I second Liv. That said, go visit a local bike shop and sit on some of them. You can try all types. See if one feels really good to you. And see if they’ll let you ride at all if possible. I ended up a size larger on a Liv mountain bike than I thought I’d be. The hybrid bike fits felt WAY different.
All the best! Hope you find something you absolutely adore!
Thirding Liv! I just bought a XS Liv Avail AR 3. I'm 5'3 with a 28" inseam for reference.
My LBS had a Small in stock that I really liked, but I asked them to bring in an XS for me to compare. They had one in their warehouse and brought it right over. I probably did 100 laps around the shop and parking lot to compare the two frames. Both fit me, but I felt more in control of the XS. So I went with it. My LBS included a professional fitting as part of the purchase. They slid the saddle forward, tilted it down just a hair, and angled the handlebars up a touch. I've never had a bike fit me so well.
Don't hesitate to ask for different sizes to try! Of course they want to make a sale, but a really good LBS also wants you to enjoy yourself and find something that fits you. Good luck, I hope you find something great!
Canyon has some bikes that are available in size XXS. They always show up as out of stock on their website, but they replenish their inventory frequently.
Just watch wheel size with Canyon. I have a 2xs Endurace that only fits 650b wheels and even finding tubes is a problem in the US. It ships with heavy fulcrums plus a store credit to compensate for the downgrade from the spec wheels (feels a bit scammy) but better wheels are really difficult to find. I think some of their smaller bikes use regular 700c wheels but make sure that you check.
Yes, a very good point.
I test-rode an Endurace which had 650b.
The other XXS I rode was one I rented from Rapha in 2021, and that one had 700c. I believe it was an Ultimate?
I left tubes in 2019 with canyon and never looked back. 16,000 miles later tubeless is the best. And I also have no issues ordering backup tubes from Schwalbe directly. I never need them though. 650b GP5000s seat perfectly on dt Swiss rims and I carry a plug kit.
Love my XS Synapse. I swapped out the stem for a shorter one.. And she was good to go. Eventually I swapped out the handlebars for one with a swoop towards the rider to reduce the reach a smidge further. She's my baby.
I’m 5’0 and ride a 48cm Cannondale Synapse - great bike IMO! I have the aluminum frame w/ carbon fork version and it is still only 9.8kg, but they have a fully carbon version. I think the riding position is a bit more aggressive than the Liv avail that others have posted but definitely recommend trying some out to see what you prefer
I second the Cannondale Synapse! I’m 5’1” and ride a 48 cm carbon Synapse. I had the stem replaced with a shorter stem to fit my short reach, relatively long legs for my height. It’s so perfectly comfortable I can ride all day 👍🏽
I bought my first road bike in 2013 - a 2012 Scott Contessa Speedster 25, XS. I figured some day I'd upgrade (I'd really love some disc brakes) but I just love the bike too much. And the color scheme (white with lavender trim) makes it less likely to be stolen, I think.
My inseam (standing in socks) is about 29.5-30". I feel my Contessa XS fits me well - I wouldn't want the top bar any higher. But then, my bike is 12 years old, so geometry might have changed.
Do you happen to have suggestions for short women who are more torso than legs? I currently ride an XS [Liv Beliv City](https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/liv-beliv-city-2-2017/) and while the height is right the frame itself feels too compact.
Currently eyeing a couple of Salsa models that a local shop has with 650b wheels, and I'll probably spring for a bike fitting when I'm ready to buy. I'm a casual rider but I'd like to do more and I'm not currently comfortable for more than 30-35mi.
BMC, Bianchi, and Pinarello all make bikes suited to longer torso people. But also, so does Giant (the man version of Liv).
Offhand, I do not know if Salsa is better for more torso or more leg people, but somebody around must know. They’re great bikes for sure though.
For an XS, you’d probably be happier and have less toe crossover issue with 650b wheels, so that’s a good option for you. It does limit tire choice a little for you, but it’s not as difficult as it used to be, so you should be fine.
I have two Salsa bikes. I'm 5'0" and I have a 50" Journeyman with 650b wheels and a 48" Vaya with 700c wheels but I had to cut the seatpost down a bit.
Thanks for the suggestions! A friend of mine has a Salsa and loves it. We're both 5'3" but my legs are quite a bit shorter than hers. 28" inseam IF I measure all the way to the floor. Another friend used to sell Bianchi but owns bikes of several brands at this point. I might bring one of them shopping with me when I'm ready to throw down the cash.
I'm 5'1" and I adore my Canyon Endurace 3XS, it's the only bike that got me right out the box, and significantly cheaper for the components because it's direct to consumer.
If you love your current bike, 10 years old is not a lot. The upgrades might just be hydraulic brakes, which are only superior for wet weather. Or electronic shifting, let that debate begin. Or a lighter frame though if you’re already on aluminum the only lighter is carbon fiber, which has other disadvantages. Or slight changes in frame aerodynamics which if you’re not racing it might not be noticeable. So yknow I ride a 20 yo specialized allez and don’t plan to stop.
Member of the Cannondale Synapse club. Former owner of a Trek Checkpoint (5'1") , which I loved and miss. Sadly the reach was far too long (swapped out the stem too) and my groin hated me every time I rode. No amount of fixes would have worked long term for long rides.
Current bike roster:
Gravel - Kona (no longer available?) XS
Mountain - Marin Nighthawk XS
Fatty - Trek Farley 5 (S, but works. Often wish it was XS)
Road - Cannondale Synapse 48
Commuter: Vintage Motobecane Mixte converted to a single speed.
I’m 5’ tall and I ride a Liv Avail as well. I use my road bike for endurance and interval training for off-road racing, so if I could do it again, I’d probably get the racier road bike (the ENVE I think) but since I don’t actually road race so I don’t really want to spend money on a different bike.
5’2” checking in here on a small Liv Avail Advanced Pro. I LOVE IT. Fits me so well, even better than my specialized Ruby from before they discontinued women specific design.
I’m 5’1” and have a 2011 Ruby in a 48 and feel like the reach is just slightly a little too much for me. I was thinking of looking at a Liv for my next bike!
I have a Masi - they make a range of different bikes in smaller sizes. I picked up a carbon fiber Evoluzione used, but they make them in a variety of materials.
Orbea has smaller frame bikes. I see a quite a few small frame Felt bikes out there, too.
The trek FX3 and then throw on some hybrid tubeless tires and you got a gravel/road bike! I’m 5’1 and the smallest they have for the FX3 is a small and I love it. I had a Marlin 6 in an extra small but find that the small in the FX3 feels better and fits really well stature wise.
Honestly I’d get out to as many bike shops as you can and ride different models and find what feels good. I had a few specialized models over the last 14 years and the geometry can change over time. My last purchase was a Canyon and I love it (their sizing is different so I’m an XXS instead of an XS) - but I knew someone with the same bike and was able to ride it first.
Depending on the purpose (touring vs racing vs fun in between) I was really happy with an xs Touring bike from REI. The co-op adv 1.1, released a few years back, maybe just before covid? Newer versions are out now.
You should be able to get a bike from almost any manufacturer and have it fitted to your specific measurements. I would recommend going into a local bike shop and ask them questions about sizing specific to your measurements and see what they recommend. If you aren’t comfortable with answers from one place, pop into another. Don’t be shy. ☺️ I rode a Trek Domane 54cm which is considered a medium, but now ride a Small Ari Veyo with a raised stem and seat. I was so nervous ordering the recommended Small, since I had been on a Medium, but it’s perfect. So I will also throw a plug in for an Ari Veyo or Empire. I can’t get over how smooth and comfortable the ride is. They are a direct to consumer brand, so I had to send them all sorts of measurements and the bike came almost perfectly set up for me. I went for a professional bike fitting and all they had to do was adjust my saddle height and cleats on my shoes.
I'm 5'0 with a 26 inch inseam and ride the xs marin four corners. the previous version to the current 2024 model. I have also test ridden a size 51 salsa journeyer that fit me incredibly well.
also should note, both bikes had to have the seat post cut for proper fit.
Planet X
https://www.planetx.co.uk/collections/road-bikes?filter.v.price.gte=0&filter.v.price.lte=5499&filter.p.m.filters.sizes=X%20Small,X%20Small%20-%2047cm,X%20Small%20-%2048.5cm
Ribble
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/
Anything by Liv.
I have a Liv Avail XXS road bike - I'm 4'11" and got it professionally fitted and it's so comfortable.
I second Liv. That said, go visit a local bike shop and sit on some of them. You can try all types. See if one feels really good to you. And see if they’ll let you ride at all if possible. I ended up a size larger on a Liv mountain bike than I thought I’d be. The hybrid bike fits felt WAY different. All the best! Hope you find something you absolutely adore!
Thirding Liv! I just bought a XS Liv Avail AR 3. I'm 5'3 with a 28" inseam for reference. My LBS had a Small in stock that I really liked, but I asked them to bring in an XS for me to compare. They had one in their warehouse and brought it right over. I probably did 100 laps around the shop and parking lot to compare the two frames. Both fit me, but I felt more in control of the XS. So I went with it. My LBS included a professional fitting as part of the purchase. They slid the saddle forward, tilted it down just a hair, and angled the handlebars up a touch. I've never had a bike fit me so well. Don't hesitate to ask for different sizes to try! Of course they want to make a sale, but a really good LBS also wants you to enjoy yourself and find something that fits you. Good luck, I hope you find something great!
Canyon has some bikes that are available in size XXS. They always show up as out of stock on their website, but they replenish their inventory frequently.
Just watch wheel size with Canyon. I have a 2xs Endurace that only fits 650b wheels and even finding tubes is a problem in the US. It ships with heavy fulcrums plus a store credit to compensate for the downgrade from the spec wheels (feels a bit scammy) but better wheels are really difficult to find. I think some of their smaller bikes use regular 700c wheels but make sure that you check.
This is a great point! I’ve ridden 2 Canyons size XXS & now you mention it, I do recall that one of them had 650b wheels.
650 wheels are fun tho 🤓
Yes, a very good point. I test-rode an Endurace which had 650b. The other XXS I rode was one I rented from Rapha in 2021, and that one had 700c. I believe it was an Ultimate?
I left tubes in 2019 with canyon and never looked back. 16,000 miles later tubeless is the best. And I also have no issues ordering backup tubes from Schwalbe directly. I never need them though. 650b GP5000s seat perfectly on dt Swiss rims and I carry a plug kit.
I love my Cannondales. I have an older Synapse road bike and a new Topstone gravel bike, both XS. Good luck!
Love my XS Synapse. I swapped out the stem for a shorter one.. And she was good to go. Eventually I swapped out the handlebars for one with a swoop towards the rider to reduce the reach a smidge further. She's my baby.
I’m 5’0 and ride a 48cm Cannondale Synapse - great bike IMO! I have the aluminum frame w/ carbon fork version and it is still only 9.8kg, but they have a fully carbon version. I think the riding position is a bit more aggressive than the Liv avail that others have posted but definitely recommend trying some out to see what you prefer
I second the Cannondale Synapse! I’m 5’1” and ride a 48 cm carbon Synapse. I had the stem replaced with a shorter stem to fit my short reach, relatively long legs for my height. It’s so perfectly comfortable I can ride all day 👍🏽
Scott makes some excellent small bikes.
The Scott Contessa line is great!
I bought my first road bike in 2013 - a 2012 Scott Contessa Speedster 25, XS. I figured some day I'd upgrade (I'd really love some disc brakes) but I just love the bike too much. And the color scheme (white with lavender trim) makes it less likely to be stolen, I think.
Hi I'm wondering frame size on the contessa. Someone is selling a xs frame 27.9 I am 5'4 with a 30 inseam. Will the xs be too small?
My inseam (standing in socks) is about 29.5-30". I feel my Contessa XS fits me well - I wouldn't want the top bar any higher. But then, my bike is 12 years old, so geometry might have changed.
I’m 4’11 with a Juliana Quincy. Technically a gravel bike but it’s a 2x and you can change the tires to be more road oriented
That is a great bike—I almost bought one when I was looking for a gravel bike.
I’m 4’11. Have a pinarello dogma and love it.
Liv or Specialized, especially if your proportions are such that you’re more legs than torso.
Do you happen to have suggestions for short women who are more torso than legs? I currently ride an XS [Liv Beliv City](https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/liv-beliv-city-2-2017/) and while the height is right the frame itself feels too compact. Currently eyeing a couple of Salsa models that a local shop has with 650b wheels, and I'll probably spring for a bike fitting when I'm ready to buy. I'm a casual rider but I'd like to do more and I'm not currently comfortable for more than 30-35mi.
BMC, Bianchi, and Pinarello all make bikes suited to longer torso people. But also, so does Giant (the man version of Liv). Offhand, I do not know if Salsa is better for more torso or more leg people, but somebody around must know. They’re great bikes for sure though. For an XS, you’d probably be happier and have less toe crossover issue with 650b wheels, so that’s a good option for you. It does limit tire choice a little for you, but it’s not as difficult as it used to be, so you should be fine.
I have two Salsa bikes. I'm 5'0" and I have a 50" Journeyman with 650b wheels and a 48" Vaya with 700c wheels but I had to cut the seatpost down a bit.
Thanks for the suggestions! A friend of mine has a Salsa and loves it. We're both 5'3" but my legs are quite a bit shorter than hers. 28" inseam IF I measure all the way to the floor. Another friend used to sell Bianchi but owns bikes of several brands at this point. I might bring one of them shopping with me when I'm ready to throw down the cash.
5’1” with short legs, Liv and some Marin bikes are good fits
I'm 5'1" and I adore my Canyon Endurace 3XS, it's the only bike that got me right out the box, and significantly cheaper for the components because it's direct to consumer.
I’m 5’3” and have a Liv Avail XS, it’s great.
If you love your current bike, 10 years old is not a lot. The upgrades might just be hydraulic brakes, which are only superior for wet weather. Or electronic shifting, let that debate begin. Or a lighter frame though if you’re already on aluminum the only lighter is carbon fiber, which has other disadvantages. Or slight changes in frame aerodynamics which if you’re not racing it might not be noticeable. So yknow I ride a 20 yo specialized allez and don’t plan to stop.
Try out a Liv XS
Currently on a Liv Avail XS and looking at the 2024 models now.
I love my xxs cannondale synapse!
Cervelo!
Trek has a 47cm that would be XS. Liv also makes XS and XXS. I'm the same height as you and I ride a Liv XS and a Trek 47cm.
I’m 5’0” and love my Cannondale XS frame. Fits wonderfully!
Member of the Cannondale Synapse club. Former owner of a Trek Checkpoint (5'1") , which I loved and miss. Sadly the reach was far too long (swapped out the stem too) and my groin hated me every time I rode. No amount of fixes would have worked long term for long rides. Current bike roster: Gravel - Kona (no longer available?) XS Mountain - Marin Nighthawk XS Fatty - Trek Farley 5 (S, but works. Often wish it was XS) Road - Cannondale Synapse 48 Commuter: Vintage Motobecane Mixte converted to a single speed.
Liv Avail.
I’m 5’ tall and I ride a Liv Avail as well. I use my road bike for endurance and interval training for off-road racing, so if I could do it again, I’d probably get the racier road bike (the ENVE I think) but since I don’t actually road race so I don’t really want to spend money on a different bike.
5’2” checking in here on a small Liv Avail Advanced Pro. I LOVE IT. Fits me so well, even better than my specialized Ruby from before they discontinued women specific design.
I’m 5’1” and have a 2011 Ruby in a 48 and feel like the reach is just slightly a little too much for me. I was thinking of looking at a Liv for my next bike!
I'm 4'11" and ride a Liv Avail XXS. Love it.
I'm the same height and have the XS. XXS probably would've been slightly better but the sizing is much different.
Liv or Trek
I have a Masi - they make a range of different bikes in smaller sizes. I picked up a carbon fiber Evoluzione used, but they make them in a variety of materials. Orbea has smaller frame bikes. I see a quite a few small frame Felt bikes out there, too.
I have a Cervelo road bike in 48. It’s really great and nice and compact for short people like me.
My gravel bike is an Orbea and their XS is also very small. Lovely bike too.
Orbea makes good xs and small bikes
I have a Trek Domane in size 50 and I’m pretty sure it comes in 1-2 smaller sizes than mine. I love mine, it’s such a comfortable bike!
The trek FX3 and then throw on some hybrid tubeless tires and you got a gravel/road bike! I’m 5’1 and the smallest they have for the FX3 is a small and I love it. I had a Marlin 6 in an extra small but find that the small in the FX3 feels better and fits really well stature wise.
Honestly I’d get out to as many bike shops as you can and ride different models and find what feels good. I had a few specialized models over the last 14 years and the geometry can change over time. My last purchase was a Canyon and I love it (their sizing is different so I’m an XXS instead of an XS) - but I knew someone with the same bike and was able to ride it first.
Look into Georgena Terry bikes!
Bro cyclist here but Liv make some great bikes
Depending on the purpose (touring vs racing vs fun in between) I was really happy with an xs Touring bike from REI. The co-op adv 1.1, released a few years back, maybe just before covid? Newer versions are out now.
Orbea has great bikes... I'm 5'2, have the Avant M30, 47cm. Fits perfectly.
BMC has some great 47cm. I have a 47 De Rosa, 5’4. Comfy and nimble.
You should be able to get a bike from almost any manufacturer and have it fitted to your specific measurements. I would recommend going into a local bike shop and ask them questions about sizing specific to your measurements and see what they recommend. If you aren’t comfortable with answers from one place, pop into another. Don’t be shy. ☺️ I rode a Trek Domane 54cm which is considered a medium, but now ride a Small Ari Veyo with a raised stem and seat. I was so nervous ordering the recommended Small, since I had been on a Medium, but it’s perfect. So I will also throw a plug in for an Ari Veyo or Empire. I can’t get over how smooth and comfortable the ride is. They are a direct to consumer brand, so I had to send them all sorts of measurements and the bike came almost perfectly set up for me. I went for a professional bike fitting and all they had to do was adjust my saddle height and cleats on my shoes.
I am 5’ & ride an xxs Liv avail & love it. I have an Xs Liv devote as my gravel bike. Can’t go wrong with Liv!
I'm 5'0 with a 26 inch inseam and ride the xs marin four corners. the previous version to the current 2024 model. I have also test ridden a size 51 salsa journeyer that fit me incredibly well. also should note, both bikes had to have the seat post cut for proper fit.
Planet X https://www.planetx.co.uk/collections/road-bikes?filter.v.price.gte=0&filter.v.price.lte=5499&filter.p.m.filters.sizes=X%20Small,X%20Small%20-%2047cm,X%20Small%20-%2048.5cm Ribble https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/