Recreational & Family - bike for a short lady

My girl freind just turned 50 and her doctor told her to get some exercise. she is only 4ft 10 and i would like to get her a bike i would like to know what size bike to try to find her it has to be used and cheap. because i don't want to spend 400 + dollers and she gives up riding in a few weeks all the riding will be on the rails to trails and a mountain bike or possibly a cruiser would be ok i have a trek 7300any little ladys out there that can give me some advise. and before someone tells me to go to the LBS. i just convinced her to try to ride and she won't even consider getting measured for a bike thanks

I'm not a little lady, but I do know that your girlfriend is outside the "average" for height in a woman. When people are not average, measuring for correct bike size becomes really important. It doesn't matter if they're really short or really tall. They need something specific, and unfortunately most bikes won't accomodate them. It's really too bad that she won't get measured, because that's what she really needs. Beyond that, you might try for a small vintage frame.

I would recommend an Electra Townie 3, they have the so called "flat foot technology" and the seat drops low enough so it will fit women even smaller, they are 3 speed internal hubs and the pedals are actually set foward enough that when stopped you can put your feet down without using your tippy toes. The downsize is the price, but you get what you pay for, they start about $300 and up. They do have real nice colors, not just the few red, blues, black they have real nice colors..being a 3 speed is all you would really need for the rail trails...check out your local LBS and give them a shot...