1,802 Times in 1,037 Posts

Originally Posted by t2p
btw -

not familiar with current Trek lineup - but at one time Trek offered the FX hybrid in a women's (WSD) 13" size

7.2 FX WSD , 7.5 FX WSD, 7.6 FX WSD

really cool little hybrid


link to 2007 catalog

https://www.vintage-trek.com/Trek-Fis...07treklife.pdf

.
FX 7.6 13"
t2p is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.