looking for a bike for my g/f - help!

[MSkinner]

Hi,

Sorry for invading you girls' space but this seemed to be the most appropriate forum.

I'm looking around for a bike for my girlfriend. Definitely dual suspension. We'll be going down hill most of the time but also want something she can pedal uphill if need be (I found my Giant AC w/single crown fork and suspension lockout front and rear to be adequate for myself). Our main concern is going to be the standover height of her bike...she's short...maybe 5'0"-5'1" with cute little legs. Her athletic ability will be no concern...we motocross and snowboard as well.

Can anyone suggest anything? I'm aware that shortening the stroke of the rear suspension and changing out the fork can make a little difference to the standover height but I'm wondering if there's anything out there that you female riders may know of that may not need to be modified.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[roxy12]

well, it depends on how much you want to spend, and how brand specific you are.

Norco do some realy small bikes, that with the right build can be easily pedaled back up.

However id more lean towards a shorter travel DH rig anywhere from 5-7 inches.

Santacruz go down to some realy small sizes to. Just a cuopla ideas.
Pic below is of a girls bike from SA, brilliant example. She is quite small to.

[MSkinner]

well, it depends on how much you want to spend, and how brand specific you are.

Norco do some realy small bikes, that with the right build can be easily pedaled back up.

However id more lean towards a shorter travel DH rig anywhere from 5-7 inches.

Santacruz go down to some realy small sizes to. Just a cuopla ideas.
Pic below is of a girls bike from SA, brilliant example. She is quite small to.

Thanks heaps for the advice. Nice looking ride there...I've always liked the look of Santa Cruz bikes. Although something like that would be a little out of our price range. I know the chances are slim-to-none of finding something 2nd hand in my g/f's size, but if buying used would get us more bike for the buck then that's what we're willing to do.

If anyone has any more comments/suggestions/opinions please feel free to post.

[deadparrot]

Hi Matt,

My mate's wife is short and she seems very comfortable on a small Iron Horse Sunday, I know it is basically a DH rig, but it has a low standover height and pedals and corners brilliantly.

Regards,
Deadparrot