rockindude24

Alright, I was new last year and I have gotten my equipment. This year my girlfriend is interested in biking now too and she is willing to invest in a bike. Since I am not all knowledgeable yet, I am coming here for advice on a new bike for her. We will be doing mostly distance riding on paths, trails, and roads, but also a little on off road trails. My big question is fitting her for a bike. She is about 5'6", but she has long legs and a short torso. Would a woman's bike be best for her because of the short torso, or would she be alright on a men's bike? Any thoughts would be appreciated! We will probably start looking around somewhat soon, but we have some time before it warms up and the snow clears. Thanks!

Machka 

A man's bicycle could work. I'm about your girlfriend's size and my 50cm Giant OCR3 is a pretty good fit. Since then I bought a custom-built bicycle, but you might not want to go that route just yet.

Cyclist0383

Sounds similar to my wife. We bought her a Surly Cross Check as the top tubes on cyclocross frames tend to be a bit shorter that comparable bikes. She has it set up with riser bars and now commutes every day in the summer and autumn.

Also check out the Jamis Coda line of bikes.

Quick_Torch C5

sounds like you want a cross-country(XC) bike with a suspension. Personally, I'd try to find a nearby bike store and get her to sit/test drive both men's and women's specific bikes. She will probably be OK on the Men's bike, but what do I know?In the meantime, look for name brand bikes, not the walmart special!

MKahrl

If the off road riding is limited and mostly just hard packed dirt trails or gravel then you might not need a suspension. A hybrid or XC bike with fattish tires, 35 to 40mm would do the trick without the weight penalty of suspension.