Bikes. Are you 5ft 3????

[Emergencycake]

Help. I want to buy a bike to keep up with DD. Not been on one since I was a teen and don't want to buy anything expensive. Have looked for second hand, but can't find one locally. What size would you order? I'm thinking 26" wheel with 17" frame but nervous spending without sitting. ARE YOU 5FT 3??? Help

I know my DM dislikes a cross bar though! These are sloping ones so not too bad.

I’m 5’3. I have a Trek hybrid 17”, and a Cona Jake the Snake cyclocross, with a slightly smaller frame. I find the Trek more comfortable for everyday use.

I'm 5ft 4 with a 17" bike and it fits me perfectly. My legs are short.

I’m 5ft 4 with a 16inch mountain bike frame and a 47cm road bike frame. Bike geometries vary by brand so you really need to try out what is comfortable for you. The fit of a bike makes a big difference to comfort and enjoyment.

I’m 5’2 and I have a ridgeback step through frame from pre kids (maybe 8/9 years old?). Used daily for work until wfh kicked in.

Frame is 15” but to be honest I wish I had got next size up, but at time if buying I hadn’t sat on a bike for years and was led by the sales guys (and I suspect by what they had in stock). Once I got used to riding, saddle Keeps being put up and up - hence wishing I had got the bigger frame.

Definitely go to a shop and try some even if you then buy 2nd hand. If you do buy 2nd hand try to verify it’s not stolen - loads are constantly being nicked round here (based on social media).

I'm 5"3 and have just bought a trek hybrid small. It depends on type of bike you want - mountain, road or hybrid.

I went to my local bike shop and they measured me and let me try a couple out, it really does make a difference having the correct size. I'm 5'2

Wheel size determines the type of bike more than the size of the bike

In general the larger the wheels the easier it is to get it to go fast.

If you ride mixed terrain then buy a mountain bike type and if you only ever ride on road or hard surfaces get a road bike or hybrid

I'm 5'2" and ride a 50cm track/road bike and a 16" mountain bike. I could comfortably go down a size on the road bike

I'm a bloke but I don't think there's a big difference at the smaller sizes. My partner who is the same height as me rides my road bike and BMX just fine and the mountain bike I used as an example above is actually hers.

Overall though, try before you buy, bike fit and sizing and being comfy makes a big difference to enjoyment levels. Different companies and different styles of bike allow for a different fit. Buying a more modern road frame is considerably more complicated than simply leg length or frame height and that can apply to hybrids just as much

Also some styles of bike do not lend themselves to being ridden far and if you're looking for something to ride for longer distances then bear that in mind

I am 5 feet 0 inches! Would also recommend trying some out for size ,Everyone is shaped differently ( I have short legs ,long body ,so Im obviously some kind of vertically challenged Duck it would seem!) Some bikes are virtually unrideable! Had a lovely Dawes specially designed for the more petite frame .Dont touch a Mans bike! (Also may benefit from a gel filled saddle as we are slightly more sensitive in our downstairs dept)

15 or 16" should be fine.

Like the above poster said, don't get a man's bike though as that horizontal bar with be highly uncomfortable when you stop!

I'm 5'2'' and 15'' is best for me.

Be careful as these are not common and had supposed professionals in specialist shops telling be that I'd be fine with 17'' which they had in stock.

17'' meant handle bars too far and not comfy, I definitely needed 15''.

I'm 5'2 and I have 26/15.

I went to my local independent shop and they spent time finding me the right bike, adjusting seats and letting me try them until I found "the one". I didn't spend that much.

My one piece of advice though. If you are planning to ride on the road, get road tyres, not bobbly mountain bike tyres. It makes life so much easier!
Mountain bike tyres on tarmac really increase the noise & resistance. You'll get more speed on road tyres.