Originally Posted by
3speed
So this isn't quite the normal MTB post, but I'm thinking you long-time MTB folks are the ones with the answers. My girlfriend is only ~5' and I'm building a commuter for her. I'm going 26" wheels rather than 700c due to her size. I'm thinking a light-weight aluminum MTB frame is the way to go. Then just add light XC wheels with slicker road tires, drop bars, etc. Any suggestions on what models I should start looking for?
There are any number of mountain bikes out there that could work. You should look for a women's specific bike, however. A Trek WSD mountain bike does the trick nicely. Other large bike makers have similar designs.
That said, I would also suggest...and, trust me, this is hard to say...that you look at Bikes Direct. They currently have some closeout
Terry Symmetrys for an absolutely killer price. I bought a 44 cm one for my wife in May for twice that price and it was a bargain then. You can't do better by buying a frame and swapping parts now that the bike is half the price I paid.