Quick update for anyone who finds this thread (and may also be similarly vertically challenged...): I was able to try a handful of bikes before I landed on my surprise bike of choice.
TLDR: Ended up with a different bike that wasn't on the list at all initially (of course haha) but still pretty much checked all the boxes, old stock of a great build from 2022 at a very very steep discount. Finding the right fit mattered a lot in my decision, so I'm ultimately glad I stuck with nearby bike shop stock, despite some very good-looking bikes elsewhere. I can't say that would have been the case though if I had been 6" taller or if I would have been content with an upright, casual position--there seem to be a lot more options out there that fit both of those needs.
Some notes about various test rides and fit below, with "big reveal" at the end.
(And as a brief aside here for people exploring similar bikes who might stumble upon this thread, also with battery removal as a factor, re: Stefan's suggestion above about the Specialized SLs with integrated batteries, although I didn't end up test riding any Treks, I briefly considered the FX+2 Stagger and spoke to Trek support about doing this with their bikes--temporarily swapping the integrated battery for their equivalent range extenders--and was told that would not be a problem with any of their integrated lines either, in case anyone is a diehard Trek fan.)
- First test ride of this endeavor was the Specialized Tero3.0 Step-Through in small: The step-through helps, felt big overall but seat can actually get quite low (wish the handlebars were also like an inch shorter in relation to the low seat, but the more upright ride doesn't feel as uncomfortable on this bike for me). Even the handlebars felt a bit wide, but, again, didn't feel too weird on a mtb. Short test ride around the neighborhood. Did feel the cobblestones but was the smoothest rides of those I tried. Assist felt reasonable when I used it, and, on the higher levels especially, was very responsive, even from standing. Computer was one of my favorite for clarity on very quick glances down. If there was a size a few inches shorter, another couple pounds lighter, I might have stopped the search and just bought it. It doesn't really meet my needs re: commute (no fenders etc., it doesn't even come with a kick stand), but it was just a really really nice ride. Made me want to try the Vado3.0, since sizing and specs look so similar (wish they had my size in stock).
- Next up, Gazelle Arroyo C7 HMB Elite Low-Step in 46cm/small: Medeo was only in stock slightly further away, but a different LBS made this rec based on my other inquiries. Fit was fine heightwise, but much more cruiser style for my liking. The folding handlebar magic was a nice touch to get the right fit. Took for short test ride. Even on fairly flat terrain, I could feel the weight too far back from center (due to both the upright ride and the battery tucked under the rear rack). Much slower to accelerate even on highest assist level. Smooth ride, but suspension didn't seem to make much of a difference (may I was too light?). The brakes felt really soft (maybe not "broken in" yet, since hydraulic disk I think, but just didn't leave a good impression). Did not like the twist grip shifters (or the weird twist grip bell). The whole "switches gears while you aren't peddling" was also just too weird for me. Felt like a foreign bike haha I guess it is! Just a different ride style than I am used to, but a nice option for others.
- Also prompted by my LBS, tried Giant FastRoad E+ EX Pro, 28MPH, in small: I wasn't initially interested given the higher price tag. The standover height was at least an inch too tall for me, so mounting/dismounting wasn't super easy, but the seat adjusted to a decent height. If anything, the handlebars felt too close to my body (like, I was hunched over but my arms weren't reached out) - so maybe good for someone with a short torso but legs a few inches longer than mine. I think the specs put it at under 50lb, but something about the distribution made this bike feel the heaviest of those I tried that day at least while riding (did not feel nimble). Ultimately not a great fit, physically. Took for short 2mi test ride. Was very very zippy (as promised by LBS)! If anything, felt TOO responsive, a little jolty, eager to please. Accelerated with very little pressure, even at low assist modes. My partner said this looked the most "badass" of the bikes I tried that day lol but the matte black is definitely nice. Generally felt smooth ride, despite lack of suspension, but wasn't great over the cobblestones. Frankly, it made quite a bit of noise even on the smooth road: freewheeling was obnoixious clicky/rattling (which I don't think necessarily means anything is wrong, but got on my nerves after just a few minutes of riding), and the motor surges were also quite audible IMO.
- Saw the Giant/Momentum Lafree E+ in small in person, but same issues with sizing and style, so didn't ride after test rides with Gazelle Arroyo and Giant Fastroad (since fit in seat was more or less between these two). Quite heavy to lift.
- Across town, tried the Aventon Soltera.2 Step-Through Regular (smallest size): Test drive was way too short for my liking, but I understand that this particular LBS is in a very busy area and they're hesitant to let people get too far out of sight. I wish the frame were an inch or two lower so I could crank the seat up higher in relation to the handlebars (again, rides more like a cruiser when seat post is low). Didn't feel like a big bike though, nimble, could pick up without too much issue. Brakes were meh fine, again hard to test on short runway. Acceleration on even the lowest assist felt plenty for slight incline. Hard to be smooth with the throttle - LBS guy suggested I "rock" my thumb on the throttle to ease use, but frankly, this is hard to do if you have smallish hands/fingers. Shifting was easy enough but, again, not a big fan of twist grip shift style. No cobblestones to try here, but felt generally okay without suspension (yea, I felt the bumps, but also didn't feel unreasonably rattly). Would have liked to try again on a longer stretch of road. The acceleration not as smooth as the Tero, but was not too jerky - on such a short ride, I frankly didn't notice too much of a difference between this hub vs middrives I had tested regarding overall responsiveness. Lights are nicely integrated, though not sure I would bother with the turn signals. It was recommended I try the Level2, as well, but passed based on weight, ride style, and (frankly) looks.
- Saw the Kona Ecoco in person and originally contemplated testing, but only a medium in stock so opted out. Did a "sit test" and I probably could have made it work even in the larger size (helped, too, by the step-through style), but with a more upright seat than I like. Generally though, looks like the Kona bikes run small, something to consider for other short riders.
Finally, tried the
Kona DEW-E DL in small. When you know, you know.
The bike looked small even from the other side of the room (those baby 650 tyres make it sit quite low), so I didn't think the step-over would be an issue (and it wasn't). Very lightweight - I think spec'd online at 42lb, but the small might be a pound or two lighter (definitely the lightest bike I've picked up in this series of tests) - not featherweight but no issue lifting. LBS owner eyeballed the seat height and it was near perfect when I got on. Cockpit isn't as long a reach as I'd like (long term, may swap in a longer stem), but close, feels like I can get it perfect with some fine tuning of the fit. Anyway, took for a test ride to put through its paces. Gear range was fantastic, multisensors and the middrive motor felt very fluid. No jolting but still zippy! Didn't notice much noise from the motor, though you can hear the occasional whir. Felt good over lumps and bumps in the road (learned later the fork is carbon, so that probably helped smooth out some of the vibrations even without suspension). Assist was gentle but present on the big hill test. Brakes felt confident, even when unevenly applied. Fenders protected me from the little puddle I found lol. The computer screen is minimal, but I didn't have an issue with reading, and the controls were easy to adjust with thumb without looking down (2022 and I assume later models increased the size of the assist buttons, and added a secondary menu button in the same location, which is nice since the computer display menu button is awkwardly placed when riding). Integrated lights are bright (rear is adorable, though will probably want to supplement given its teeny size). Talked to LBS owner about the battery, since this was a concern of mine - it IS removable with an allen wrench, but does not have a built-in lock and is kind of a PITA to get off (especially on the smallest model, very close to the fender) and removal leaves the innards a little too exposed IMO. Fine for my personal use case, but maybe not ideal if someone needs to do this on the daily.
I had done almost zero research on this bike coming into the shop, since this bike didn't show up on their inventory online and it wasn't on my original list (new model is on the pricey side for me), but it was the LBS owner's rec for my needs, and I was very very happy with the fit and the ride, so bought on the spot. Since it was the older model, it was deeply discounted, dropped comfortably into my budget range. After a bit more research, I think this was a great buy and a good match in lots of ways.
I'm not going to write up a full review here (I don't have much to add to what was already said in
this thread), but I will say I've done some longer rides and a handful of commutes now in the short time I've had it, and I'm still very happy with my decision!
Anyway, thanks to those of you who offered advice and experience, and urged me to keep my options open.
Hope some other smallish human finds this thread helpful.
Happy riding!
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