My girlfriend came to my cross race last weekend and mentioned she really would like to try it since it looks so fun. Before investing into a nice cx bike, I thought maybe she will fit OK or even pretty well on one of my bikes.

She's 5'5" and fairly proportionate. I am also the same height. I have two bikes, and it'd be really nice for me, financially, if she could use one of my bikes, and maybe, if needed, change things up to have it fit better. I was just curious what everyone that is about the same height (5'5") as her rides?

The bike I was hoping she could use is my 52cm Surly Cross Check.

The thing is, when I had just gotten into cycling, I bought her a pretty small bicycle that she had gotten fairly used to. I was also riding the same size, but soon realized it was way too small for me. That frameset has a 49cm TT. When she gets on my bike, she says it feels huge. I'm not sure if it really is, or if she's just used to her smaller bike. She also noticed how close the top tube was when standing over my bike. How much clearance should their be down there?

Of course, I know I could get this all solved by getting fitted, but I thought I'd try checking with you guys first.

Thanks!