Which Bike?

[RST Scout]

I have been looking for a new bike for a while but I have a problem - I'm very short.   I'm 1490mm high and my current bike has a stand-over height of 711mm. Most makers don't go down this low. I know I need one with a 26" wheel and I have been looking at the 'new' gravel/adventure bikes. But even so they are pretty nearly all too big (they look lovely tho). I have now narrowed it down to a small Thorn bike, either a Raven Sport Tour or a Sherpa.
I want a bike for shopping, day touring, longer touring possibly with a tent, and a bit of rough-stuff (hence the gravel bikes). I have no intention of going on an expedition. Europe will do for me but I do like to go on tracks etc (but no mud unless I have to!).

Can anyone offer me any advice?

[jags]

take a look at this beauty.
http://www.bikeforums.net/touring-bikes-gear-marketplace/1052139-fs-co-motion-pangea-s-s-44cm-touring-bike-philly-area.html#post19201643


jags.

[RST Scout]

Yes, its a very nice bike (especially the orange) but way out of my price range.

[macspud]

This might be of some interest to you:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252627208202?ul_noapp=true

Not mine.

Best not to hang about if you're interested, the auction ends tomorrow 20 Nov, 2016 20:34:47 GMT, though there's been no bidding yet.

[julk]

TabbyCat,
The Thorn bikes will do what you want as long as there is one small enough for you.

I would expect you to want some wide tyres for gravel use and the Sport Tour will probably not take as wide a tyre as the Sherpa.

I have appreciated the load carrying capacity of my Thorn, once carrying 30kgs of shopping in 4 panniers.

Have fun choosing.
Julian

[RST Scout]

Thanks.

[Danneaux]

Hi TabbyCat and welcome!

Have you considered one of Thorn's step-through frames? This design appears robust enough for your intended use and the lack of a more conventional top tube eliminates any direct concerns about standover.

I recommended one to a friend last week. He is in his mid-60s and a recent hip replacement has made it difficult for him to mount a bike with even a sloping top tube. The open framed Sherpa or Raven looks like a good solution for him and might be worth considering for your needs.

Best,

Dan.

[energyman]

Have a look at a Charge Grater 2 Mixte 2017 Women's Hybrid Bike too.
They do a selection of sizes.
Maybe one is purrfect ....

[RST Scout]

Thanks all.

[bobs]

Have you thought about a Surly Troll XS size. It's a very good do it all bike.

Bob

[RST Scout]

I have decided on a RST. It appears to be a few mm smaller than the newer bikes. Dave at Thorns says it will fit me. I've put a deposit down on it but I am still waiting for my Leica camera to sell (altho a friend said he would take the lenses). Its a nice racing car green with honey B17 and flat bars. Ho hum! Can't wait!

[jags]

Fantastic tabbycat  enjoy every pedal stroke  dont forget the photos

jags.

[Matt2matt2002]

Don't forget to post some pictures of your new baby!😉

[alfie1952]

And another one joins the club...... Welcome, BRG with a Brooks honey saddle sounds great.

Regards Alfie

[energyman]

RST's RULE