What kind of bike is best for me? 5'2'', 110 lb, big city?

Question

I am 5' 2'' and 105 lb + 5 lb back pack, and I don't want one of those kiddie bikes with the little wheels. I go to Boston University, so I want a bike that's a "grown up" size and will help me with city life.

Answer 1

well i would buy the raleigh mojave 2.0, it is a nice 21 speed bike that is great for biking. I have one and use it every day, im 5' 5" but i have had the bike since i was about 5' 2" im over 110 and it still works for me. it has 26" wheels and comes in many different colors that would make it look more adult than it already is plust it is only about $300 dollars

Answer 2

Go to your local bicycle shops and see what they've got, don't limit yourself to the brand new ones, ask if they sell used women's bicycles as well.  I'd also seriously recommend that you look into folding bicycle models.  A lot of the women I see who take to bicycle commuting, be it for work, or school will be a bit apprehensive with some of their prices initially, but overall they don't mind the price when they factor in that they can keep it closer to them than a standard bike.  Which is a good bonus since you can't know the odds of your bike being stolen.  

Best of luck to you, and when you choose your bicycle, don't forget the mudguards.

Answer 3

At 5-2, you are just under average height for an adult female.  There is no reason to believe you'll end up on a kid's bike.

Go to your local bike shop (LBS) and check out the inventory.  See what models the staff suggest for you.  For commuting around campus and intown, you have can choose from many types, from cruisers & hybrids to road bikes & singlespeeds.  It really depends on what riding position you find comfortable and how much efficiency you need from the bike.

If it's something you're going to be locking up at campus and various locations around town, you'll want quality locks and proper instruction on how to (and how NOT to) secure your bike.  And you might want to consider a rather understated bike that isn't as attractive to the wrong person.  For a campus/town commuter, don't go too expensive.

Answer 4

Bike Buying Tips: Buyer Be Wise;...Here we answer 10 of the most common queries to help you find the right bike.

By Bicycling Staff

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

Bicycling & Mountain Bike reviews  

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/channel/0,...

The Burning Questions

12 common bike-shopping dilemmas explained, demystified and simplified

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

Answer 5

Well, the BEST bike (for anyone) is probably "The Ride"

http://ellsworthride.com/

But for 3 grand you should probably buy a used car instead.

If you want to ride in style, you'll want a Cadillac Bicycle...

http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merc...

Not a bad price tag for what you get.

But really you could go down to your local Wal-Mart and get a pretty decent bicycle.  They have a good selection and fairly wide price range (from $100 to 400 or so).  I'd recommend sitting on them and seeing which one is the most comfortable for you.