Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Don't try to make the 56cm Trek work with smaller wheels. A frame that's a bad fit is a bad idea. I would approach this keeping the objective of your effort as the target, you want to get your wife to ride more. Whatever you buy has to be an easy to ride bike or she'll lose interest. If that means buying new, then I'd do it. If you get a vintage ride, make sure she's OK with the shifters on that bike. Also, don't rule out late model used off CL. As for new WSD, some manufacturers use the same frame as the men's model, some do not. The difference for those that make women's specific frames is the top tube, it's shorter. The LBS you deal with will be able to explain what their WSD bikes measurements are and if they are different.
BTW, Bill is correct, a 52 cm will be too big for her.
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