Long legs short everything else.

[Whistledance]

Hi Everyone

I am 5'11" tall with 36" inseam. As i have short arms and a short body I have trouble getting bikes to fit. At the moment I am riding a 19" Marin with an epic seat tube (this was all my LBS to get me comfortable on).

Could anyone recommend something other than a penny farthing. As I feel a little unstable balanced on top of my current bike. I am not concerned about style of bike as fit is my only requirement.

 

[jimboalee]

How much money have you got to spare?

 

[tordis]

I know it may sound weird, but have you considered a women-specific bike? As girls are usually built like this (long legs, short torso), the distance between the seat and the bars is shorter.

 

[ttcycle]

I echo what Jimboalee says - what is your budget?
You have a couple of options:

You can have a bike fit and they may be able to add components to your exisiting bike or you can have a custom bike made up for you but that comes at quite a cost

As Tordis suggests - looking into Women's geometry bikes could be an option but then you'd have to change possibly the handlebars (as the width may be too small), the crank possibly and the seat for sure...depends what is most effective at getting the right fit.

 

[Whistledance]

Sorry, here are some more details.

My budget is £1000 for a complete bike. I think that rules out a custom made frame.

I will need the bike for a 15 mile round-trip daily commute. As well as weekend cycle path/towpath adventures.

 

[ttcycle]

hi Whistledance

http://www.cyclefit.co.uk/glider.html - Cyclefit in London measure you up and can custom fit a frame for under 1k - I've never been and got kitted out with one of these bikes as off the peg fits me fine but if you're dimensions are unusual then worth checking out--that is if you are in London! I think their focus is on Roadbikes but if they're local to you it might be worth giving them a ring to see if they can accomodate your weekend off road needs.

Good luck and hope you get a well fitting bike!

 

[ColinJ]

Short everything else? Wait a minute - are you a tall woman?

Blimey - you are 2" shorter than me but your inseam is 4" longer! I second the suggestion that you take a look at bikes designed for (tall) women.

 

[jimboalee]

According to my calcs, you would be looking for a 56cm frame and put the seatpin up an extra 4cm. Look for a seat angle of 72.5 degrees. Specialized is 72.25 for this size. OK.

180mm crank length. Dura Ace - £325 from Ribble.

 

[numbnuts]

Thorn Bikes do all the sizes, but also have short top tubes if you want, wee bit over budget
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk

 

[Whistledance]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I never thought of a women's bike. I am not sure what my LBS will think though those guys pour testosterone on their cornflakes.

 

[smeg]

How come your inside leg measurement is so long, are you wearing high heels? It does sound as if you need a ladies bike.