Size bike for GF?

[ryandood]

My girlfriend is 5'7ish and says she wants to ride with me. Not sure if I believe her or not but there's an ok bike for a beginner for a killer deal I can get so I'm considering it. It's a size mens 16. Will it fit her? Obviously all bikes fit differently but I'm just trying to get a very general answer. Thanks

[genusmtbkr5]

Yes it should fit her fine. I'm about 5'7''+ and I ride a 16 1/2" and a 17". You can always move the seat forward and shorten the stem if she feels like she's reaching. Be sure to get it set up right for her at your LBS.

[Waldo]

Have her go with you to try before you buy. Genus is right about adjusting the fit, but it's gotta be in the ballpark to start with or you/she will be chasing the setup forever to try to create the right fit & handling characteristics. Find a bike that fits right and you'll know it right away. It might mean spending more up front, but if it makes mountain biking a more positive experience for her, it'll pay off for both of you in the long run.

[katonk]

I would suggest waiting until Snow Summit opens, then renting a a semi-OK F/S bike and take her up the lift a few times. It's a relatively cheap way to see if mountain biking is right for her. If it is, then you can drop the coin on a "real" bike.

Fit is the most important part of picking a bike.

Good luck!

[thephat]

If she is fairly normal in proportion, then that should work.

I once had a gf who was bout the same hight as me and she needed a size bigger bike, because she has super long arms and legs.

Try borroning a nicer bike, so that she can get a good start, then buy what you can afford if she likes it.

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by ryandood

My girlfriend is 5'7ish and says she wants to ride with me. Not sure if I believe her or not but there's an ok bike for a beginner for a killer deal I can get so I'm considering it. It's a size mens 16. Will it fit her? Obviously all bikes fit differently but I'm just trying to get a very general answer. Thanks

This would fit her perfectly:


SC Juliana

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by katonk

I would suggest waiting until Snow Summit opens, then renting a a semi-OK F/S bike and take her up the lift a few times. It's a relatively cheap way to see if mountain biking is right for her. If it is, then you can drop the coin on a "real" bike.

Fit is the most important part of picking a bike.

Good luck!

You know that's a long time from now, right? If she wants, she should start riding as soon as possible, vs. waiting for another 5 or so months.

Also, a hardtail is the best bike to start out on for a beginner. They don't zap as much energy as any suspension bike does when it comes to pedaling.

That 16" HT should be a good fit for the OP's gf.

[ryandood]

Well I ended up getting it for her. It's a 2007 Giant Boulder. I believe it's got a steel frame but it's not as heavy as I thought it would be. Very low end but it fits her and was a great deal. If she ends up liking it then I think I may have found the secret to happiness. If not... expect to see a 2007 Giant Boulder on the marketplace. Thanks guys for all the help.