amgarcia

I have my old 2002 KHS Flite 300.
https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...0300&Type=bike

I want to try and get my lady into cycling, and she seems willing.

The only problem is the KHS is too sporty. In addition, she feels like it is too large, even if it isn't.

Does anyone have a ladies bike or touring bike suggestion that I can move the majority of the parts to? The frame probably has to be <50cm. A 50cm ladies would work though.

I have reasonable mechanic skills (assembled my Surly Cross-Check by moving the parts over from another). In addition, I don't mind buying a few things, but I'd like to keep it to a minimum. For example, if the new bike needs cantis, I'd love the excuse to move my cantis from my CC and purchase new ones.

Thanks.

amgarcia

Oh, and the cheaper the better. I was hoping the Nashbar Touring Frame would fit, but it seems a bit large.
I'm worried that the Nashbar road frame is too sporty.

FastJake

In my experience new riders (especially women) think any bike that fits them correctly is "too large." This is something you kind of have to force on them, little by little, because riding with the saddle too low is inefficient and causes knee problems. How tall is she?

Anyway, the worst problem I encountered finding a road bike for my girlfriend was reach: long legs, short arms. As a new rider she was not comfortable being that stretched out. Unfortunately almost all newer road bikes are "racing" bikes and have this position with very little possibility of adjustment. Finally found her a small 1988 Schwinn Tempo on CL for $150 with a short stem that she says is much more comfortable. I see a few options:

- used WSD specific bike on CL (probably expensive, at least $300-$400)
- used older bike and get lucky
- new woman's bike from bikesdirect.com - they have a few offerings
- new build from a frame, as was your idea. I would hesitate doing this as you don't know how it will fit her until you're done and it's too late.

amgarcia

I'd prefer the final idea because I know it just needs to be a little smaller.
She's probably ~5'-2" or 3".

Also, with a new frame, I'd be able to change out the seat tube, stem, and leave a bunch of steerer until we get the fit right.

I'm wary of Craigslist finds, mostly. I sort of have a bad taste in my mouth from a previous transaction gone sour.

bikeman715

Go with a shorter stem ,and handlebars.

davidad

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

canam73

What about getting her a Cross Check frame, too? They come in small sizes and obviously take the canti's: https://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check and they're light blue!

Salsa and Soma make similar multi purpose frames.

Or here is a cheap frameset that has somewhat slacker geometry for a road bike: https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=2147 and here is the geometry: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_geo_10_g.gif

Alan Edwards

My wife love to biking with the cafe club, she started with my old MBT. Later I picked up a terry style (24''front,27"rear) Shogun and set it all up. She hated drops so I put a straight bar on it. She still hated it. Found a 46cm Scott MBT put 1" slicks on it and a womens specific saddle and she loves it. The bars are 6 or 7" higher then the saddle and it looks like a comfort bike but she goes riding and she is happy. My wife doesn't care if she gets dropped, or doesn't notice. Get your girl whatever she feels comfortable and capable on, if it includes color or style do it. I'm far happier with my wife at the back of the pack or in group "b" then at home. Thats what everybody wants, to be happy. There aren't enough women in cycling so do what you can to get yours in and maybe she can get a freind in.

amgarcia

Seems like I don't have a ton of options for frames alone.

cyccommute 

If she is 5'3", then a 50 cm is too tall. My daughter is 5'5" and a 49 cm (men's) is almost too big. Here's an experiment you can try: Go out and find a bike that is 2 sizes larger than what you ride now. Put a very long stem on it...135 mm to 150mm...and then go for a long ride. That's approximately what you are asking a petite(ish) woman to do.

I wouldn't go the route of getting a new frame unless you really, really know the numbers for her fit. At the very least go out and have her ride all kinds of new bikes in different brands to see what fits and what doesn't. Don't try to saddle her with something that you think will work. Let her decide.

amgarcia

I guess that's what I'm trying to do, albeit a bit misguided. She says my frame is too big, so I'm trying to find a smaller one for her.