5 Helpful Bike-Buying Tips for Shorter Riders
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Even at 5’6”, I’m not considered that “short,” but the way my body fits into that generally compact frame makes it tough for me to find just about anything in a perfect fit off the shelf—including bikes.
My fiancée (5’3”) and I constantly struggle with finding sleeves that don’t drape, pants that don’t need an extra trip to the tailor and, for a long time, bikes that couldn’t support our short legs and abnormal torsos.
Although more bike makers are embracing smaller sizing, those who don’t fit into the industry’s standard sizing model still face issues when visiting the local bike shop or trying to buy a bike online.
If you fall into the vertically-challenged category when it comes to buying bikes, don’t fret. We spoke with a few industry experts to learn about some easy tips to help you find that perfect bike.
→ Get to know your body
“An expert can help you, but there is no better judge of fit than yourself,” says Priority Bicycles Founder Dave Weiner. He advises shorter bike riders start by measuring their proper riding inseam that will indicate standover height. This is not the same thing as your pant inseam—it requires a barefoot measurement from your instep (near your inside arch) to the bottom point of your crotch.
The result should indicate a height where you’ll feel comfortable over the top tube of a bike with both feet on the ground, supporting a proper pedal stroke.
→ Consider various frame styles
Step-through frames with a more pronounced top tube angle have long been tailored toward female riders (with a focus on particular torso-to-leg sizing), but they can be a great option for shorter bike riders of any gender. Also, if you find yourself in-between frame sizes, State Bicycle Co. Owner Mehdi Farsi recommends sizing down. “We find that it’s much easier to make a ‘smaller’ bike fit ‘bigger’ than the other way around,” he adds.
→ Component sizing matters, too
Even if you’re completely new to bikes, take some time to learn about component sizing. If your pedal crank lengths are too long or you have the wrong seatpost height, you’re not going to have a good riding experience. Look for potentially shorter crank lengths (165mm is a good place to start) and consider experimenting with shorter handlebar lengths, depending on what feels most comfortable to you.
PNW Components Cofounder and CEO Aaron Kerson says that for every 20mm of added width to your handlebars, reduce the stem length 10mm to support a more stable ride. Lastly, don’t even bother looking at any wheel size above 26 inches. There are all sorts of tire and wheel options available these days to support smaller frames.
→ Get to know ‘stack’ and ‘reach’ before shopping online
You’re going to encounter a ton of stats and metrics when shopping online. When it comes to bikes for shorter people especially, the two key measurements to look at are “stack” and “reach".
Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the central point at the top of the head tube. Reach is the horizontal distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the central point at the top of the head tube. Getting these measurements from a certified bike fitter will likely require a trip to the bike shop, but it’s a worthwhile venture if you plan on going the e-commerce route or getting a properly sized bike down the road in the store.
→ Custom is also an option
With the pandemic severely straining off-the-shelf bike supply, more and more bike riders are turning to custom builders to not only dial in exactly what they want, but potentially get it faster than buying an existing model. “This allows the rider to control every angle and tube length, made to measure,” says Tony Pereira, co-owner of Breadwinner Cycles and Sugar Wheelworks. Custom builders will work with you to specifically recommend and measure components to fit not only your unique frame, but your riding style and budget.
Potential Bike Models for Shorter Riders
Any of the following bike models would be a great option for shorter riders. However, proper bike fit does take time and is best done through the guidance of a professional through a fitting service or your local bike shop.
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