Looking at a frame on here for my better half and the seller mentioned toe overlap might be an issue as its traditional geometry. I hadn't really thought about it but it is a point, she isnt a very experienced cyclist and i dont want to put her off-should i hang fire and find a hybrid/commuter job or plough on and build this up?

secondly, was going to put flat bars on it but are there cheap levers for drop brakes?

When you say drop brakes do you mean Caliper or Canti?

If caliper, just get some el cheapo BMX ones about £12 each for DBR

caliper ie road ones

DBR 2 finger BMX levers, I fitted them to my charge.

Dia compe also do some pretty cheap ones, get 2 finger if you want good stopping power though

if your looking at doing what i think your doing – and this has downtube shifters etc your on a hiding to nothing for an inexperianced rider – eyes of road looking down to shift and BAM

keep a look out for a cheep hybrid

not using downtube shifters

im more thinking of the toe everlap and whether people think it'll be a big issue

For an inexperienced cyclist I'd go more for a mountain bike or hybrid, as the handling will be easier. A smaller person (5'4" and below) might find a 26" wheeled mtb a better 'fit', as it will have a slightly lower centre of gravity. A 26" wheeled 'commuter' might be a good start, as it would be more versatile, and could handle the odd bit of gentle off-road such as tracks and tow-paths etc. They might find it more manageable in traffic, too (toe overlap definitely an issue here).

I'd steer clear of any pseudo-'racer' type bikes, for an inexperienced person. They are faster, for sure, but more 'twitchy', and not as 'easy' to ride. A hybrid or mtb commuter will invariably have v-brakes or even discs, which offer much more confident braking. Clearance for wider tyres and mudguards may be useful too.

yeah ive always been a big fan of trek fx bikes for those reasons, stable efficient and fun. Ill let this one pass i think, shame would have been great.