My wife is also "about 5' 2" on a good day" and I kinda swear by the 650C wheel thing. I know there's arguments for and against, but it sure makes for a more comfortable ride that just "looks" right. I just built up this bike for her and she LOVES it - being new to cycling I kind of knew I had to get it right the first time if she was going to get into it and it's been great. Get small wheels