WTB: 42-44 cm chromoly frameset w/ rack mounts, fits 26ers.

[jtintera]

Hey everyone,

I'm building a bike for my girlfriend who is 4'11".  Obviously she needs a tiny little bike frame.  This is a starter bike for her so I don't want anything too fancy.

jt

[whittierider]

I don't know where to suggest, but for someone that short, I have to say don't get 700c wheels.  The geometry required to fit someone that short on 700c wheels requires a serious compromise on handling.  A good fitter can make it comfortable on the shop floor, but out on the road she will be weaving like crazy.  I've seen it countless times with kids at the juniors' races whose parents got them tiny bikes with 700c wheels because they thought tire availability would otherwise be a problem, and the result is they obviously don't have control of the bike.  Don't go any bigger than 26" wheels.  Actually, 4'11" is probably 24"-wheel territory, but that makes both the bike and the tires really hard to find.  There are plenty of 26" (and I'm talkin' road tires, not fat MTB ones) and 650c tires available anytime through mail order though, which is the only way I buy my and my family's 700c tires anyway.

[jtintera]

Thanks for the tip!

jt

[MidSouth]

The Surly Long Haul Trucker is available in 42cm and 26" wheels.