Pls help me pick a frame size for my GF!

[Duck on Wheels]

I look at the picture and I'm thinking she may have liked the fit because she liked sitting more upright. If she were to crouch down on that puppy to be more aerodynamic, I'm thinking it would be pretty cramped. But hey, if she likes sitting upright, then let her sit upright.
I'm 5'9", which used to be considered tallish for a woman. My two bikes are both men's 20" Treks and feel fine. Then one ride I was on a rented 20" and was so stretched out my elbows cramped up. I also test rode a 48cm, I think it was. Forget what brand or model. I thought it fit fine, but my sister and other TE friends were saying "No way can that bike fit you!" But you see, I like sitting upright, which a short top tube allows me to do, and as long as the distance and angle from seat to pedals is ok, then the short top tube is not a problem for me.
My conclusion: I agree with the answers above. You've got to find a way to surprise her, yet let her test ride before the purchase is finalized.

[Dianyla]

She looks a bit cramped with the top tube length in that picture. Just because you can jack the seat up high enough doesn't mean it will fit right.

When I had my bike fitting the ergonomics specialist wanted my arms and back to make a 90 degree angle when in a comfortable position with my hands on the flat top of the bars. Notice that in the pic your GF arms make more of an acute (<90) angle and her back is quite upright. It also looks like her elbows would hit her knees if she were down in the drops.

If she's really more into "comfort city riding" the upright position is nice. But judging by the numbers painted on her arm I think she'll be happier with a larger frame that lets her stretch out a bit more.


BTW: I wish I were as "normal women build" as 145 lbs on a 6'1" frame!

[Bikingmomof3]

Besides ditto to what the others said, I had some questions about the bike she was on (nice bike, btw ). She looked "cramped". Unless she likes to ride with her arms locked, as soon as she relaxed it looks as though her knees would be hitting her elbows. Go with a gift cert or a nice card with your intention inside. Not one size fits all. I am only 5'4, yet a WSD is too small for me. Others taller, shorter or the same size need a WSD. Finding the right bike is such a personal thing, let her choose.

[Destroy]

I had typed up a nice long reply but the server here at work hicuped and I lost my whole post. Arg.

Long story short...

My GF was wow'ed by the new bike as a whole. I think any new good road bike would have a dramatic feel difference to her. Heck she still lovers her old bike tons and her biggest complaint is the shifting of her old bike and that she gets a sore back when she rides it. To her, she riding 21 years worth of technology improvement in that pic.

I'm going to visit my LBS tonight I hope and solidify what they will do for me in regards to exchanges or returns.

Evening Edit:Stopped at the LBS on my way home. I bought a 58cm 2200 3 ring with 100% exchange policy to any upgrade or down grade of a bike she chooses if she doesn't like the one I(we) picked out.

They were very nice and took lots of time to figure a best guess fit size using my measurements I took of her old bike and by looking at the same pic I posted here. They also offered a fair 25% exhange policy if we need to replace the stem, handlebar, etc components to make it fit to her liking.

NOW...
I'm trying to decide if I should give the Xmas present to her early as in now so she can enjoy it for barely a month or so before WI winter sets in.

Or... do I just wait it out and give the bike as a normal Xmas present in Dec knowing she can exchange it for something else but won't be able to even test it out at all for 4 months. The catch is, its a Closeout bike so in Dec there will be no more 2200s to pick from if she decides she likes that model but wants a 60cm instead of a 58cm.

What you all think? Surprise her with the gift now or wait?

[Veronica]

Now! When she can still ride.

V.

[xeney]

Yes, now. And this is a great gift.

[Mimosa]

My vote would be now to, she can then try it and feel if it fits and what needs to change.