I just built a frame for my daughter. Being a small 53ish cm frame to be used for touring and commuting, I designed it with 46cm chain stays and an old Reynolds 531 top tube to help the ride quality. Designed for 700x32 tires. Took it out on a trial ride yesterday and between raindrops today. Purposely rode some rough pave' and it rides like a dream with my 230 pounds on it, and imagine when loaded with gear and my daughter it will have just a slightly harder ride, but not too much harder. Frame flex is good, wider tires are great, and the two together are ideal for tuning ride quality.