Bike for short person wanted!

[SLR]

I did not know which section of the forum to put this in.

I am 5ft 5 on a good day and I am looking to buy a trail bike that I actually get on! When I posted some months ago someone suggested I look at a Serow but at the time I was not in position to get one. So I sold one of my bikes and now in a better position and looking for a trail bike to try some green lanes. Any ideas or has anyone got a Serow I could try and sit on or any other alternatives? I think the problem will be just getting on and off the thing! I currently ride a Triumph speed triple with a 815 seat height and on tip toe and used to sliding off one side and getting one foot down.

Rob

[Beerbelly]

Try a ktm free ride

[Stewie]

Husky TE410e quite low for a duel purpose bike

[SLR]

Thanks, but those are to tall. It is just getting on the things hence why Iwas looking at a smaller bike! I will see if I can find a serow and then once used to it see if I can get on something taller. is this a common problem with people who are short and would like to have a go go at trail riding of off road sport. How important is the ground clearance for lanes?

[Beerbelly]

Ktm freeride is tiny. Chopper has one. I sat on it and it was like a mountain bike! Cracking bit of kit.

[steve sharp]

Hi,

The Serow is a good first bike for shorter people.. It will give you confidence to learn to trail ride. I'm leading a run on the 17th May; Chris has a Serow and will be on the ride, I'm sure he will let you sit on it. It doesn't have the ground clearance of the taller bikes but its solid and will go every where..

If you get to Rykas Cafe Car park, Box Hill at 9-45 to have a look and sit.. As we will be leaving at 10-00.

Chris, If you reading this please confirm this is ok.

And I agree with beer belly, the Free ride is also good but looks a bit taller. They have them down at P&H you could check the height is ok.

Steve

[SLR]

thanks forthe response. the freeride is way to tall i would not be able to get on it as I am 165 cm tall. The free ride seat height is 915

Just looked on Ebay and Serows going for £2000 - £3000 pounds which seems a lot for such an old bike.

maybe trail riding is for tall people only.

Rob

[kevpg]

Try:

AJP PR3
Beta Alp 2

Or follow in Gavinski's mighty footsteps, not something I would normally advise, and look at a Scorpa LongRide.

All very capable little trail bikes, sometimes less is more.

Kev

[Beerbelly]

thanks forthe response. the freeride is way to tall i would not be able to get on it as I am 165 cm tall. The free ride seat height is 915

Just looked on Ebay and Serows going for £2000 - £3000 pounds which seems a lot for such an old bike.

maybe trail riding is for tall people only.

Rob

Really? you think the freeride is too tall? Then trail riding isn't for you!!! I'm 175 and started with an xr400... I'm on a crf450x now! It's bloody tall. But you get used to it! It's about riding style and ability and it builds up over time.

[SLR]

LOL, no, not giving up!!! Will sort something out one way or another.

[Beerbelly]

thanks forthe response. the freeride is way to tall i would not be able to get on it as I am 165 cm tall. The free ride seat height is 915

Just looked on Ebay and Serows going for £2000 - £3000 pounds which seems a lot for such an old bike.

maybe trail riding is for tall people only.

Rob

Really? you think the freeride is too tall? Then trail riding isn't for you!!! I'm 175 and started with an xr400... I'm on a crf450x now! It's bloody tall. But you get used to it! It's about riding style and ability and it builds up over time.

I was going to say I still don't have any ability or style!! Hehe - I just about manage to hang on to the bike!

[Ewan]

maybe trail riding is for tall people only.

Rubbish!

I've seen short riders ride tall trail bikes and even tall, heavy adventure bikes off road. It's not about having masses of talent (though that helps!) just about modifying how you ride, especially thinking about how you start and stop. There's no need to be able to put both feet down at the same time if you plan your starting and stopping. Admittedly having long legs makes life a bit simpler, but with a bit of thought and adjusting technique to suit, anyone over about 5'0" can ride almost anything.

Buy a bike that's not monstrously tall (more options than being very short!), light weight, cheap and maybe with a few battle scars. You'll drop it while you're practicing your technique, but so what. You'd drop it anyway from time to time even if both feet did touch the floor! Soon you'll have the knack.

Here's Patsy Quick beside one of her Dakar bikes - with the seat at her chest height.



Or check out Gaston Rahier (middle) beside his bike