Size & best moment to buy?

[JuliaT]

Hello everyone,

I need to ask you 2 things.

Since I started cycling I've been feeling a bit weird. I am quite a short person, so my bike frame is small. The thing is that I cannot take any bigger size because with mine I am already touching the floor just with the toes of 1 foot. But when I am riding fast or on a hill I feel the frame is, lets say, short? the thing is I find myself much more comfortable if I literally take my bottom out of the seat, so what is on the seat are my upper thighs....yes I know it sounds weird.... So, I think I need a "larger" bike, but do they exist? how can I find the right size for me as I am obviously weirdly proportionated....?

And another thing...as I am a girl on a budget...is there any season during which its easier to find good deals for bikes? just wondering...

Thanks!

 

[Cuchilo]

Move the saddle back ?

 

[slowmotion]

I've found that the best time to buy is in December or later. The retailers want to clear out their stock to make way for the new year's models. The later you leave it, the bigger the discounts but you run the risk of the model that you are after selling out completely. You can usually get 30% of the RRP.

 

[JuliaT]

Move the saddle back ?

I already tried that....It cannot move it more....

 

[AndyRM]

You can usually get good deals when shops are clearing out the previous years' stock. The second hand market can be lucrative year round when people are getting rid of bikes that "they can't get on with", among other excuses.

How tall are you and what bike are you currently riding?

 

[JuliaT]

I've found that the best time to buy is in December or later. The retailers want to clear out their stock to make way for the new year's models. The later you leave it, the bigger the discounts but you run the risk of the model that you are after selling out completely. You can usually get 30% of the RRP.

Perfect! thanks for that!

 

[JuliaT]

You can usually get good deals when shops are clearing out the previous years' stock. The second hand market can be lucrative year round when people are getting rid of bikes that "they can't get on with", among other excuses.

How tall are you and what bike are you currently riding?

I am 1.64m and my bike is Ladies Raleigh Pioneer 180 front suspension hybrid bike I think the wheals are 16 inches but I really don't remember the size of the frame

 

[slowmotion]

Perfect! thanks for that!

Actually, I should have said "often get 30%" rather than "usually". I may have just been lucky.

 

[vickster]

What sort of bike are you looking for. Go try some out, If in the UK, Evans are good for no obligation test rides

 

[JuliaT]

What sort of bike are you looking for. Go try some out, If in the UK, Evans are good for no obligation test rides

I mainly use it for commuting and some rides in summer, so a hybrid or a tourer. I live in London so I'll check in evans! thanks!

 

[jefmcg]

I am 1.64m and my bike is Ladies Raleigh Pioneer 180 front suspension hybrid bike I think the wheals are 16 inches but I really don't remember the size of the frame

16" will be the frame size. 16" wheels are what's on a brompton.

 

[JuliaT]

16" will be the frame size. 16" wheels are what's on a brompton.

hahahaha, you are most probably right, I'm horrible remembering these things and tend to mix the numbers so....

 

[AndyRM]

I am 1.64m and my bike is Ladies Raleigh Pioneer 180 front suspension hybrid bike I think the wheals are 16 inches but I really don't remember the size of the frame

Looking at it, that bike will give you a very upright riding position, so wanting to stand out of the saddle is natural when going fast or up hill.

You should be able to get a small frame road or hybrid bike without too much bother. As @vickster says, Evans is a good place to start.

 

[Milkfloat]

When you say that you can only just touch the floor - is that with your bum on the saddle? If so, that could be the problem.

 

[vickster]

I mainly use it for commuting and some rides in summer, so a hybrid or a tourer. I live in London so I'll check in evans! thanks!

Yep loads of Evans. The Wimbledon one is good in my experience if out west. Cycle surgery and Cycle Republic (part of Halfords) also offer testrides. Those 3 should pretty much cover all brands plus a Giant store (big one near Barbican but others too)