Frame sizing question for a woman?

Question

I'm looking to my my girlfriend a mountain bike as a birthday gift. She has long legs (32” - 33" inseam) same as mine (I’m 6’4”) but has a shorter torso (she's 5' 7") so I'm wondering if a 19 - 20" frame will work. Mostly I'm worried about top tube length being too long for her on longer frame bike. And of course each manufacturer has different geometry, so suggestions on brands with long seat tube / short top tube would be great.

This will be her first "real" bike and its going to be as surprise. I've been a cyclist myself for over 12 years but what works for mean may not work for her at all.

Of course ideally I would take her to a bike shop and try out a few, but that would somewhat spoil the surprise. Plus, being that she may totally hate riding a bike, I might go ebay and save some $$.

Answer 1

#1 SHE'S YOUR GIRLFRIEND CORRECT??? WOULDN'T YOU KNOW BY NOW IF SHE ENJOY'S RIDING??

i think its a great gift idea but only if shes like totally into it.

i would take her to a nice scenic park, have a picnic,and give

her a nice card with pictures of Mtn. Bikes that you've cut out of Auto/Bike/Boat magazine....and say look i wanted to just surprise you with one, but i would feel better if you pick out whats right for you,and let her know she doesn't have to pick any bike if thats not her thing......let her pick out her own gift

she won't go all crazy $$$ on you, because she'll have a d**n good idea what the bike would have cost...so she'll not spend any more than that.............good luck..pick/me ha ha

Answer 2

In general, bicycles designed specifically for women usually take into account how women are proportioned differently from men.  

Anyhow, right off the top, I'd think a 19-20" bike would be too big for her.  Unfortunately, it is really pretty hard to say given that there is really no standard for how frames are measured.

I think I might just cave and plan on taking her to the bike store.  As an experienced cyclist, you know there is no substitute for a properly fit bike.  Plus, if she gets to ride 3 or 4 different bikes she should get a real flavor for how each feels and will be able to make her mind up on the perfect bike.  If your girlfriend is like my wife, there are few things that make her happier than being able to make her own mind up.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If she has an average length torso, a 17" frame would probably fit her best. I am 5'8" and I have that size. I have a 33-34" inseam. With mountain bikes, it's OK to have the bike a hint smaller. It's easier to manuever on bumpy trails and if she is a beginner, that's another good reason. If she is not comfortable on it because it's too big, she will feel out of control and won't enjoy riding. You can try a woman specific frame, but I still think she will need a 17" or 18"depending on which make you choose. Ultimately, it's up to her which size feels comfortable.

Also, I would be wary of online bike buying-unless you are good at fixing them. You really don't what you are getting, plus shipping is iffy. I used to work at a bike shop and about half of the bikes we tried to sell on line (overstock) were damaged in shipping when the customer received it.

In my experience as a sales person, I'd explain to the sales person her size, what type of riding (beginner) she wil be doing and your price range. If they are a decent shop, they will let you buy it and return it if it doesn't fit. (If she rides it around the block, OK, but don't do any trail riding and expect to exchange it.) Sometimes they can make adjustments like swapping out handle bars, etc. to help with the fit.

We used to do that all the time. Go to a real bike shop, not a big box store. You'll get the best service and bike there.

I say go for it and surprise her!

Answer 4

she probably needs an 18