Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: california
Posts: 416
Bikes: a heavy old steel Frankenbike Gitane, a cruiser (not something I'd buy for myself, but it was a gift, what can you do?), a Greg Lemond, a Specialized Stumpjumper(old, steel, fully rigid), and a Specialized Safire
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I would probably look for a 51-53cm frame if she's 5'6 to 5'8.
But before you dump a ton of money into making it pretty, just get it running and then surprise her with it. Have her ride it for a week or two to make sure it fits. Then, take her to a shop and let her pick out the fun stuff- like handlebar tape, a bell, maybe a new saddle and tires if the bike needs it. If it turns out to be the wrong size, you can turn it around and resell it for what you put into it. If it fits and she likes it, she may have different ideas for how to pretty the bike up and may want to change whatever you just put on there for her anyway.