New, short & pondering. (bittertwistedcute)

**Maddmaxs** · 15th April 2009, 00:30

Hiya, not in NZ yet but aiming for CHCH. Hubbie and I both had bandits, I'm 5 foot 7 and managed fine, but he has a shorter inside leg than me and also managed.

I'm not laughing at wee folk - honest, but my pal rides an SP2 and he is very vertically challenged and its sooooooooooo funny when we come to a stop (even at traffic lights) as he always rolls over to the pavement and puts his little leggie and his little boot down on the raised bit..... He takes a ribbing from me all the time about it.... You can see his eyes searching frantically if there is any incline at all and he might have to do a U turn on the downhill...

He's a brilliant rider: a joy to follow, even on roads that he doesn't know, but thats his job (he's and advanced driving instructor, and can teach HGV, bikes, cars, you name it!).

Why dont you get the seat cut out and the suspension lowered. You can get a shorter shock you know?

Maddmaxs

**naphazoline** · 15th April 2009, 06:16

Originally Posted by bittertwistedcute

Hi

I am a new rider, had a wee cruiser, now have an old bandit but finding centre of gravity more suited to someone less vertically challenged!
At least Christchurch is flat!!

Welcome onboard B.T.C.

**Joliet** · 27th April 2009, 21:25

Ah yes, the Bandit vs. Short Legs battle. I have come face to face with this and am determined to win!

I'm only 5'2" and could only get the balls of my feet on the ground. Got my dad to lower the back suspension and bring the front forks (?!) up about an inch and now I'm about half an inch from getting my feet flat on the ground (in my Docs, of course!).

So maybe that'd be a good move for you if you're not too confident about keeping the balance of a big heavy machine between your legs

**Furbiewankenobi** · 28th April 2009, 10:23

Hi BTC,

I'm pretty new as well, but don't have the same vertical issues as you. My bike instructor in the UK once told me that I have the 'right build' to be riding bikes!!!

Cheeky bugger! (Although he's probably right.)

Welcome. This is a great resource.

Furbie

**SDU** · 28th April 2009, 14:31

Originally Posted by bittertwistedcute

I can relate to "the first time you stop across a slope and find you cant reach the ground on the donwhill side is a defining moment "

A few off us hobbits can relate to that

...but you fast, learn to judge which is the tallest side to put your foot down on--even on the canty flats.

Welcome to the nuthouse.

**bittertwistedcute** · 8th May 2009, 02:08

Problem solved, I found a bike that fits, same weight but fits!!!!
1992 Zeal 250 - dubbed the boy bike of love.

I now have a bike that I love, and just need to learn how to ride it.

I spent Thursday tottling about in the sunshine, racked up a few k's and took some sheen off the new tyres.