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Looking for a gravel bike as a tiny person in Europe

·2 mins
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I’m quite short (155cm) with short legs and short reach, so it’s been rather difficult to find a bike that would fit me in Europe.

gravel-bike-as-1

But I didn’t realise how difficult it would be to find a bike. Here are some of the things I learned while trying to look for a gravel bike in Berlin, Germany as a tiny Asian person.

  1. Start your search early (preferably in winter)
  2. Get measured: Since most shops won’t have a bike in your size to test out if you just walk in, you’ll most likely need to order them online for a test-ride which can take a few days. If it’s your first gravel bike, you also won’t know what feels right or wrong even if you do test ride anyways. In Berlin, there’s https://diagnose-berlin.de/
  3. Be clear about what you want. What do you need it for? What’s your budget? What colour do you want?
    • For example, I wanted to gravel bike because I wanted an all-rounder bike I could use on gravel/cobble stone roads. I wanted to use for long bike-tours,
  4. Payment options (see below) — in Germany, there’s a benefit system called JobRad or BusinessBike, which allows employees to lease a bike through their employer, with monthly payments deducted directly from their gross salary, often resulting in tax savings and making high-quality bikes more affordable.

Jobrad / BusinessBike

Q: Is it JobRad or BusinessBike?
It’s BusinessBike (same concept, just a different provider).

Q: Can I get more than one bike?
No, it’s limited to one bike per person.

Q: What if I leave the company before the 36-month lease ends?
Options:

  • Find a new employer that supports BusinessBike and transfer the lease.
  • Pause the lease while between jobs.
  • Return the bike (you lose the bike but stop paying).
  • Buyout is possible but usually financially unfavorable.

Q: What if my new employer doesn’t have BusinessBike?
You can ask them to sign up (it takes about 10 minutes). If not, consider return or buyout.

Steps to Apply for BusinessBike (at my company)

  • Pick up the bike when it’s ready.
  • Find the bike you want (in-store or online).
  • Fill out the Quickstart application.
  • Wait for HR confirmation.
  • You’ll receive a BusinessBike lease number.
  • Take it to the bike shop (or use it online) to complete the order.

Some resources that helped:

  • Friends — I’m lucky to have friends who are crazy about bikes and have been super helpful! (thanks J and J a

  • Shops — the Gentle Jaunt (you can order test rides for free online!)