Is A-bike comfortably ridable for someone short?

[Little]

I am interested in buying a genuine Sinclair A-bike.
However, my problem is that I am only 5-foot tall (153cm).

If there are A-bike riders here who are about my height, could you please tell me if it is comfortable enough to ride?

I am asking this, because I found a non-UK country is recommending minimum 160cm for this bike, although the UK's recommendation is 4'9.

I am looking forward to your reply.
Thank you.

[Jon Laurence]

Hi. I'm a newby. Just got out with A-Bike for a few times. Hope my experience is useful.

I'm 162 cm tall only. Um... It's okay for me. Relatively comfortable and both my feet can reach the ground. I think a few cm shorter than me should be okay, too. So you are on the edge. Better get a trial. If both your feet can reach the gound, it would be better (safer) as you might ride on it on street. Sometimes dealing with passengers.

If you can't let both your feet reach the ground (actually it's cool if you like to roll fast), you better get enough practice in some open area before you go to crowded places.

On the other hand, some people tell me, due to the balance problem (and people with long leg can't stretch their legs much to roll fast), shorter people enjoy A-Bike more.



Jon

[guest]

Measure your inseam; the length from the bootm of your shoe when you would touch the pedal, to the top inside of the leg where the seat is.

Ideally your leg should be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke; when the pedal is at the lowest position close to the ground.

The distance between the seat top (in the lowest seat position) and the pedal top at the bottom of the stoke is 68cm.

If your inseam is 75+cm you should be ok.

Also in my experience it's true that a lower centre of gravity adds stability; so short is good for an A-bike it seems!

[Little]

>Dear Jon and guest

Thank you very much for your advice!

Ah, Jon, 162 cm sounds tall to me!
As 'guest' suggested, I've measured my inseam.
Hmm...it seems like I can just manage to ride it, I guess, with my toes just reaching the ground. That's how I rode a bike when I was a child, so maybe I'll manage.
Sounds like around 160 cm is the good height for this bike...
I wish I was taller!!

Thank you so much for your help!

[Weakling]

I've ride for first time an original A-bike. Have not ridden a fake atal lso have nothing to compare with.

I can compare with three versions of Strida, mark 1, mark 3.2 and a pre mark 5? or 3.x with metal rim and spokes. Swedish model.

I've tested Brompton and SmartBike and an old Microbike.

A-bike is less comfortable of all these bikes. The steering is unusualy high on friction. the pedals very far back and the seat too small for big guys like me.

I send a photo pic of me on that bike within a few days maybe.

But a smaller person maybe feel the friction less cause me being over weight could make friction increase ?

Not easy to compare with Strida. I have practiced more on Strida now and also outside and not only indoors on plastic surface. The tire get a firmer grip outdoors. But A-bike is a bit easier to master than Strida for a newcomer while Brompton and SmartBike is much more easy to ride on.

[PilarN]

Hi!

I have my A-bike for a year, and I am 154cm tall. I feel very comfortable riding it, in fact, sometimes I have to raise the seat a little bit (it depends on the shoes I am wearing).

I am interested in buying a genuine Sinclair A-bike.
However, my problem is that I am only 5-foot tall (153cm).

If there are A-bike riders here who are about my height, could you please tell me if it is comfortable enough to ride?

I am asking this, because I found a non-UK country is recommending minimum 160cm for this bike, although the UK's recommendation is 4'9.

I am looking forward to your reply.
Thank you.

[newcross]

Hi!

I have my A-bike for a year, and I am 154cm tall. I feel very comfortable riding it, in fact, sometimes I have to raise the seat a little bit (it depends on the shoes I am wearing).

I am interested in buying a genuine Sinclair A-bike.
However, my problem is that I am only 5-foot tall (153cm).

If there are A-bike riders here who are about my height, could you please tell me if it is comfortable enough to ride?

I am asking this, because I found a non-UK country is recommending minimum 160cm for this bike, although the UK's recommendation is 4'9.

I am looking forward to your reply.
Thank you.

My girlfriend is about the same height as you and she also rides A-bike without any problem.

[Little]

Thank you very much for all your responses!
I am pleased to know that the bike will be a comfortable size for me!
I cannot wait for A-bike plus to be available!