Which small-sized touring bike to choose?

Nomade743 · 2026-02-24 · Message 1 of 3

Hi, A friend is looking for a bike to embark on a long trip, but the issue is he’s only 1.55m tall. In itself, that’s not a problem 😏, except that finding an XS-sized touring bike isn’t easy. Some start at 1.55m, but it’s still a bit extreme. If anyone knows of brands or models that might work... Thanks in advance

Which small travel bike should I choose?

Fanragnotti · 2026-02-24 · Message 2 of 3

Hello

A simple women’s small-sized 80s mountain bike—if it’s only for pavement, tires suited for tarmac, a rear rack, and off you go!

Which small-sized travel bike should I choose?

Smopy44 · 2026-02-25 · Message 3 of 3

Hi Nomad,

I asked an AI, and it identified three brands:

- Surly Disc Trucker (26" version): It’s the legend. Surly offers frame sizes down to 42 cm. With 26-inch wheels.

(I couldn’t find the Disc Trucker on cyclo-randonnée.com—it might be out of stock, so you’ll have to ask them)

https://www.cyclo-randonnee.fr/achat/cat-cadre-surly-261.html

- VSF Fahrradmanufaktur - TX-400 Model: A super-robust German brand. The TX-400 comes standard with 26-inch wheels and is available in a 45 cm frame size (often recommended for heights from 1.50 m to 1.55 m).

https://www.cyclable.com/18506-velo-trekking-vsf-fahrradmanufaktur-tx-400.html#/couleur-noir/type_de_cadre-diamant/taille_du_cadre-45

- Kona Sutra / Rove: Kona often offers sizes 46 or 48, which run quite small. The Rove model with 650b wheels can be a great, more "playful" alternative.

If you’re a few centimeters short, you can always cut the seat post.

Here’s a link with a list of steel bike manufacturers:

https://www.cyclos-cyclotes.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6773

And an example showing frame sizes:

https://www.histoire.bike/gamme-baroudeuse-27-5/la-baroudeuse-classique.html

Best, David