What bike for a short person?

pjread

My wife's bike is having a bit of a cascade failure and I'd like to be nice and get her a relatively inexpensive but not rubbish new one. However she's 4'10" and I'm struggling to find many options.

She's currently using a halfords 'apollo haze' hybrid and know she likes the riding position, and doesn't want anything where she's forced to lean forward. Preference towards hybrids but might be able to twist her arm on something else if it's clearly better. Ideally budget somewhere around 100-300 but not really fixed- this isn't for commuting or racing, just for pootling a couple of miles here and there/around town/leisure cycling.

Any recommendations (or hints just finding bikes that won't be too big for her and will last!?)

Norman_Castle

Most bikes are available with different frame sizes. Visit a few shops to find one that fits.
http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/hybrid-bike-sizing-guide

vikingaero

Try a folding bike at somewhere like Decathlon. We have two but The Vikingettes aged 11 and 13 can use them with no problems.

pjread

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Most bikes are available with different frame sizes. Visit a few shops to find one that fits.
http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/hybrid-bike-sizing-guide

Thanks yeah she needs a 14" frame but the query was more around any hints on specific bikes or where to find them that small etc - it seems most places are selling 16"+ only or very limited options below that

colazombie

I'd advise to pop down to Evans and try some bikes for size, i think thye let you test-rid them

I'm 5'2 and ride a large frame designed for someone much taller. I just prefer it. I had a frame that was for my height and didnt like it, always preferred larger bikes

brat

It may be an idea to buy a child specific bike like an Islabike which is sturdy and would fit an adult who is small in stature.

They're not the cheapest, but their resale values are excellent if looked after well.

This Beinn 26 looks pretty decent, and not heavy.
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/products/bikes/item/beinn-26-large

Edited to add

The Trek FX WSD 7 series do frame sizes down to 13" IIRC, and they're women specific. My girls have the 7.3 and my wife has a 7.5 which they don't do anymore, but they're nice bikes. My youngest had a 13" frame, but when it was nicked she moved up to the 15". I've just had a browse, and it seems that 13" frames are harder to find, especially if you're looking for last years models in the sale...

fatpiggy

brat wrote: »

It may be an idea to buy a child specific bike like an Islabike which is sturdy and would fit an adult who is small in stature.

They're not the cheapest, but their resale values are excellent if looked after well.

This Beinn 26 looks pretty decent, and not heavy.
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/products/bikes/item/beinn-26-large

Edited to add

The Trek FX WSD 7 series do frame sizes down to 13" IIRC, and they're women specific. My girls have the 7.3 and my wife has a 7.5 which they don't do anymore, but they're nice bikes. My youngest had a 13" frame, but when it was nicked she moved up to the 15". I've just had a browse, and it seems that 13" frames are harder to find, especially if you're looking for last years models in the sale...

I've seen a lad who has dwarfism out on his racing style bike so must certainly be able to get one for your wife. I think I would either go for an Isla bike, or a folder - they are great once you get used to the handling.

PasturesNew

I couldn't find a shop with a bike to try - driving 20 miles between shops to discover they didn't have more than 2-3 bikes for sale (usually kids'), I ended up in Halfords and just took what they'd got.

I can't reach the ground on it - in a town I'd stop beside a kerb ... if there's no kerb then I try to do a timed leap off the seat

It's tough being short.

Marco_Panettone

This one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6NJIiXqDXg
Or is that taking it a bit far?