Bike for my girlfriend?
 

Hi,
Sorry, I know there are a few threads like this.. but this is kind of different.
She wants my bike that I just bought (2008 Fuji Track).. and I'm fine with that, I can always get another one.

The thing is, she just had intestinal surgery and it will bug her for the next year or so. She says that the bike feels to tall for her, and there's too much of a reach. Any suggestions to make this more comfortable for her? She's about 5"2' - 5"3'.

So far, I've got it setup with front and back brakes and a single speed. I'm going to be taking my bullhorns off and I'm still deciding what bars she needs. But my main question is, could I fit 650c wheels on this? Is their anything I need to change? Would it be a bad idea to switch to smaller wheels?

What size is your bike that is too big for her? Fuji Track goes as small as 49.

Does your girlfriend know about your username?

If you change the wheel size, you'll likely have to get new brakes with longer reach.

O.O

fuji track goes as small as 43

It is the 49cm. My original plan was to buy another 43cm for her, BUT, it sounds like that would be really, really small and I also just found out about the IRO Rob Roy group buy and it sounds like a really good deal. They don't have 49s so I want a 52 for myself.

yup.

Changing the wheel size will put her lower to the ground. That is all. It wont shorten the seat tube or top tube. Only standover will improve.

You should keep your bike and buy her a bike that fits her.

+1
Though, if you wanted to make it more comfy for her, supposing she is set on riding the track, you could put risers on it and a shorter stem. possibly a positive rise or no rise stem (like a mtn bike stem) and risers would put her position considerably more upright.

oooops I forgot that it went that small

you might also consider getting a real-person stem with some rise. this'll keep her out of a more aero position relieving pressure on her gut.

edit: too late, nm.

on the subject of wheel size, i'd stick to a larger wheel. you don't really want to get that BB any closer to the ground. if shes new to this the last thing you want her to have to worry about is pedal strike.

THANKS for the tips everyone.
About getting her a new bike..I think a 43cm would be way too small.

She actually feels fine about the reach, but, I want to make it a little easier on her so she won't cause any stress with her surgery. She actually didn't complain about the reach, but I don't think it's safe to be arched over like that after she had gotten her surgery. Sitting a little more upright would be great for her, especially since she's just crusing around town.

That being said, will I need to change anything on the bike to have 650c wheels fit? (the fork?)
Also, I'm gonna change the bars for sure, I'm deciding on either some risers, or promenade bars (or any other suggestions if you have them).. what do you guys think?

You're about four months late for the Rob Roy group buy. Orders had to be placed long ago.

putting 650c wheels on a 700c frame is the worst idea ever. (well maybe not, i've seen worse on this board)

1. you're lowering your BB by over 3cm (can you say pedal strike?)
2. your brakes won't reach (tektro R556's might save you here, but probably not. Drop bolts are more likely)
3. putting smaller wheels won't change her riding position at all. (well she'll be closer to the ground, but that's about it)

If you want her to be more upright get a shorter stem with more rise, and some risers or swept back bars (moustache/albatross/priest/noah's arc.....)

What is up with people wanting to ride such tiny bikes?

I thought this thread was titled: "Bike or my girlfriend"

^^^tiny people


edit: too late! meant for post #15

I was wondering about that and began to get annoyed that I just purchased a frameset from IRO on my own. . . Glad to hear this.

does anyone else find it kinda weird that she just wants his bike that he just bought?

"hey babe, cool bike"

"thanks i just bought it"

"can i have it?"

"um, ok"

Word. Send her to the curb.

+1

I lied. She only liked my bike (and I wanted to get her one soon), so I was either going to buy her one, or give her mine. I thought maybe give her mine cause I like getting/trying new things.. even though the bike is pretty new.

That being said.. I think I've settled on the Motobecane Messenger Track for her, it has 700C wheels.. but that's fine. Any suggestions on sizing? Either 43, or 49cm. She's about 5"3' - 5"4' and 100lbs. Would 43 be too small? I'm going to immediatley change the bars to flat, risers, or whatever.. something comfy so she can sit upright.

Pretty new? Didn't you start a 'what bike should I buy' thread a few days ago?

Bike for your girlfriend?

I have an old Raleigh road bike I don't need. We could maybe work out a trade. Can you post pictures of your girlfriend?

I miss Rodney Dangerfield.

Find Easthill. She hangs out in Classic & Vintage. She rides <50cm bikes. She should be able to give you an idea for sizing.

Or try posting in Road Cycling. The mass that lurks in there is bound to include petites.