I am struggling to look for a relatively good Gravel bike due to my size. I am 4' 10" (inseam 26.5") . I have looked at all the known websites for a gravel bike that will be suitable for my size but unfortunately I have not been able to find one that is small enough for me. Appreciate any suggestions please.
Thank you.
Women's Gravel bike sizing
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
Have you looked at Islabikes?
-----------------------------------------------------------
I cycle therefore I am.
I cycle therefore I am.
-
- Posts: 6920
- Joined: 7 Jul 2014, 9:45pm
- Location: Near Bicester Oxon
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
Or a premium Junior bike, of which there are many nowadays, with 26" or 650Bs, perhaps?
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 1 Feb 2019, 9:53am
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
reohn2 wrote:Have you looked at Islabikes?
Thank you . Yes I have looked at Islabikes but I prefer adult ladies bike.
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 1 Feb 2019, 9:53am
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
Bonefishblues wrote:Or a premium Junior bike, of which there are many nowadays, with 26" or 650Bs, perhaps?
P
I considered it but not for me. I’d prefer an adult’s bike
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
I think you're going to be limited to 26inch 650b wheelsize and may need to go custom.
Have you checked out Thorn or Spa cycles?
Have you checked out Thorn or Spa cycles?
-----------------------------------------------------------
I cycle therefore I am.
I cycle therefore I am.
-
- Posts: 6920
- Joined: 7 Jul 2014, 9:45pm
- Location: Near Bicester Oxon
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
ainitaalias wrote:Bonefishblues wrote:Or a premium Junior bike, of which there are many nowadays, with 26" or 650Bs, perhaps?
P
I considered it but not for me. I’d prefer an adult’s bike
I'm not sure there's a difference tbh., certainly at the premium end like Worx et al I should perhaps have termed it 'junior'

An xs hybrid converted to drop bars, maybe?
https://www.bikes2udirect.com/B7603.htm ... RnEALw_wcB
Adult bike:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/kon ... g_EALw_wcB
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 1 Feb 2019, 9:53am
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
reohn2 wrote:I think you're going to be limited to 26inch 650b wheelsize and may need to go custom.
Have you checked out Thorn or Spa cycles?
Bonefishblues wrote:ainitaalias wrote:Bonefishblues wrote:Or a premium Junior bike, of which there are many nowadays, with 26" or 650Bs, perhaps?
P
I considered it but not for me. I’d prefer an adult’s bike
I'm not sure there's a difference tbh., certainly at the premium end like Worx et al I should perhaps have termed it 'junior'See example below
An xs hybrid converted to drop bars, maybe?
https://www.bikes2udirect.com/B7603.htm ... RnEALw_wcB
Adult bike:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/kon ... g_EALw_wcB
Thank you, these are helpful
-
- Posts: 6920
- Joined: 7 Jul 2014, 9:45pm
- Location: Near Bicester Oxon
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
ainitaalias wrote:reohn2 wrote:I think you're going to be limited to 26inch 650b wheelsize and may need to go custom.
Have you checked out Thorn or Spa cycles?Bonefishblues wrote:ainitaalias wrote:P
I considered it but not for me. I’d prefer an adult’s bike
I'm not sure there's a difference tbh., certainly at the premium end like Worx et al I should perhaps have termed it 'junior'See example below
An xs hybrid converted to drop bars, maybe?
https://www.bikes2udirect.com/B7603.htm ... RnEALw_wcB
Adult bike:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/kon ... g_EALw_wcB
Thank you, these are helpful
Just apropos of the Genesis, my daughter rides a 24" wheeled one, and I can confirm it's beautifully built and finished. It also has the brazings to fit the cable for a front mech, were you minded to put a double chainring on at some point in the future.
ETA
Same frame, double chainset:
https://www.biketart.com/bikes-c1/kids- ... 2REALw_wcB . (Biketart are very good, by the way, having used them - you might even get another 10% off via a code, as we did)
2017 CX cheaper, you might prefer these graphics?: https://www.singletrackbikes.co.uk/m1b1 ... jkEALw_wcB
Slow morning here in Bonefish Towers

Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
ainitaalias wrote:
I considered it but not for me. I’d prefer an adult’s bike
What is about a notional "adult's bike" that you prefer? The primary distinction between different models of the Islabikes Luath Pro is nothing but size: they all cost the same and have basically the same spec (which is good) and the only difference from an "adult" bike is they're sized for smaller than average-adult riders.
The Luath Pro has been discontinued and they're selling off the remainder for a grand at the moment. It's a 'cross bike rather than particularly a "gravel bike", but it should manage pretty much the same stuff. Designed by a former national 'cross champion aiming to give an edge for smaller competitors, so don't let "children's bike" put you off.
Pete.
Often seen riding a bike around Dundee...
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 1 Feb 2019, 9:53am
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
pjclinch wrote:ainitaalias wrote:
I considered it but not for me. I’d prefer an adult’s bike
What is about a notional "adult's bike" that you prefer? The primary distinction between different models of the Islabikes Luath Pro is nothing but size: they all cost the same and have basically the same spec (which is good) and the only difference from an "adult" bike is they're sized for smaller than average-adult riders.
The Luath Pro has been discontinued and they're selling off the remainder for a grand at the moment. It's a 'cross bike rather than particularly a "gravel bike", but it should manage pretty much the same stuff. Designed by a former national 'cross champion aiming to give an edge for smaller competitors, so don't let "children's bike" put you off.
Pete.
Thanks Pete for the advice. I take a look at this too.
-
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 1 Feb 2019, 8:50pm
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
I am 4ft 10 inch and have always had custom frames but recently I bought a child's Frog bike which has 26 inch wheels and 145 mm cranks. The bike is incredibly comfortable (more comfortable than my custom bikes) and fairly light. Frog have put a lot of thought into the geometry for a small person. I have always ridden 160mm cranks and thought the 145 mm would be far to small but I am delighted with them. Like you I was a bit dubious about going 'child' status but have been very pleasantly surprised so do not dismiss this option entirely. There is quite a bit on the 'Bike Radar' site relating to bikes for small women. Its a mine field so good luck.
-
- Posts: 6920
- Joined: 7 Jul 2014, 9:45pm
- Location: Near Bicester Oxon
Re: Women's Gravel bike sizing
Tricyclebell wrote:I am 4ft 10 inch and have always had custom frames but recently I bought a child's Frog bike which has 26 inch wheels and 145 mm cranks. The bike is incredibly comfortable (more comfortable than my custom bikes) and fairly light. Frog have put a lot of thought into the geometry for a small person. I have always ridden 160mm cranks and thought the 145 mm would be far to small but I am delighted with them. Like you I was a bit dubious about going 'child' status but have been very pleasantly surprised so do not dismiss this option entirely. There is quite a bit on the 'Bike Radar' site relating to bikes for small women. Its a mine field so good luck.
Good advice. Interestingly, to me the larger Frogs have always looked overlong, so good to hear a user's perspective.