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Original poster

Help me choose a bike

23 replies

username12O3 · 21/04/2023 12:08

I want to give commuting by bike a go.
I have only cycled recreationally off road, and not in the past 6/7 years.

The plan is to start short distances - around the block, going to the shops etc. and take it from there.

I'm only 5" tall.

Any advice what to look for, where to go, what should I expect to initially spend, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks!

OP posts:
confessionstoday · 21/04/2023 12:13

What kind of bike do you want? Road bike?
If so I have liv avail. They are specifically designed for women. I love it and several of my friends have Liv bikes as well

SG2000 · 21/04/2023 12:24

I get a lot of enjoyment cycling the commute. I have a Giant bike I purchased about 15 years ago, still going OK. There are schemes where you can claim a portion of the cost of a new bike from your employer through tax? I have never used this, but might be worth looking into. Some councils offer second hand bikes through Incentive programmes, too. We have one run by our local authority which is really excellent, and they offer a great maintenance workshop also. I think mudguards and panniers are useful accessories if cycling to work, and a good quality helmet and some hi-vis obvs.

SG2000 · 21/04/2023 12:27

I meant to add, I would recommend buying a bike from a local shop that will allow you a test ride - I think buying online you would have to do some rudimentary assembly of the bike, and not get the opportunity to see how you like it before ordering.

Original poster
username12O3 · 21/04/2023 14:14

(That was meant to say 5'= 5 feet, obvs.)

Thank you for all you replies. As a start, the longest I'll be needing to cycle is 2 miles.

I was thinking of a folding bike because they have these cute small wheels, and appear easier size-wise, but I'm guessing the actual bike is heavier?

OP posts:
SG2000 · 21/04/2023 18:42

I have a friend who occasionally uses a folding bike - she finds it exhausting as it is heavier, and the little wheels require a lot more pedalling energy. She said it was great when she was doing a combined cycling/train commute, but any other type of journey is not much fun.

CMOTDibbler · 21/04/2023 19:20

If you are doing 2 miles, then you don't need an ebike, but I'd still recommend an Islabike as the XS size is properly sized for someone with smaller hands etc rather than just a shrunk frame. Folding bikes are way harder to move, and less comfortable than a full size

hexsnidgett · 21/04/2023 19:37

I am the same height as you and have recently started cycling again.
I bought my bike from a local charity that refurbishes bikes that would otherwise be thrown away. I was able to have a little ride and they adjusted the seat for me.

greenacrylicpaint · 21/04/2023 20:00

I have a batavus hybrid city bike. upright dutch style. so, so comfortable.
mine has a steel frame, but if you have to carry your bike you should consider a lighter frame.

consider getting a pannier and pannier bags so that you can get your shopping on the way home from work.

BananaPie · 21/04/2023 20:05

I’d just get a normal bike rather than a foldy bike unless you need to keep it inside. Think about where you will store it at work and at home. If on street, don’t spend £££ in case it gets stolen!

Folding is quite good if you want to store it inside. A Brompton is very easy to ride (feels just like a normal bike). But they aren’t cheap.

user745347320 · 21/04/2023 20:20

I've got one of these specialized hybrids and I really like it. It's quite light so it's easy to lift, and it's fairly fast as well. It feels comfy to ride and easy to control. I can usually whizz past folding bikes so they must be slow!

I'd definitely agree about trying bikes in your local bike shop rather than buying online as not all bikes feel the same. They will also be able to advise you on what is suitable and adjust the bike to fit you - that makes a big difference to how comfortable it is and how enjoyable it is to ride.

greenacrylicpaint · 21/04/2023 20:26

definitely try some.
also try lady frames (I can't easily get my leg over)
decathlon bikes are not to be dismissed either if you have one close by. my teens have the elops ones. they are quite sturdy and cheap

lljkk · 21/04/2023 21:15

budget, OP?

GOODCAT · 21/04/2023 22:08

In case you are not already aware of it, the cycle to work scheme is really good.

I am 5'3 and have a liv xs. It is the first bike I have had that is the right size for me.

Definitely go to a number of different in person bike shops and try a few.

Danikm151 · 21/04/2023 22:13

Before forking out I recommend you do what I did….
got a bike for cheap on ebay/marketplace and see how you get on. It you stick to it for more than a month then invest in a decent bike 😃
I paid £20 to start off.

CosyFanTucci · 21/04/2023 22:18

I wouldn’t get a folding bike unless you need it for storage space reasons or to travel on trains etc. I’d definitely look for a lightweight aluminium framed bike with mudguard and pannier mounts (if you need to carry stuff). No shortage of options on the market and prices are being discounted at the moment.

bennybooboo · 21/04/2023 22:21

I have a Liv bike and would recommend them too. Really light and comfortable to ride. I have a gravel bike which is kind of like a road bike but with less skinny tyres. Got mine second hand on FB marketplace Smile

whoateallthecookies · 21/04/2023 22:41

Whatever you get, ask to try it before you buy - I've always been able to do this, and had the handlebars and stem (the bit that connects the handlebars to the rest of the bike) replaced on mine - I'm a little taller than you, with long legs and a short body/arms, so the first set of handlebars were too far away from the saddle for comfort.

I have a Giant liv hybrid (not sure of the specific name) - it' a ladies bike, so with a dropped cross bar. It also has a rack and I use panniers for commuting - I find them much more comfortable than a backpack, and I can get much more in them.

Original poster
username12O3 · 26/04/2023 10:24

Thank you! I am looking through the suggestions.
I really appreciate the help.

OP posts:
MathsNervous · 01/06/2023 21:42

hexsnidgett · 21/04/2023 19:37

I am the same height as you and have recently started cycling again.
I bought my bike from a local charity that refurbishes bikes that would otherwise be thrown away. I was able to have a little ride and they adjusted the seat for me.

This is the route I am going down too. Heading to my local bike charity shop to try some out. Decided against buying online as I would prefer to test them out first 😃

CilinisStromy · 22/10/2023 20:13

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

BlueChampagne · 16/11/2023 16:12

I commute on a hybrid rather than a road bike, as I want something a bit tougher for poor road surfaces I can't avoid.

JustKen · 16/11/2023 16:24

I made the mistake of buying online. Never again. Wrong size, fiddly to put together, and in the end I had to pay a cycle mechanic to get it roadworthy. After all that, I decided I didn't like the bike and sold it on. 🙄

I have bought a bike through Cycle2Work from my local bike shop which was much better. Loads of advice, and ypu can try before you buy. Don't try just one shop, find the shop & the shop assistant you like best. It might take a while. Tell them things you want it for, commuting, maybe weekend rides, maybe you need storage for niping yonthe shop...they can pull out some models to see what you like most.

Your quest may be ling, but be patient, it's worth it!

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