Short Woman Problems

WannaBButch · Dec 15, 2012

So I'm new to the forum and I tried the search but I wasn't able to come up with anything. I apologize in advance if my search wasn't thorough enough. I'm getting a flying horse kit from bikeberry for Christmas and I don't have a bike yet. I know I would like to go with a mountain bike frame. My issue is this... I am 5'3. I need a bike that I can ride that I won't fall over at stop lights. My other issue is that I'm a self taught auto-mechanic.... I don't have a clue how to weld and I know nothing about bikes. I know there are some modifications you can do like chopping the seat post to make the reach a little shorter. Does anyone have any other recommendations? Thank you!

scotto- · Dec 15, 2012

That does pose a bit of a problem. I'm thinking you should be able to stuff a Flying Horse 2-stroke into as small as a 16" mtn. bike frame which with the seat down to the frame should just about fit you. A few other considerations would be to run 24" wheels on it, as opposed to 26". That will drop the bike down another inch.

The next thing I suggest if none of that works for you is to get a bike that does fit you and mount the engine on a rack on the rear of the bike. There will be a way to motorize a bike for you, just explore all your options and don't give up.

dnut

racie35 · Dec 15, 2012

those OCC bikes motorized seem like they'ld be perfect for someone shorter..search the threads and look at the videos ....and I see them all the time on craigslist really cheap

racie35 · Dec 15, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j7vvbXmxeI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiw6tVbOOb8

Velodrome · Dec 15, 2012

Hey Butch! Welcome to the forum! Whats your budget for a bike? I have heard nothing but good things about the "Townie" styled bikes. Paul: the administrator of this site has an electrified Trek Pure he is VERY happy with for its comfort and durability. Errr. HERE: http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=42549 The bars can be changed or replaced to whatever and seat post and feet forward design allows flat footed stops. Looks like theirs plenty of room for a 2 stroke motor as well. They can be had as single speeds so the complexity of a shift kit can be avoided for a first time build.

Velodrome · Dec 15, 2012

Or mabey a flashy RED Electra? Bit expensive but high quality and look how low that seat can go!http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELECTRA-TOW...020?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccd4bf154

Al.Fisherman · Dec 15, 2012

I had your same problem that my Daughter in Law is short, about your height. The solution was a chopper. In your case I'd look for a 20" Schwinn Orange County Chopper. With it you don't need to wield, as they make a rather nice bracket that serves well.
http://www.motoredbikes.com/album.php?albumid=1009&attachmentid=40672
http://s982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Ron-Becker/Tommys Chopper/
http://www.ebay.com/itm/80cc-motor-...280?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a78fd8b00

I made another Chopper but it required wielding.
http://s982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/Ron-Becker/Michael Chopper/

locell · Dec 26, 2012

WannaBButch said:
So I'm new to the forum and I tried the search but I wasn't able to come up with anything. I apologize in advance if my search wasn't thorough enough. I'm getting a flying horse kit from bikeberry for Christmas and I don't have a bike yet. I know I would like to go with a mountain bike frame. My issue is this... I am 5'3. I need a bike that I can ride that I won't fall over at stop lights. My other issue is that I'm a self taught auto-mechanic.... I don't have a clue how to weld and I know nothing about bikes. I know there are some modifications you can do like chopping the seat post to make the reach a little shorter. Does anyone have any other recommendations? Thank you!

do your build on a 24" bicycle this should solve those issues

2door · Dec 27, 2012

Welcome to the forum, Butch.
Chopper, no doubt. Take a look at the Nirve Switchblade. Even at 5' 3" you'd be able to sit on the saddle and have both feet flat on the ground. There are others with the same frame design; low in the middle but still a comfy ride.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.

Tom

Harley59 · Dec 30, 2012

You don't need to know how to weld to chop the Seat tube. Just scribe a line round the top above the seat post and get out your hack saw. We have been meaning to do that to mine for ever but since I don't ride much it hasn't been as much of an issue. If I started riding on a regular basis it might get done, then again if it was done I might ride more...
Catch 22 anyone?

Harley59 · Dec 30, 2012

Well It helped but not a lot. I think we may try a different style of seat and post. Just talking about it got the other half thinking...

So he got the hacksaw out and did it. Pics to come...

CTripps · Dec 30, 2012

Harley59 said:
You don't need to know how to weld to chop the Seat tube. Just scribe a line round the top above the seat post and get out your hack saw. We have been meaning to do that to mine for ever but since I don't ride much it hasn't been as much of an issue. If I started riding on a regular basis it might get done, then again if it was done I might ride more...
Catch 22 anyone?

Yes, dear.

Before:

After:

It doesn't seem like a lot of difference, but Harley says it feel closer, so that works for me. (I could have used the hacksaw, but I sacrificed a dremel cutting disk instead.. much quicker.

)

Harley59 · Dec 30, 2012

Yea every little bit helps but I think I may look for a different seat post that will lower the seat even more.

2door · Dec 30, 2012

Has anyone noticed that the OP hasn't responded? It's been 15 days since she posted this question.

Tom

Harold_B · Dec 30, 2012

2door said:
Has anyone noticed that the OP hasn't responded? It's been 15 days since she posted this question.

Tom

This happens on every forum I belong to. Not to say the OP isn't participating anymore but people seem to pop in and out of these conversations. Even if she doesn't come back for while there's good info to be had here for others. Guess that's why I like these places!

As far as lowering the seat, would a layback seatpost help?

Harley59 · Dec 31, 2012

I think the biggest problem is that the bike is really too large for me. With a layback seat post would that increase the distance between the handlebars and the seat?

Harold_B · Dec 31, 2012

Yes, I suppose it would. Shorter stem and maybe new handle bars too?

WannaBButch · Jan 4, 2013

Thanks for all the info. I did manage to find a Mongoose Sycamore on CL for $25. I barely fit it but it works. I'd like to be maybe a half inch taller but it will work. For my next build I'll be looking into choppers. I was mostly afraid I'd get the thing together and never get it to run. I knew nothing about these bikes until I saw a guy riding one. I ran home and immediately began research.

UVsaturated · Jan 10, 2013

You could also try platform shoes. Okay that's thinking outside the box a little, but maybe not practical. Try also mounting an aftermarket fuel tank behind the seat so you have no obstructions when trying to straddle the bike frame or mounting and dismounting.

WannaBButch · Jan 27, 2013

Thanks to everyone for your answers. I ended up with a 19.5" Mongoose mountain bike. It was $25 on craigslist and while it's a bit on the tall side it will work for now. Being my first build I was a little afraid I would finish it and never get it started. I'm glad that wasn't the case. Now that mine is built I'll be saving up to build one for my partner who is actually a bit shorter than I am. I think we will hit the pawn shops and see what we can find. While I'd love to do a chopper build, it would take the kind of money that would make it a very slow build for me. Maybe someday.

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