Quote Originally Posted by Cataboo View Post
I'd probably recommend that you don't surprise her - because fit is really important. If you have an idea of what geometry works for her, how long of a top tube she needs - whether she needs a WSD or not, you might manage it.

If she's 5'2, unless she's got a very long inseam, she probably doesn't want to be on 48 or 49 cm cross bike if she's actually going to do cross with it. Cross bikes generally require more standover than a road bike - road bike you can get away with not having or barely having standover - not for cross though. So at 5'2, probably a 48 or 49 cm bike is what she'd want in a road bike, and she'd want smaller for standover. I'm 5'1 and ride 48,49 cm road bikes - but generally they actually measure out to 45-46 cm center of cranks to top of seattube with compact geometry.

Someone was selling a pretty green kona jake frame recently on here, I don't know if it's still available.
I guess I should have clarified...it isn't a total surprise...we have gone to the local bike shop and had her sized up, I kind of thought 49 was a bit big too, however I think she will be doing more casual riding than racing so it will probably work for a starter kit. It will be a lot of crusing on paved roads and a few graded dirt trails around the area, not a lot of dismounting or single track just yet for her (though I know it will come quickly)

I think the surprise end is more I am just going to go spend the money without asking her or we will never get it done. She is a bit more frugal than I am. =) As for the cross bike...it just makes sense so she can do a little bit of everything starting out...she wants the option to do easy dirt rides or ride on the road, just a good do everything bike.

I would love to get her a WSD...the new Giant TCX W is awesome...just a little pricey maybe straight out of the gate...

Thanks so much for your replies...this is a great forum.