Best Bikes for Short Riders (Top 3 Picks + How to Buy One)


Finding a bike that’s comfortable for people with shorter height can be a difficult task. Luckily, the bike manufacturing industry has come far, and there are different types of bikes available for every kind of rider with components tailored to their body. 

The best bikes for short riders are the Tommaso Forcella Endurance Road Bike and the Ecarpat Mountain Bike. The Tommaso Forcella comes with Shimano Claris shifters and is backed by Shimano’s two-year warranty. The Ecarpat Mountain Bike features a shock-absorbing front and rear shock absorber. 

In this article, I shall explore the top options in the category with comfortable reach on the handlebars and pedals for better control.

Best Bikes for Short Riders

Compare Top Bikes For Short Riders

Product Overall ScoreBottom LinePrice
Tommaso Forcella Endurance Road Bike - Best Bikes for Short Riders
Tommaso Forcella
Endurance
85Top Pick
Features Shimano
Claris STI shifters
Check Out On
Amazon
Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail Mountain Bike - Best Bikes for Short Riders
Mongoose Flatrock
Hardtail Mountain Bike
82Equipped with alloy
V-brakes
Check Out On
Amazon
Ecarpat Mountain Bike - Best Bikes for Short Riders
Ecarpat Mountain Bike
84Budget Buy
Features front fork
and rear shock
absorber
Check Out On
Amazon

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

Tommaso Forcella Endurance Road Bike - Best Bikes for Short Riders Review
Top Pick

Overall Score: 85

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.

Advantages

  • It requires professional assembly but well worth it.
  • Comes with a compact frame geometry and compact handlebars.
  • Features Shimano Claris STI shifters for smooth shifting.
  • Comes with a 3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset.
  • Made from lightweight aluminum with an HCT carbon fork.

Disadvantages

  • Brakes should have been of higher quality.

2. Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail Mountain Bike

Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail Mountain Bike - Best Bikes for Short Riders Review

Overall Score: 82

The Mongoose Flatrock 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 6061 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 21-speed twist shifters derailleurs offer accurate and smooth gear shifting and superb performance.

Its alloy V-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.

Advantages

  • Features a steel handlebar and wide tires.
  • Padded seat for comfort.
  • Smooth derailleur and gear shifters.
  • Aluminum frame is durable yet lightweight.
  • It has 20-inch wheels.

Disadvantages

  • You can’t adjust the rear suspension.

3. Ecarpat Mountain Bike

Ecarpat Mountain Bike - Best Bikes for Short Riders Review
Budget Buy

Overall Score: 84

One of the best bikes for short people, the Ecarpat Mountain Bike 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.

Advantages

  • Comes Front Fork+Shock Absorber.
  • Features 21-speed gear system.
  • Comes with a 24-inch frame that is easy to hop on and off.
  • Constructed from durable steel.
  • 21-speed drivetrain.

Disadvantages

  • It doesn’t come with a water bottle holder or kickstand.

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.

Feel free to check my article on the best step-thru bikes that are a perfect choice for riders of all ages and are easy to mount and dismount.

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.

For top folding bike options with easy folding mechanisms and ergonomic features, check out my article on the best folding bikes for women which also has a lot of unisex options.

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.

A Lower Standover Height Allows a More Comfortable Mounting and Dismounting…

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.

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out cycling through the best routes, reviewing the latest gear, and sharing tips on everything biking.

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