I'm about to buy my girlfriend her first 'proper' bike, she is 5'2" with a 28" inside leg.
The size guide says a 14", but I'm wondering if there is anyone roughly the same measurements who rides a 16"?
The reason being, if she doesn't like riding (which is quite possible) I can use it and it won't be a total waste of money.
Cheers.
Edit: Also, anyone run a rigid fork on a 456, or should I be looking at an Inbred?
if you buy her a bike that's too big for her, she wont like riding anyway!
456s have quite a long top tube, so she'll likely feel stretched out on the bigger size, esp as it doesn't sound like you're going for a WSD one.
16" will be way too big. my GF is 5'4" & she's be on a 14"
I'm 5'10" on a 16".
I've got a Ti... but it would be massive for her.
Best bet is to find someone local to you and ask them nicely for a go.
buy a 14" but keep steerer and brake hoses a bit longer and then swap the kit to a 16" if it turns out mtbing is not for her?
buy a 14" but keep steerer and brake hoses a bit longer and then swap the kit to a 16" if it turns out mtbing is not for her?
Exactly what I was thinking 😉
She just sat on my 17" Five which has roughly the same ETT as a 16" 456 and it is waaaaaaaay too long.
I'm 5'10 and a 16" is great.
Mrs NBT is 5'4" and a 14" is great. I can use her bike for playing around, but I might not do a full days's ride on it comfortably
at 5'2", your missus needs a 14". If you;re near Marple, give us a shout.
5'4" here, 14" is what I ride, just about spot on. I'd consider a regular Inbred or a Scandal too,
APF
I've just built my other half a 14" Kona with similar geo to a 456..
she is 5'4 and when she rode my 16" 456 the other day she had a nightmare.. she said she felt that she was perched way too high.. couldn't reach the bars and bashed her 'fu' on the crossbar every time she dismounted..
she's not the most confident rider in the world but she has clearly stated that she doesn't want to ride a bike that big again..
I'm 5'8 and a 16" 456 is lovely for me
14" definitely and yes I would look at the inbred if going rigid. Or do they do the new evo in 14". Could be interesting rigid.
Thanks for the help, 14" salt and vinegar 456 ordered.