Frame Design for Smaller Folks

I have had a good number of questions and requests about accommodating smaller cyclists on my bikes. And I am now starting to explore what it would take to make my frame design in a smaller size.

As of now I have had individuals as short as 5'4" on the frames, but seeing as there is a Under 5 foot 1 inch group, I would appreciate any insight (being 6' 2" myself) into the challenges you find - particularly related to a city/commuter bike, such as what I make. 

What size wheels, length cranks, components and accessories that do/don't work.

Thanks for any input.

Levi

owner/builder

Legacy Frameworks 

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Permalink Reply by Legacy Frameworks on August 27, 2013 at 6:51am

With the bike completed and ready to ride, I need some help testing it out and getting real world feedback. I want to organize a ride, maybe in the evening or even on the weekend or corresponding with another event.

I can have the bike at the Open Streets in Evanston this Sunday if anyone would like to make the trip let me know. Otherwise, if there is another time/place/event that will work, lets make something happen soon. 

Thanks Again.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on August 27, 2013 at 10:03am

Looks nice, and I would be happy to try it for you, but I don't know when I could manage in the next week or so.  I cannot make it up to Evanston for the open streets event.  And I wonder if I can remember how to use a coaster brake. :-)

Actually, two thoughts.  First, we are having a Women Bike Chicago event on Wednesday, Sept 4 starting at Daley Plaza at 5:30.  I could see if we could get some of us short folks to come a little early and try riding it around Daley Plaza.  The second thought is to have it at the Open Streets event on Milwaukee Avenue on September 15, unless that is too late for you to get some test rides done.
 
Legacy Frameworks said:

With the bike completed and ready to ride, I need some help testing it out and getting real world feedback. I want to organize a ride, maybe in the evening or even on the weekend or corresponding with another event.

I can have the bike at the Open Streets in Evanston this Sunday if anyone would like to make the trip let me know. Otherwise, if there is another time/place/event that will work, lets make something happen soon. 

Thanks Again.

Permalink Reply by Legacy Frameworks on August 28, 2013 at 6:29am

This great Lisa, Thanks! The coaster does take some getting used to

Let me know if you find anyone to come early on the 4th, I can come down any time.

I will definitely be at open streets on Milwaukee.

I am open by appointment in Bridgeport if you, or anyone, want to take a test ride.



Lisa Curcio 6.5 mi said:

Looks nice, and I would be happy to try it for you, but I don't know when I could manage in the next week or so.  I cannot make it up to Evanston for the open streets event.  And I wonder if I can remember how to use a coaster brake. :-)

Actually, two thoughts.  First, we are having a Women Bike Chicago event on Wednesday, Sept 4 starting at Daley Plaza at 5:30.  I could see if we could get some of us short folks to come a little early and try riding it around Daley Plaza.  The second thought is to have it at the Open Streets event on Milwaukee Avenue on September 15, unless that is too late for you to get some test rides done.

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on August 28, 2013 at 10:19am

I can't make it up to Evanston Sunday since it's my baby's 6th birthday party but my schedule is fairly flexible otherwise. I will be at Open Streets on Milwaukee for sure and I'm sure a couple of bike shops with be boothing and let you hang there and lasso tiny passers-by. 

Permalink Reply by Emily O on September 2, 2013 at 4:31pm
Just out of curiosity, why did you decide to go with a coaster brake?


Legacy Frameworks said:

With the bike completed and ready to ride, I need some help testing it out and getting real world feedback. I want to organize a ride, maybe in the evening or even on the weekend or corresponding with another event.

I can have the bike at the Open Streets in Evanston this Sunday if anyone would like to make the trip let me know. Otherwise, if there is another time/place/event that will work, lets make something happen soon. 

Thanks Again.

Permalink Reply by Legacy Frameworks on September 3, 2013 at 3:36am

Choosing parts for a test bike is always a arduous process for me. I am always trying to refine and streamline what I offer.

This model of my bikes I am aiming to make as low maintenance and streight-forward as possible. The coaster brake is a cost effective option that accomplishes that. Also, being a test bike, I wanted to get peoples opinion - I have been running into quite a few people who are turning back to the venerable coaster brake and have been enjoying it.

 

Emily Owaki said:

Just out of curiosity, why did you decide to go with a coaster brake?



Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 3, 2013 at 3:40am

I've also wondered why I'm seeing coaster brakes more on some new bikes.  It's certainly easy, cheap and low maintenance.  However, I find that it's more effective for slow and/or lightweight riders.

Permalink Reply by Legacy Frameworks on September 3, 2013 at 4:17am

My bike are definitely for more moderate speeds, but I'm curious what you consider the effective speed range of a coaster brake is?

In my mind they are also a secondary brake, I tend to use the front brake more. 


Anne Alt said:

I've also wondered why I'm seeing coaster brakes more on some new bikes.  It's certainly easy, cheap and low maintenance.  However, I find that it's more effective for slow and/or lightweight riders.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 3, 2013 at 4:31am

If a coaster brake is the only brake, I'd consider it good for 12 mph or less (probably more like 10 mph or less if the rider is over 150 lbs or so).  I rode an ancient single speed Schwinn with coaster brake in high school and college and considered it perfectly adequate for my usage then - riding at slow to moderate speeds.  I weighed about 110-120 back then and it stopped me just fine.

Permalink Reply by Banshee: 12-15mi on September 4, 2013 at 11:54pm
Where can I try out your bike?
Permalink Reply by Legacy Frameworks on September 5, 2013 at 3:51am

Hey Steve, this prototype bike is floating around at this point. It is currently in Oak Park, but if you would like to try it out, shoot me an email levi at legacyframeworks dot com and I we can set something up where/when it would be convenient for you.

Also, I will be at the cargo bike roll call coming up this sunday in bronzeville and at open streets milwalkee on the 15th

 

Steve: 5-7mi said:

Where can I try out your bike?
Permalink Reply by Anne B. on September 5, 2013 at 6:33am

Hey, thanks for letting me try out the bikes last night! If only I had room/$$$ for another bike! 

Legacy Frameworks said:

Hey Steve, this prototype bike is floating around at this point. It is currently in Oak Park, but if you would like to try it out, shoot me an email levi at legacyframeworks dot com and I we can set something up where/when it would be convenient for you.

Also, I will be at the cargo bike roll call coming up this sunday in bronzeville and at open streets milwalkee on the 15th

 

Steve: 5-7mi said:

Where can I try out your bike?

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