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Are you one of those bikers who are shorter in height? Then you know that most women’s bicycles simply lack the stand-over height it takes to safely mount a bike that is meant for anyone taller than 5’4”. But there is hope! There are bikes out on the market designed explicitly with shorter riders in mind.
We’ve researched 12 models and come up with the list of the 7 best bikes for a short female considering such important features as the type of the bike, its frame size, wheel size, weight, and more. The Micargi Women Rover deserved to be our first pick. You will also find premium electric models for long rides and women’s road and cruiser bikes for everyday rides. And if you want a new bike to conquer popular MTBs, we have small-frame women’s mountain and hybrid bicycles to offer!
More features: low-rider step-through Hi-Ten steel frame; extra-wide handlebars; coaster brakes; rigid suspension type; chain guard
We found the Micargi Women Rover bike to be the best bike for short women of all ages. This is a smooth-shifting single-speed model that has been tested by riders of different heights between 4’6” and 5’3”. It also turns out to be comfortable for taller women. The bike has a very sturdy the Hi-Ten steel frame, and is capable of carrying up to 200 lbs., which is more than enough weight capacity for most people. The best thing about this bike is its upright riding position with a low center of gravity. This provides much more maneuverability for short riders and allows them to enjoy a smooth ride without the risk of tipping over.
This bike stands out from other Micargi models with the low step-through frame, which makes it easy to get on and off the bike when wearing short skirts and dresses. The frame also gives it a unique design from other types of female bicycles. Its comfort is combined with the stability and control promised by the pedal brakes and the durability of the whitewall tires.
More features: Smooth Ride Technology frame; dual-pivot caliper brakes; rigid suspension type
Another option on our list is the Schwinn Vantage F3. This is the best hybrid bike for short females that we tested. The 16” frame is best suited to the riders 5’3” to 5’7” tall. We were particularly happy with the number of speeds, which is 21, and its disk brakes that work great for active cycling as well as casual riding. Even though, the bike has a rigid suspension which is supposed to tackle different types of terrains, we found it to be best suitable for city commuting and occasional rides.
Compared to previous models from Schwinn, this hybrid bicycle is designed with a smooth ride technology frame. This is one of the main reasons why it is on our list of top bikes for short females. The frame makes riding comfortable regardless of your height. It is fitted with an elastomer soft tail suspension and a low gravity point for ideal riding.
More features: traditional wide saddle; V-brakes; low-rider step-through Hi-Ten steel frame
The Micargi Women’s M40 is our value pick for the best bikes fir short females, who are are 5’3″ or taller. It is absolutely durable and sturdy thanks to its steel high-ten frame. Do not try to jump off roofs with it though! V-brake that you will find in this bike provides you with maximum stopping power in all weather conditions and hilly terrain. It features 18 speeds, which is quite a lot!
The M40 model sets itself apart from the Rover model on our list with its traditional saddle and steel handlebars. The steel handlebars might not be extra wide like in the Rover, but it is designed at the right angle to make pedaling convenient without adding pressure to your body. The traditional saddle is also wide for complete support when on rough roads.
More features: lifetime frame & fork warranty; 3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset; carbon fork; rim brakes; rigid suspension type
In our opinion, the Tommaso Forcella Endurance is the best road bike for short females. It accommodates cyclists with a height range of 4’9″ to 5’2″. This bike is quite lightweight and it’s easy to maneuver thanks to its aluminum frame. So, novice female riders will definitely appreciate that. This model features a Shimano Claris Groupset, which means it is very simple to shift and use brakes. Its rigid suspension fork and 27.5 tires mean that you can ride on bumpy terrain and hills quite easily.
Most bikes from this brand come with a lightweight aluminum compact frame. But, unlike previous Tommaso Forcella models, this Endurance road bike is designed with an HCT carbon fork which dampens vibrations when you drive on rough terrains. The fork also makes the bike much lighter than usual, making it easy to carry from place to place regardless of your small stature.
More features: dual disc brakes; lockout fork; pre-assembled; assembly tools included; General Certificate of Conformity and Children’s Product Certificate
The Hiland Mountain Bike is the best among mountain bikes for ‘little’ ladies according to our tests. This model works best for riders that are 5’1″ or 5’6″ tall. The bike comes with 21 speeds, which is quite a lot. It also boasts a dual disc brake system, which comes in handy when riding on wet roads. A front suspension fork allows for less shaking and smoother cycling. The bike is very portable due to its aluminum frame, which is ultra-lightweight. It’s a breeze carry it wherever you need to.
The Hiland Mountain Bike is slightly different from other choices on our list with its stand-over height and dual disc brakes. But, what sets it apart is the lockout fork, which helps with stability and safety when riding on rough roads and hills. You can make the suspension more rigid as you drive uphill or on pavements again by using the switch.
More features: 1-year warranty; hydraulic brakes; air suspension; Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor; Buchel LED lights
When choosing the premium e-bike for short females, we settled on the PRODIGY from Ride1UP. You can find three different variations of frame type. They are XR, XC, and ST. The latter works best for short females under 5’2″ tall. The Ride1UP PRODIGY is designed to be used even in the dirtiest conditions thanks to the 9-speed drivetrain. The hydraulic brakes and an air suspension fork offer you a long-lasting battery, which allows to ride up to 50 miles on a single charge!
We also recommend the Ride1UP Prodigy because of its lightweight design, which makes it stand out from other models on our list. Short female cyclists can easily carry their bikes from place to place without worrying about the heaviness. The alloy steel is also fitted with locked electronics for extra safety.
More features: 48V Geared Hub Shengyi Motor; KD21C adjustable speed LCD; 1-year warranty; coaster brakes; chainstay guard
Here is one more model from Ride1UP. You do not need to pedal the Ride1UP Turris electric bike in case of running out of energy. There are two frame options you can choose: ST and XR. The ST frame is step-through frame, whereas XR has a step-over design. The ST option is designed for cyclists from 5’1″ to 6’2″ tall. Seven speeds, in addition to a lightweight frame, make it quite versatile and allow for different types of riding. And, thanks to a decent gear hub motor, you can effortlessly ride uphill and tackle off-road trails.
Compared to the Prodigy model, which we named the Premium Pick, the Turris is powered by a strong 750w hub motor with 60nm of torque. This gives the class 3 electric bike a lot of power as you drive. Not only this, but the frame geometry is designed for comfortable riding whatever your height is, like in the Schwinn Vantage F3 model.
In this guide, we will be taking a look at some essential features to consider when looking for the perfect bike for short women, so if you are one yourself and want to get your hands on one, keep reading.
To cut the long story short, if you are less than average height, you’ll need a bike that comes with shorter stem and tube, smaller size wheels and a different seat position.
You cannot pick just any regular-sized bike and be sure it’s going to be a very comfortable and smooth ride. This is absolutely not true for short people. In order to make the right choice, you need to be aware of a few limitations. Apart from comfort that the right size bicycle provides, the wrong choice might lead to you getting injured. If you are 5’5” or shorter, you’ll need a specific bike.
First thing that makes a short women-specific bike stand out is its geometry. The bikes for petite females come with a lower stand-over height and the reach must be much shorter that it is in the most average-sized bikes you can find in the market. With these features, you can be sure that it will be much easier to handle your bike and it will suit your needs better.
There are plenty of types and sizes of the bikes for short women. Take your time and find out which suit your body type best and remember to take into account what kind of riding you are going to do. In order for you to get a better idea what to pay attention to, we’ve come up with the list of essential features to look for in a bike for short females. You won’t be disappointed!
The modern market offers four key bike types. You will have to choose from the road, cruiser, mountain, and electric bike models. Which type works best for you actually depends on your personal preference and kind of riding you plan to be doing. You may go for a traditional road bike for casual rides in the city, a cruiser for occasional exercise or get one of those heavy mountain bikes. If you want to get fit while taking pleasure in the outdoors, mountain biking is your best bet. The seats on the mountain bikes can be adjusted so that they can easily fit your height. Whether you decide to acquire an ordinary pedal-assisted bike or an electric model, which has become quite popular lately, the main aspect you need to be aware of is always the height compatibility.
As for the bicycle frame size, it affects not only your height issues. If the frame is large, it will cause you some discomfort while riding. At the same time, too small frame can result in you getting injured and it will impact the bike’s maneuverability. The common bike frame sizes are: XS (13”-15”), S (16”-19”), and M (19”-21”). For riders under 5’3” it is a good idea to go for the bike with XS or S frames.
Another important consideration for women of small stature is the bike’s wheel size, since it has a great impact on the maneuverability of the bicycle. The most common size of wheels is 26 inches, but for people who are no taller than 4’10”, we recommend getting the bike with 24-inch wheels. If you want to be in total control of your bike and balance on it easily, go for the smaller size wheels.
The bicycle is not a car, so you will have to change you riding position quite a bit. For the perfect balancing, the rule of thumb is to make sure the handlebars are at the level of your chin.
If you decide to get the e-bike with an electric motor, you will need to extend your legs as much as possible and sit upright. Thus, you will be able to use the motor comfortably. If you go for a hybrid bike, remember to set the saddle at a reasonable height, this way you will not overstretch yourself and reaching the pedals will not be a problem. For a comfortable ride on a road bike, make sure you sit upright. This way you will be able to see the road ahead clearly and the steering will be much easier. With a mountain bike, the most important thing is stability on uneven terrain. So, it is a good idea to lower you center of gravity by situating yourself lower to the ground. This way you’ll also be able to comfortably do jumps with your bike.
Your riding performance and speed are also heavily affected by the weight of your bike. The lighter the bike is, the more efficient you are on the road, which is also a plus for a shorter person. Mountain bikes are considered the heaviest, so if you want it to be as lightweight as possible, buy one with aluminum frame. It will not be as heavy as the bike made of carbon steel or titanium. Aluminum construction improves the maneuverability, making mountain biking enjoyable for petite women.
Above all else, the price of a new bike depends in its type: whether it is a simple road bike, a mountain bike, or an e-bike. On average, the cost of bikes for short women starts from $250 and goes up to $2,500. While e-bikes are more expensive and cost about $3,000, you can buy a decent road bike at about $300. Hybrid bikes usually cost less than mountain bikes, but in that case, the brand and features play a significant role.
In addition to all features we listed above, there are a few more things to check out if you want to get the bike that fits your height perfectly and provides comfortable riding.
The weight on both sides of the seat should be equal, thus you prevent it from tipping over frequently. The seat angle should be adjustable in order to make the pedaling easier for you.
Another crucial thing to take into account is which type of brakes your bike uses. It impacts the overall performance and weight of your bicycle. You can choose between disc brakes and rim brakes. You can often find rim brakes on road bikes. For shorter females, we recommend getting a bike with disc brakes since they are lighter. Also, consider getting a bike with hydraulic disc brakes, since they are simpler to control than mechanical brakes.
There is a wide choice of best bikes for short women on the market. These are our top picks:
First goes the Micargi Women Rover. This stylish cruiser comes with Hi-Ten steel frame, which is very durable and reliable in bumpy roads. Low center of gravity is especially helpful for short cyclists who experience issues with balance.
If you are under 5’2″ in height, then the Ride1UP PRODIGY electric bike is exactly what you need. The combination of an air suspension fork with a 9-speed drivetrain and hydraulic brakes allows this bike to tackle the dirtiest conditions with ease.
Finally comes our third pick, the Schwinn Vantage F3. This is the best bike for short females who consider a hybrid model. It comes with disk brakes, which allow for a quick stop on any type of road. This bike also has customizable rack and fender.
With all the information provided above, we hope you’ll be able to get the bike that is appropriate for your height and enjoy your rides!
