Bicycle for petite women

lynniejones
lynniejones Posts: 1,291 Member
edited September 19 in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone have any recomendations? I used to love to bike but I need a small frame bike. Also I hate the tiny wheeled ones, I was like a hamster on a wheel trying to keep up with my husband yesterday. I was miserable and more than my pride is bruised, if you know what I mean!
I also don't have a fortune to spend, either.

Replies

  • lynniejones
    lynniejones Posts: 1,291 Member
    Does anyone have any recomendations? I used to love to bike but I need a small frame bike. Also I hate the tiny wheeled ones, I was like a hamster on a wheel trying to keep up with my husband yesterday. I was miserable and more than my pride is bruised, if you know what I mean!
    I also don't have a fortune to spend, either.
  • Stephomie
    Stephomie Posts: 89 Member
    I would suggest going to your local bike shop and get fit for a bike. There are a lot of different frame sizes, with regular sized wheels. How tall are you?
  • bathedinshadow
    bathedinshadow Posts: 117 Member
    I don't know how small you are, but I know somebody who is very short and she got a youth bike. The bonus to that is that she was still able to buy a decent bike, but it costed half the price. I'm 5'6" and do a lot of mountain biking. So I actually prefer to ride a bike that is on the small size because it gives me a bit more control. Point being, I have a bike that is pretty small - so they are out there. I did pay a fortune for it though. Unfortunately the more you're willing to spend, the more options you'll have. But maybe look into youth bikes! :drinker:
  • lynniejones
    lynniejones Posts: 1,291 Member
    Thanks! I'm 4'11.
  • singfree
    singfree Posts: 1,591 Member
    My wife is just over 5", and she had no problem getting fitted for a bike. Go to a local bike shop (not Wal-Mart). They will match a bike to your size. My wife has a Trek hybrid bike and loves it. It will be a bit more expensive at the bike shop, but you are getting quality which will last for any years.
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    Hey Lynnie........if you are going to ride it all the time, it is worth the extra couple of bucks for comfort. I cant tell you how many bikes went to a rusty grave because they were uncomfortable.

    Hope you can find one! and dont forget to ask for a discount!!:flowerforyou:
  • molsongirl
    molsongirl Posts: 1,373 Member
    totally off topic here....Lynnie, I just looked at your pics, weird, cause it's something I never do. You look like a different person, seriously, you look 10 years younger...I was like, no way, that can't be her, but the face is the same, I'm totally blown away, which is rare as well. Not too many people can blow me away..:laugh: . Damn you would make Richard Simmons cry :tongue: , totally amazing....as far as the bike goes, I had mine custom made through cycle city, they started with the frame, then built around my needs, I paid around 300. for mine, they give you many money saving options, so you can get a bike at a somewhat reasonable cost.
  • lynniejones
    lynniejones Posts: 1,291 Member
    Thanks everyone for the ideas. I guess you are right I'm going to double my bike budget. I really want to ride!

    Molsongirl. You made my day. You are just..beautiful yourself..so compliments from you are like gifts to be treasured! (Okay compliments from anyone, hehehehe...but extra special from you).

    Lynnie
  • genabug
    genabug Posts: 1,820 Member
    I am the same height as you, I ride a youth bike. Its cheaper too! Altho, sometimes hard to find one without Disney Princess, or Bratz dolls if you go to Walmart!
  • lynniejones
    lynniejones Posts: 1,291 Member
    I am the same height as you, I ride a youth bike. Its cheaper too! Altho, sometimes hard to find one without Disney Princess, or Bratz dolls if you go to Walmart!

    Do you ride with bigger people? How do you keep up with the tiny wheels of a youth bike? I rode with hubby and son on a 24' bike and frankly it was so miserable trying to keep up. I want a grownup bike! LOL,
  • singfree
    singfree Posts: 1,591 Member
    Get an adult bike with the frame fitted to your your size. The wheels and other components are all the same as your husband's bike. For around $400, you can get a good quality bike. A good bike shop will take good care of you and make any adjustments (usually for free) during the first few weeks of riding. My wife's bike is the same as mine, just a smaller frame. Good luck!
  • ce_fit
    ce_fit Posts: 299 Member
    Do not just jump into buying a new bike. Do your your research first. What is the main purpose of the bike, is it for mountain biking, is it for road riding or is it for a combination of both? The answer to that question will lead you to the type of bike to buy. (mountain bike, road bike or a Hybred.)

    Have to agree with the people who said not to buy at Wal-Mart et el. Go to your local bike shop, they will have the differant types of bikes for you to try. You can pick their brain and make an informed decision. Some popular brands mentioned on MFP are Giant & Trek. Check out thier websites to start a little of your research.

    People here who have purchased road bikes are always amazed at how much faster the road bike is over the Mountain or the Hybred bikes.

    Good luck on your search. :drinker:
  • bathedinshadow
    bathedinshadow Posts: 117 Member
    I am the same height as you, I ride a youth bike. Its cheaper too! Altho, sometimes hard to find one without Disney Princess, or Bratz dolls if you go to Walmart!

    Do you ride with bigger people? How do you keep up with the tiny wheels of a youth bike? I rode with hubby and son on a 24' bike and frankly it was so miserable trying to keep up. I want a grownup bike! LOL,

    Just FYI... If you decide to go with a youth bike, I would still recommend staying away from the walmart bikes. Go to a bike store for sure. They will have normal youth bikes that have reasonable tire sizes. My bike is pretty small (though perhaps still bigger than you'd like) and it pretty much looks like all wheels!!
  • bathedinshadow
    bathedinshadow Posts: 117 Member

    People here who have purchased road bikes are always amazed at how much faster the road bike is over the Mountain or the Hybred bikes.

    Yes that's true! BUT... being close to the north shore yourself, I think we can agree that if I had a road bike I might kill myself on these trails. haha ;) I did the MS ride on my FS bike (65K) here in Vancouver and was cursing all the people easily riding up the hills on their roads bikes. haha. So yes, definitely do research and buy the right bike for what you like doing.
  • singfree
    singfree Posts: 1,591 Member
    A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and mountain bike. If you ride mostly on hard surfaces and light trails, then a hybrid is the way to go. If you are on heavy duty mountain trails with lots of rocks and stumps, then a mount bike is for you. I agree that Trek or Giant (among others) builds good quality bikes. A road bike should not be used on trails. On the trail it will give you a rough ride and you will get flat tires galore!
  • Wolfena
    Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
    I agree with everyone who recommended you go to a bike shop and getting one. You'll totally enjoy riding a bike that "fits" you so much more than just getting a generic one from Wal-Mart! The salespeople are also much more knowledgeable at a bike shop and can offer oodles of assistance long after you take your bicycle home!

    :smile:
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