If you’re a short rider then you know how difficult it can be to find a bike that’s comfortable for people of your height. Luckily, the bike manufacturing industry has come far, and there are different types of bikes available out there for every type of rider. That’s why we can make a guide such as this one about the best bikes for short riders.
Some of the most notable features of these types of specialized bikes for short men include their sloping frames which make it easy to straddle, and the saddle to bar distance has been revolutionized.
Best Bicycles for Short Riders
Without further ado, keep reading to discover the best bikes for short riders, for both men and women.
1. Tommaso Forcella Endurance Road Bike
The Tommaso Forcella is one of the best bicycles for short people who like to live their life on the edge. This is an endurance bike with daily commuter specs and modern design elements. Although small with compact geometry to boot, it holds its place as a high-performance bike.
After all, it’s made from high-quality carbon with a lightweight fork that’s durable enough to handle the elements. It’s also fitted with racing quality Shimano Ultegra components which are budget-friendly but very effective.
This is in addition to its Shimano RS10 wheels which are expected to come in a tubeless version. This could lead to better acceleration and livelier wheels that make for an exciting ride.
2. Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Boys Mountain Bike
The Mongoose Ledge 2.1 is considered by many to be the best mountain bike for short riders. It comes in an attractive black color with a low-profile design which makes it especially attractive to younger bike riders.
The frame is made from aluminum, which is a unique material in that it’s durable yet lightweight. It’s also long-lasting and unlikely to accumulate rust over time, even with regular use. The bike’s Shimano derailleurs offer accurate and smooth gear shifting and superb performance.
Its linear-pull brakes make it a very safe option for kids while the broad tires allow you to enjoy a reliable and firm grip on every surface, especially paved surfaces. Then there’s the padded seat and steel handlebar which make for an ideal kid’s bike.
3. Diamondback Bicycle for Short Female
One of the best bikes for short people, the Cobra model from Diamondback is really made for young people. It’s made from durable steel that can last on the 24-inch frame.
This is well complemented by the 21-speed gear shifters which twist into place for smooth ease of use. The bike’s linear-pull brakes are reliable and safe and it comes with a 400mm travel fork to help you enjoy a smooth ride even on rough terrain.
Although this bike doesn’t come with any extra accessories such as a water bottle holder or a kickstand, it’s one of the best bikes for short ladies and it comes at an affordable price tag.
How to Get the Best Bikes for Short Riders
When it comes to finding the best bikes for petite females, most people think that you need specialized knowledge in order to find the bikes in this category.
However, because people are so unique and different, bike manufacturers found it fit to create customized bikes for people of different heights, weights, and applications.
Here are some more tips on how to find the best road bikes for short riders if you’re looking from scratch.
Ride Different Bikes
Even short people come in various different proportions. However, what makes vertically challenged people similar is the fact that they often have a short torso and longer legs or vice versa.
That’s why they will either need a bike in the 5’3” range or 5’6”. A lot of manufacturers offer the tube length in cm which is an easier dimension to understand while others will list it in inches.
For best results, don’t confuse yourself. Just start testing out different bikes and you’ll soon figure out if you have a longer torso, longer legs, or longer arms.
So, even though we’ve provided you with plenty of options for the best bikes for short women and men, it’s still worth it to test out different options for yourself in order to find the optimal suggestion for you.
Check the Frame
It’s also important to consider your riding style because this will affect the model and frame of the bike that you choose.
For example, a step-through bike makes it easier for you to enter and exit the bike whereas a diamond toe will make it more difficult for you to keep your toes on the ground. On the other hand, a mixed frame gives you some wiggle room between the top tube and the seat.
If you’re really short, then you should definitely consider a folding bike.
Don’t Focus on the Gender
If you’re a 5’2” woman or even shorter, it won’t be easy for you to find a good bike for short riders.
But, there are also plenty of men who are height-challenged and require bikes in the 5’3”-5’6” range. Luckily, lots of brands make bikes in this size range nowadays for both genders. There are also bikes that are versatile enough to accommodate riders ranging to 6’7”.
Fit the Bike
Alternatively, you can do what a lot of shorter bike riders do which is to customize their bikes to their tastes. Most people often start with seat height making sure to move the saddle forward and away from the seat post so that you’re at least 50mm away from the bars.
It’s also possible to switch the length of the stem, whose size is usually predicated on the bike’s size but can be customized to suit your unique riding style. You can opt for a shorter stem which is possible to do without changing the short person bike’s overall geometry.
Conclusion
At this point, you know exactly what the best bikes for short riders are. No guesswork required. We showed you which models are favorable for short riders, which brands and companies prioritize this demographic, and which features you should consider when searching for such a bicycle for short adults.
All that’s left now is to give you our ultimate recommendation and that would be the Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike.
This bike is like no other on this list. It’s made from a professional quality design with a lightweight aluminum frame that is both durable and reliable.