Touring Frames For Shorties

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09-29-05, 02:32 PM

nik

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Touring Frames For Shorties

I'm planning a touring trip with my girlfriend next summer. While I've ordered a LHT to build up for myself, I'm having trouble finding a frameset that will fit her. She's got a 27-inch true inseam and is just shy of 5'2".

I've checked out a lot of the usual suspects for frame sizes (Trek, C-dale, Jamis, Bianchi, Surly) but they seem to be a touch too large for her. The other option I've seen offered while lurking on this site is to build up an older mountain bike. Can you guys recommend any older mountain bike frames that might work for a small lady?

Thanks for your help.

09-29-05, 02:43 PM

axolotl

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How about a Terry?

09-29-05, 05:52 PM

Sadaharu

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If you are in Toronto, Urban Cyclist sells a nice quality frame and fork for 425 canadian. The XS frame is 42 cm, and the next one up is 46 cm.

09-29-05, 09:33 PM

valygrl

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I'm 5'2", I ride the Trek 520 in a 17" (smallest) with a 60mm stem. 52cm effective tt, compact geometry so no stand-over issues. works great for me. bruce gordon makes a smaller touring frameset. don't get the small rivendell atlantis, it has handling problems.

09-29-05, 09:35 PM

kesroberts

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What's wrong with the LHT for her? I just built a 46cm for my fiance (5'2") and it fits her perfectly.

09-30-05, 11:25 AM

elbertsbike

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I believe that the Fuji Touring model comes in 43 cm, and it has a sloped top tube which helps short folks on standover. I have one in 49 cm and like it, though I have upgraded the components quite a bit.

09-30-05, 01:11 PM

cyccommute

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nik

I won't go into the new bikes since they have been cover already (but the Fuji is a good bet.). For mountain bike frames or frames for 26" wheels, which is more of what you should look for, an older Rockhopper or Hardrock from Specailized might work. Schwinn Moab 1 or 2 would do well. Trek 8000 WSD (which my wife has and loves but it's not set up for touring) would work well. But by far my favorite would be an old Bridgestone XO series. My wife has used that one as here touring bike for a long time. It was built as a "hybrid" with 26" wheels but I put drop bars on it and it works very well as a touring bike.

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