[BuddhaBiker]

I just picked up my red deluxe two days ago and LOVING it!

However, I'm 5'6" (on a good day) and inseam challenged at 29" and I can just barely get my toes to the ground with boots with thick heels.

Any recommendations to make my legs longer or the bike shorter? I can have my soles built up, but then I can't fit foot in to shift, and it's too much of a hassle to fly to Asia to have my stumps lengthened

Has anyone seen a seat that's at least 1" lower? I haven't been able to find any online.

Thanks!

 

[BuddhaBiker]

Thanks sleepngbear!

I'll keep them in mind if I can't find a simpler and cheaper solution. I'm going to try putting 1" heel lifts inside my boots. If that doesn't work well enough, I know a guy that can add thickness to the soles.

 

[BuddhaBiker]

Thanks Tony,

Good idea...but I'm already at the very front of the seat at a stop. I slide back once I'm underway, and then slide forward when I know I need to make a stop. I'll probably wear out my seat sooner, but it's worth it, the bike is a blast to ride!

 

[BuddhaBiker]

The Final Solution (for me)

The final simple solution (for me)

1) I had 1" added to the soles of my riding boots by Novis Shoes in Pasadena, CA. Fix Leg Length Discrepancy by Adding Orthopedic Lift to Your Shoes Cesar is a very friendly and skilled guy, and has worked on my shoes before and does quality work. He's a Certified Pedorthist and really knows what he's doing. If you're anywhere near Pasadena, he's worth the drive. Not cheap, but well worth it, and probably much less $$ and hassle than modifying or swapping out the shocks, seat, etc. Please tell him Lou sent you (just want to send referrals to him as he's such a skilled and nice guy).

2) I put in 1" heel lifts from here: Height Increasing Insoles - LiftKits 1 Inch Shoe Lift for Men It was the thickest that allowed me to still get my boots on. I tried the 1-1/2" but couldn't get my boots on. They are flat, with no arch support, as I already have custom made orthotics in my boots from my podiatrist.

3) I added two approximately 1/4" heel cushions like these: Amazon.com - Remedy Memory Foam Instant Comfort Heel Cushion, Men's - Heel Cushions And Cups OR Amazon.com: Tacco Leather/Rubber Heel Cushion (Medium (mens 6-8 womens 7-9)): Shoes They are flat, with no arch support. You can find them at your local sporting goods or drug store.

Now, I can FINALLY reach flat-footed and so have much more confidence, especially when stopped on a road with a rise, on a driveway apron where it meets the road, or in the wind, and I didn't have to modify my bike.

I also discovered that the shock preload was at 3, so I changed them both to 1 (I weigh about 165+ lbs), and so now it sags down a little, which also helps and I hope it eliminates the harshness over bumps. I'm nearing 1000 miles on my bike and loving it! I'm also adding Grip Puppies and a CrampBuster, as my hands/fingers keep cramping up. Oh the joys of aging!#% (I'm in my 50's).