700 wheels for very small rider?

[Misspick]

Hi,

First time here, so sorry if this is a tired subject :) . A very good friend of mine has asked for my opinion regarding a custom built, high-end ti frame she is about to order, and I'm not quite sure she is making a wise decision. Ultimately, it is her call, and hopefully she will be delighted with her choice, but I'm curious and hope someone could enlighten me.

She is very petite (5'1") and currently rides a custom bike with 650 wheels and a very short top tube--~47-48cm, coupled with a short stem (50mm). She has been happy with this setup, but after 10 yrs has decided it was time for something new. The builders of her new bike have assured her there would be no problem fitting her on a frame utilizing 700 wheels (their suggestion, not hers), and that she would have no toe overlap issues as she requested. At first she was skeptical, but is warming to the idea after realizing the benefits of using standard size tires, tubes, etc.

My question, is it possible to build such a bike without compromising the integrity of the geometry? How would they keep such a short top tube coupled with large wheels and not end up with a STA way too steep, and a head tube and fork that belongs on a chopper and handles as such? Could this work and offer a great ride, or is it just plain crazy?

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Nessism]

Small frames should use 650c tires in my opinion. Toe overlap and standover clearance are issues on small frames with 700c wheels.

This subject came up on the framebuilders list a while ago and most builders there were of the opinion that 650c is the way to go on a small frame.