frame for a small woman?

A quick introduction, I'm all testosterone. So the reason I'm here is that I'm looking to build a cyclocross / touring bicycle for my better half.

She has from before a sorry excuse for a mountainbike. It weighs more than my freeride bike, for starters.

I love bicycles, I've got all bases covered. road, hardtail, freeride and one that I can leave outside the store when shopping. However she thinks her bike is good enough, and no need for a fancy one. But that's only because she doesn't know how good a lighter bike feels, and what that do to the enjoyment of bicycling.

So I plan to build a bicycle based on a cyclo cross frame to get tires that is a bit beefier, and a flat bar for a more upright position - much like the popular hybrid bicycles, but I like to build it myself.

My problem however is to figure out what size she needs. I don't want to spoil a surprise so exact measurements can be a bit tricky. but she is aprox 155 cm tall (5 feet 1) and her jeans says 29 (no idea hos that exact pair fits, but should give a general idea).

So anyone have an idea of a nice frame that could fit?

I would suggest the next time she rides her "good enough" bike - check to see if her stand over height works on that bike. If the cross bar is at the right height for her then measure it to figure out her stand over height - (or at least get a good idea). That is the best I can figure. Her height is a good indicator but you also need her stand over height. Just a thought. :)
It sounds like a great present!! Good luck.
Oh, her jeans just mean her waist. Doesn't help you at all. Although, measuring the length of the legs on her jeans might help.

I am about her size, and is challenging to find a cross frame that fits! You might want to check out Ridley, as they have some frames in extra small sizes. She will probably need to have smaller wheels also. I use 26 inch wheels on my Terry Valkyrie. You might be able to get just the frame from Terry, if you want to build the bike yourself. I got the complete bike from them and my BF built it up. Terry's prices have gotten quite high, however.

Ridley Crossbow

Valkyrie-Tour

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Originally Posted by Savra

I would suggest the next time she rides her "good enough" bike - check to see if her stand over height works on that bike.
...Oh, her jeans just mean her waist. Doesn't help you at all. Although, measuring the length of the legs on her jeans might help.

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I'll keep that in mind. Plus it will give me an indication what is good and what is wrong with the geometry of her current, and what to look for in a new frame.

jeans have two numbers, one is the length and one is the width. I mentioned the length. :)

[QUOTE=wavedancer;577691]I am about her size, and is challenging to find a cross frame that fits! You might want to check out Ridley, as they have some frames in extra small sizes. She will probably need to have smaller wheels also. I use 26 inch wheels on my Terry Valkyrie. You might be able to get just the frame from Terry, if you want to build the bike yourself. I got the complete bike from them and my BF built it up. Terry's prices have gotten quite high, however.

Ridley Crossbow

The Ridley looked very nice, it wasn't trouble finding the frameset either. Best one so far. Now I just have to figure out if the geometry is right. Thanks!

Felt is coming out with a 46cm cyclocross frame this season in carbon and aluminum that is made specifically for shorter women. They have Coryn Rivera racing for them and she is about 5'1". Also Specialized makes the Crux in a 46cm.

the bike you're describing is pretty much what I ride. A Cramerotti cyclocross frame with beefier slicks for commuting and a straight handlebar.

Just for reference, I'm 5'4 with a 30" inseam and ride a 52cm frame.

I think it is a lovely idea that you want to build a nice small bike up for your SO. However, I don't think it is a good idea to surprise her with this bike. Size and fit is the most important thing and she should have some say in what is on her bike as well. If it were up to me, I would tell her I know she will love this new bike and ask her for input and she may find it really interesting to build up and pick a bike with your help.

It could be a nice bonding experience.!