Struggling to find a bike that fits

[bristol_lass]

I'm a 5ft 5 woman with a 29-30" inside leg (hard to measure exactly by yourself!). I'm used to riding a 60s Claude Butler frame with the handlebars pretty much the same height as the saddle or maybe slightly higher. This frame is a cross-bar and although it's definately too large for me (I can only balance on one foot on tip-toe when sitting in the saddle) I've cycled happily on it for over 5 years.

I'm now looking to buy an electric bike and want to get one with the same 'tourer' style - so able to set saddle/handlebar height and stretch to a tourer style, torque-sensor, 700c wheels if possible and a decent range (at least 40miles).

I've tried out various electric bikes in my local shops (I'm in Bristol) but none of them fit me...they are either made for men so far too big or made for 'women' who apparently only want step-through frames and sit-up-and-beg positions. Neither of the shops are prepared to order a bike in for me to try before buying - they expect me to commit to the sale without knowing that it definately fits.

My options at the moment seem to be:

- Raleigh Velo Trail £1350 45cm version with 26" wheels. I haven't tried this but had used the similar Velo XC xbar which is a 48cm frame and was on the large side of comfortable for me. I am veering towards having this ordered for me and taking a bit of a risk that it fits when it arrives - I'm not really very comfortable with this however.

- Raleigh Motus £2000 46cm step-through with 700c wheels. I have tried the cross-bar version and it really is too big. So I could get the step-through but am concerned that the saddle is much lower compared to the handlebars so a tourer set-up will be impossible. I also don't really want a step-through bike. The cross-bar version was really great though (but expensive). I love the fact that this will go for 120 miles and is really powerful.

- go to other cities and keep trying bikes (perhaps the KTM range with torque-sensors and Bosch motors around £2000)

Any advice? Is it stupid to buy the Velo Trail when I haven't tried it in that frame size or will the 3cm make very little difference? Are there any big centres in other cities where I might be able to try a bigger range of smaller bikes?

Thanks a lot

Alice

 

[jackhandy]

Hi Alice,
I reckon you've answered your own question:
The 46cm frame you tried was "really too big".
Keep looking - You definitely need to try before you buy.

 

[berkobennie]

Likewise, I'm 5ft 6, 29 in leg, always had 17in frame, thought I'd never find a decent bike.
Tried a 19 in (48cm), KTM erace P at Redbridge, was really surprised it was OK. The saddle is not on the lowest setting either, stationary balance on both balls of feet, and actually rides more comfortable on my titanium knees!
As the man said, you really need to try them out, sometimes the numbers don't reflect what they are like in real life.
KTM do the Macina Cross with a ladies low top tube check out http://www.shop.flidistribution.co.uk/p/2014-ktm-macina-cross-8-400wh/ktm_bicycles_ebikes_city-hybrids?pp=25

They might be able to advise where you could try one out.
Best of luck.
Stan

 

[Wicky]

What about the Kudos Tourer

https://www.kudoscycles.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=218

 

[JuicyBike]

I'm a 5ft 5 woman with a 29-30" inside leg (hard to measure exactly by yourself!). I'm used to riding a 60s Claude Butler frame with the handlebars pretty much the same height as the saddle or maybe slightly higher. This frame is a cross-bar and although it's definately too large for me (I can only balance on one foot on tip-toe when sitting in the saddle) I've cycled happily on it for over 5 years.

I'm now looking to buy an electric bike and want to get one with the same 'tourer' style - so able to set saddle/handlebar height and stretch to a tourer style, torque-sensor, 700c wheels if possible and a decent range (at least 40miles).

I've tried out various electric bikes in my local shops (I'm in Bristol) but none of them fit me...they are either made for men so far too big or made for 'women' who apparently only want step-through frames and sit-up-and-beg positions. Neither of the shops are prepared to order a bike in for me to try before buying - they expect me to commit to the sale without knowing that it definately fits.

My options at the moment seem to be:

- Raleigh Velo Trail £1350 45cm version with 26" wheels. I haven't tried this but had used the similar Velo XC xbar which is a 48cm frame and was on the large side of comfortable for me. I am veering towards having this ordered for me and taking a bit of a risk that it fits when it arrives - I'm not really very comfortable with this however.

- Raleigh Motus £2000 46cm step-through with 700c wheels. I have tried the cross-bar version and it really is too big. So I could get the step-through but am concerned that the saddle is much lower compared to the handlebars so a tourer set-up will be impossible. I also don't really want a step-through bike. The cross-bar version was really great though (but expensive). I love the fact that this will go for 120 miles and is really powerful.

- go to other cities and keep trying bikes (perhaps the KTM range with torque-sensors and Bosch motors around £2000)

Any advice? Is it stupid to buy the Velo Trail when I haven't tried it in that frame size or will the 3cm make very little difference? Are there any big centres in other cities where I might be able to try a bigger range of smaller bikes?

Thanks a lot

Alice

Alice, there's an excellent range at Swindon, if you've exhausted all the possibilities in Bristol, though I'm surprised Atmosphere couldn't find a bike for you. EMotion is a long-established specialist with some great bikes, and excellent service too.

 

[Jonah]

Worth giving the new 50Cycles shop in Bristol a call. They had a 45cm Pro-Connect Xion with a trapezoid (low sloping cross-bar) frame that I think would be perfect. Last one so it may have gone by now.

 

[wissy]

I am 5'6" female and have a 46cm KTM Macina dual hs (trekking) which i got from electrifyingcycles..... I can put the saddle up two inches at most but prefer it all way down so i do not have to get off saddle if I stop. Toes on ground easily. I liked the adjustable handlebar stem which angles closer to you so i did not have to reach so far down as I was used to with my medium boardman (men's!!)

 

[Kudoscycles]

Bristol lass,bit confused whether you wanted a step thru or crossbar bike?
I think one of the KTM Macina range in a 46 cm frame size would be ideal.
I suggest a visit to the London Electric Bike Company in Hampton Wick,London. They have sold a lot of the KTM Macina Bold in x-bar or step thru,the bike seems to suit a wide range of sizes,KTM are about to release their 2015 range and are committed to supplying quicker this year,but LEBC still have some 2014 stock.
All the Kudos performance range would fit easily,they have a short seat post and long seat tube to accommodate the widest range of size,sometimes we have to fit a shorter handlebar stem if the reach is too long,but maybe the Mountain style bike is not what you are looking for.
Give Tom a ring at LEBC he has become very knowledgeable about fitting size on bikes.
KudosDave

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Alice,

How about 'splitting the difference' between a stepthru and crossbar with a 'mixte' frame like the Ansmann FT 11, available with 46 cm frame and 700c wheels.

http://cyclezee.com/ansmann-ft11.html​

Also if you know where to look, you can get one below RRP

 

[wissy]

this is the type of frame on my KTM Macina from electrifyingcycles (ask for David) Just like you I did not like idea of the stepthrough so was leaning towards a normal male frame but David let me know there was a third type of frame.. The semi thingwhatsumyoucallitframe... I also needed the heaps of gears the sram and hub gave me and glad i did not listen to advice saying I would not want all those gears on an electric bike (blydi do!!). It is the Bosch version that does the heaps of gears methinks.

Argh.. Just lost some of my message.. In brielf.. Snowdonia rain winds daily work 16 miles blah blah and panniers now carradice ... Piccy from last year...

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Alice,

How about 'splitting the difference' between a stepthru and crossbar with a mixte like the Ansmann FT 11, available with 46 cm frame and 700c wheels.

http://cyclezee.com/ansmann-ft11.html​

Also if you know where to look, you can get one below RRP
View attachment 8954

Oh yeah, forgot to mention

​

 

[Jonah]

All these have the trapezoid frame I was talking about in my earlier post. Here's a picture of the Kalkhoff.

 

[TinKitten]

As recommended by Juicybike, I would have a look at Emotion in Swindon and perhaps give them a ring to discuss your requirements as they can get more than just the models listed on their website. I was able to test ride 2 different KTMs there and that was really useful in making up my mind. They are really friendly without any pushy salesmanship. I'm expecting them to deliver my new bike next week.

Don't settle for buying blind as I'm sure it's possible to find what you want by shopping around.