Is there a bicycle for short people?

Question

i am 4 11 i would like a bike that i can ride comfortable around in a city

Answer 1

Just have them check you inseam.  They go by the length of you legs not your height.  You could be short with long legs.  I am 5'1" and have had 2 Treks and a Specialized  

Answer 2

Absolutely!  I've put some sizing references below.  Start with Sheldon Brown's overview.

You may want to look at bikes with 650c wheels instead of the standard 700c wheels.  Terry Bicycles even sells models for smaller women that have a 650 wheel in the front and a 700 in the rear.  I'm not crazy about mixing wheel sizes because it requires two different size spares. http://www.terrybicycles.com

Here's a direct reference to the Bikes Direct small wheeled women's model: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/merc...

Forget the people that point you toward toy bikes.  You are an adult and should get a quality bicycle designed for an adult.

Good luck, and welcome to the sport.

Answer 3

Look for bicycles made specifically for women; many of them come in extra small sizes and have sloping top-tubes for a little extra clearance.  The smallest sizes also come with smaller wheels so everything is still made for an adult but down-sized for appropriate fit.  Check out Terry Bicycles, Trek, and Specialized for ideas.  

Answer 4

if you check your local toy store or wal-mart you will find they make all sizes of bikes.  there will be one to fit you.

Answer 5

I would look for a flat-bar road bike in a small size. Don't go to Walmart or K-mart or similar -- the bikes are poor quality and you won't get the knowledgeable service you need. Shop at a local, dedicated bike shop.

If the bikes they have are too big I would look at getting a Bike Friday: http://www.bikefriday.com/. They have done bike promotions in conjunction with Little People of America.

Unfortunately kids' bikes are usually sold as toys and they aren't necessarily great for commuting. The good ones are designed to be 'grown into' as well, which is a function you don't need.

Answer 6

They make bikes for all sizes.  what you need is your inseam measurement and enter it in the link below.  Most manufactures make sizes down to 14-15 inches.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit

Answer 7

buy a kids bike

Answer 8

A competent bike shop will be able to fit you to a bicycle in your size. Department stores will not. They will carry bicycles in very few, sometimes only one size. Most real bicycle manufacturers make their bicycles in anywhere from 4 to 8 sizes.

Answer 9

Go to a bike shop and see what they have. Alot will depend on how long your legs are.

Answer 10

I had a girlfriend who was 4'11-1/2 and she was always able to find stock bikes to fit her, but it took some searching.   In a mountain bike, you'll want an XS size (or 13").  In a road bike you'll probably want a 43cm or perhaps smaller.  You'll be fine with normal 26" or 700c wheels with those frames, but you might appreciate smaller 24" or 650c wheels if you find a bike with them.   If you're built like most women with a shorter torso/longer legs, then you might want to look at the women's specific designs that are better sized for your dimensions (sometimes even including smaller handlebars, shorter cranks, maybe even short-reach levers).  But don't rule out a men's frame because some of them may fit you just fine.  

So they're out there....now all you have to do is decide what type of bike you want and start shopping for the right size frame.   :o)