Gravel bike for short bloke, short leg, short bank account

nick19Lndb5w

Hi all - this is mighty specific but perhaps someone out there may have any idea. I'm an unfeasibly short bloke with unfeasibly short legs - this is no idle boast and though that may sound enviable, it makes looking for a gravel bike that fits a problem. I really need the smallest possible frame (and even then the nads will suffer in certain circumstances but I'm reconciled with that) but I need the length so I'm not too scrunched up. Anyone know of any brands that tend to maximise that top tube length and minimise the height?? Bit of a long shot! Much appreciated all!

veronese68

Can you build a bike up from frame and wheels? This would suit short bloke with short bank account, no idea on top tube length.
https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/13112870/planet-x-frameset-and-wheels-pub-bike-project-pit-bike-commuter-winter-bike#latest

N0bodyOfTheGoat

What BB to seat tube top length are you looking for, ideally, so you then have ~20cm of seat post plus saddle above the clamp?

mrb123

Orro Terra C is a very "compact" frame design, so the top tube slopes significantly giving loads of standover clearance. They go down to size XS too.

https://www.orrobikes.com/shop/gravel-bikes/terra-c/58

Harry182

veronese68 said:

Can you build a bike up from frame and wheels? This would suit short bloke with short bank account, no idea on top tube length.
https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/13112870/planet-x-frameset-and-wheels-pub-bike-project-pit-bike-commuter-winter-bike#latest

^^^ This

I'd be all over it if I still lived in the UK (and was a few inches shorter (and wasn't married.))

nick19Lndb5w

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

What BB to seat tube top length are you looking for, ideally, so you then have ~20cm of seat post plus saddle above the clamp?

Thanks for your response - I'm 5'3 and I'm generally given whatever is the smallest size as recommended but I know they also come with shorter length. Probably just need to go through lots of different brand geometry and compare and contrast!

nick19Lndb5w

nick19Lndb5w said:

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

What BB to seat tube top length are you looking for, ideally, so you then have ~20cm of seat post plus saddle above the clamp?

Thanks for your response - I'm 5'3 and I'm generally given whatever is the smallest size as recommended but I know they also come with shorter length. Probably just need to go through lots of different brand geometry and compare and contrast!

Pretty sure I used to be 5'4" but I'm getting older!

nick19Lndb5w

mrb123 said:

Orro Terra C is a very "compact" frame design, so the top tube slopes significantly giving loads of standover clearance. They go down to size XS too.

https://www.orrobikes.com/shop/gravel-bikes/terra-c/58

Will check it out - many thanks

dj58

2021 Specialized Diverge Alloy E5 might fit the bill, depending on your budget.
https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/diverge-elite-e5/p/175290?color=290951-175290&searchText=96220-4244

N0bodyOfTheGoat

https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g2x-gravel-frameset-197832.html

There's a few built bikes of various specs on the site, if the 47cm frame works for you.

nick19Lndb5w

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g2x-gravel-frameset-197832.html

There's a few built bikes of various specs on the site, if the 47cm frame works for you.

Much appreciated - will take a look

janwal

https://geometrygeeks.bike/all-bikes
This site might help you.

teisetrotter

mega small: https://www.merlincycles.com/argon-18-krypton-xroad-disc-frameset-112522.html