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I am a Little Person, also known as a dwarf who is 4'2" tall. I am 41 yrs old.
As an adult I've had a never ending search for a bike that fits my stature. I could find kids' bikes with Batman or some other character on it that would have training wheels or some other kid-related decorations.
These bikes without any gearing or other serious bike parts were not the answer. I found larger bikes on 20" inch frames that offered some gearing and other options. However the most important option, reaching the ground, was not an option for me. I would have to find a step, a curb, or some other thing to put my foot on so I could stop my bike. Otherwise, I mastered the dump, tuck and roll technique which, at my age, was no longer a viable option. I find that things hurt now when I do this technique!
Then one day I was on the website for Little People of America and saw a link to Bike Friday. I read the story on Dan Okenfuss and was impressed with his endurance and his bike. I knew that my search for the bike I always wanted was finally over!
The next steps were to figure out what my bike needs were. Walter Lapchynski, my sales consultant, was excellent to work with. He was there every step of the way. Walter figured out what bike, and what specifications would meet my needs.
During the process he would respond promptly to any questions that I had and kept me updated during the whole process. He is an excellent representative and I urge everyone interested to contact him at his email address; walterl at bikefriday dot com - he will work hard for you. [Walter has since moved to Santa Barbara to study for a PhD in Biology, but he is keeping in touch with us, as the Bike Friday community tends to, and is happy to help - Ed]
I live in the beautiful State of Maine where I will enjoy future scenic rides. Where I am a Little Person I was able to receive a grant from a program in the State of Maine called Alpha One. This grant was awarded to me to obtain adaptive items that I would not normally be able to afford. I used this grant to purchase my New World Tourist bike. During this process Walter again was extremely helpful and assisted both the program representative and myself in providing the information needed to process this grant. If you are in the same situation that I was I urge you to check your local disability or adaptive equipment programs to see if there is one that can assist you with purchasing a new Bike Friday bike.
When I received my New World Tourist bike I was very excited with the anticipation of being able to ride a bike that would fit me and was made to my specifications. When my UPS truck arrived I was like a kid a Christmas waiting for Santa to arrive! I easily unpacked the bike and followed the instructions to assemble or unfold the bike. I soon was on the road!
My first ride consisted on short distances making a few adjustments to find what was perfect for me. I found my ideal comfort zone and then I was off!
Being a bike novice my first day of riding I went 7.5 miles and enjoyed every minute. Since then I can't leave the bike alone! Every spare moment I take a ride even if it is just around the block. I have received several great comments about the bike.
Where the bike is able to fold so easily I can put the bike in my car trunk and take it everywhere I go. I truly love this bike and urge anyone like me to seriously consider this bike you will not be disappointed.
If you are a Little Person and have been looking for that perfect bike, this is it. Please feel free to contact me via email with any questions or comments. Thank you for reading about my New World Tourist experience.
Dennis Healy, lilguy at sacoriver dot net
For more information, follow this link http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/specialneeds.