Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Putting 650b/c wheels on a 700c Fuji road bike for short girlfriend

Would this be an adequate solution? She really likes this frame, but it's just a TAD too big for her with 700c wheels, standing over it. We don't have much money to work with, and I thought the most affordable solution is smaller wheels and a long pull brake. She would be a VERY casual rider (putzin' around the city a couple times a month, if that). Would this totally screw up how it rides? She's very short, a bit under 5 ft.

She doesn't like the look of a sloped top tube BTW - so, yeah. Hm.

650b is not the same as 650c of course, but either 650b or 650c should lower the bicycle as a whole. the difference may be minimal though especially if she using narrow tires on the 700c wheelset. I am not sure if the handing will change, although I suspect this might be minimal as well.

But economically speaking, a new wheelset would cost at least $250, right? Is the stand-over height that big of a deal? If she can straddle the top tube with her feet comfortable on the ground, then I would not worry about it. Also, does the frame even fit her in the top tube / seat tube? If not, I'd just flip the frame on CL/Ebay and use the money to be a smaller frame. That would be the best choice for the budget minded. Or just flip the entire bike and buy an IRO Heidi which would fit her perfectly.

BD has the Kilo in 44cm now.

BD has the Kilo in 44cm now.

...which comes with 700c wheels, right?

That sounds like toe overlap city. The IRO Heidi comes with 650c and has no overlap with MKS GR9 pedals. And the components on the IRO will own anything the Bikesdirect will offer at that pricepoint.

...which comes with 700c wheels, right?

That sounds like toe overlap city. The IRO Heidi comes with 650c and has no overlap with MKS GR9 pedals. And the components on the IRO will own anything the Bikesdirect will offer at that pricepoint.

you clearly know what youre talking about.

I built up a small Fuji for a girl two or three years ago with 700c. She was not happy with the toe overlap -- if it were for me, I wouldnt mind. But if the OP's girlfriend is already complaining about a slightly high stand-over height or a sloping top-tube, then I am willing to bet her next complaint would be her feet hitting the front wheel. Might as well avoid girlfriend/bike trouble all together.

don't let aesthetics dictate your riding