Islabikes releases bikes built for dwarfism

Islabikes, famed for its children’s bikes, has taken its know-how in tailoring geometries to provide new models for those with disproportionate dwarfism.

A first in the bike industry at a mass product level, the adapted Joni models retail at £899.99 and come in 20″ and 24″ iterations. The one-of-a-kind off the shelf bikes for adults are built for an inside leg ranging 40cm to  52cm and 52cm to 63cm.

Alongside the adult model is a children’s adaptation whereby the Cnoc 14 and Cnoc 16 is adapted for an inside leg of 30cm to 35cm and 36cm to 40cm. The disproportion is noted to be greater in the torso and limbs prior to adolescence. Each of these models will cost £399.99.

The project came to fruition with input of the Dwarf Sports Association, a campaign group to make activities more accessible to those with disproportionate dwarfism, also known as achondroplasia. Steve Scott of the DSA rode with company founder Isla Rowntree so she could gather personal input of what design tweaks would benefit those with the condition.

Speaking to the Guardian on the bike launch, company Managing Director Tim Goodall says that the company is often approached about bespoke bikes for adults with dwarfism. Islabikes is a pioneer in tailoring geometry and component part sizes to better fit children and utilises children’s bike fit data to achieve a tailored fit. The firm also now produces adult cycles, in particular models pitched at older riders with all the same considerations on ride comfort made.

On serving some customers with dwarfism, Goodall told the paper: “It was the best option out there, but it was still pretty awful. It did feel like it was a problem that could be solved through better design.”

There are few specialists in disability cycling, CI.N’s own research showing only 9% of independent bike shops as holding product in this area. Specialists, such as Mission Cycles, are often turned to for specific needs where an element of bespoke build is required.