I'm planning to build a hardtail for my girlfriend and I to share. I've got a pitch atm but she would like to get in to riding as well.
Would the 456 be suitable for her to use on general xc riding and basic trail centre riding? I would use it as a change from the pitch for chicksands/aston etc.
Any recommendations on sizing, I was thinking a 16". Shes 5"5 and i'm 5"8.
Also can anyone recommend a set of forks? I was thinking of picking up a set of air rockshoxs. My lyriks have treated me well and I can change the travel internally.
why not a standard inbred or a scandal?
16" might be too big for your girlfriend. They have quite long top tubes as well. Would you not be better just getting a bike that is spot on for her? That way she'll be more likely to ride it. They did have the Scandal on special offer and that might be better, if she doesn't ride often she'll appreciate its lightweight, probably more than some 5" forks. I have both and they are great frames. Got 100mm SID's on the Scandal.
at 6ft2 but all leg i ride a 16" 456 with a fair bit of seatpost.
Bikes are very personal. Have you consulted her yet?
I'd agree with Stevemenmuir, 16" would probably be too big, she'd most likely appreciate the shorter tt of the 14". My wife's 5'5" and rides a 14" inbred if that's any help. The 456 is a pretty weighty frame though, ahwiles might be right on an inbred or scandal, lighter people tend to notice the frame weight more than larger people like me as it's a greater percentage of their bodyweight... 🙄
oh, and definitely consult her! I made this mistake once, colour is very important, well it was/is to my wife!
