Originally Posted by
wyowanderer
Want to buy a Diamondback Clarity 1 for my 15 yr old daughter. My local bike dealer has one for $430. I can get one online for over $100 cheaper...of course I have to put it together. First off, I would love to buy local, but that is too big of a difference IMO. My local bike shop didn't have any Claritys to look at nor ANY Diamondbacks put together. They did have a Jamis x2 Trail mountain bike put together that he had my daughter try for size. It was a men's 19" frame and he said it fit her. She is 5'7" w/ a 31" inseam. I suppose she might grow a bit more, but I kind of doubt much more if any. Anyhow, my dilemma, is what size to get her (it is offered in a 17"/med frame and a 19"/large frame...in woman's). To be honest the bike shop wasn't very helpful in determining what size. And I really don't feel to bad about not getting one from them since they had none to try out or check out, without ordering one blindly anyhow. I looked on this website:
http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer
Using this as a guide I am guessing the 19"/Large would be the better choice. What are your thoughts? I want her to use this bike when she goes to college as well. Thanks in advance.
A 17 inch women frame should fit her well. She should be able to ride it for a while, if she does grow some more. It is better to get a bike at a local bike shop. Due to the fact that they can fit you properly with a bike and find what bike suites your riding needs. Plus, usually they will get you a free bike tune up. A normal tune up cost about $50-$70 (depends on where you go). Some LBS employee are a bunch of @holes. If that the case then I will look elsewhere.