Bikes for short people

[Polynomial]

New to this. I have been riding an old 26 inch wheel mens mountain bike which my brothers made for me over 15 years ago. The rear rim is now buckled, the brakes don't work and neither do the gears really.

So, I'm looking at getting a new/second hand bike that will go down a dirt track, but also be suitable for around town. I really just want something that runs well/works.

My question is the size. I'm female, 161cm, not large. I'm comfortable on the 26 inch tyres but wondering what the best frame size would be. I find I slide forwards on the seat. The measurement of the current frame size is 58cm from the seat post to the front fork. From the reading I've done though, it looks like I'll be on a kids bike.

Any recommendations?

[A_P]

Giant bike sizing for reference
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_ ... _chart.pdf

Most other manufacturers will be similar

[Kronos]

A lot of manufacturers don't really do frame sizes by the centimetre anymore. You will likely be on an S or XS. The only person that has to know its a "kids bike" is you.

[Thoglette]

Any recommendations?

Stick with 26" tyres. I'm too tired to explain so I'll pass you over to Velouria's blog post about frame and wheel sizes and the Rivendell Clementine

[madmacca]

A new wheel, and a visit to the bike shop for some new cables and a tune-up may fix the current problems for a lot cheaper than replacing the entire bike.

For sure, it won't give you that New Bike Buzz, but a 2nd hand one won't be quite as buzzy either.

[uart]

A new wheel, and a visit to the bike shop for some new cables and a tune-up may fix the current problems for a lot cheaper than replacing the entire bike.

I agree, and that would also be my recommendation if the current bike was already a good fit for her. However at 161cm on a bike with a 58cm top tube and needing to "slide forward on the seat" all the time, I'd say that current frame is about 4cm or so too big.

Polynomial, you probably should look for a bike (mountain or hybrid) with a frame with about a 54cm top tube and similar or just a bit less for the effective seat tube length (say about 52 to 53 cm).

[davehirst]

Cue Randy Newman!

[baabaa]

(from https://www.highresaudio.com/de/album/v ... book-vol-3)

[Thoglette]

Cue Randy Newman!

Have you actually listened to the song?
Or are you from one of those states in the US where they think irony has something to do with housework.
Mind you, last year he finally got what he asked for for Xmas all those years ago.

[Polynomial]

I think I've decided to go with this one:

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/bicycle-bi ... treet/8892

Got a special on it at a local bike shop. Men's small.

Anyway opinions?

[A_P]

A simple uncomplicated street bike, good choice.

[uart]

So, I'm looking at getting a new/second hand bike that will go down a dirt track, but also be suitable for around town. I really just want something that runs well/works.

I think I've decided to go with this one:
https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/bicycle-bi ... treet/8892
Got a special on it at a local bike shop. Men's small.

Yes, it looks good for what you require. Mens small looks about the right size for you. This site https://www.momentum-biking.com/us/inee ... t-mid-step shows sizing and geometry for that bike, and the effective top tube length is 55cm. So fairly similar to the 54cm I suggested above, and given the short stem it shouldn't be too longer reach. I'd say that bike looks ideal for type of riding you mention.