Looking for a "starter bike" (used)
 

Hey all...it's been a while since I've been on here.

Have a friend who has a daughter getting in to cycling. They are looking for a road bike, to fit her (she is 5'8").

Anyone have a woman's bike they are looking to get rid of, or know of that would fit a person her size?

Lives in Utah, so local to Wasatch Valley.

Thanks in advance.

Hey, Borgman,

Unfortunately 5'8" doesn't mean much. There's no telling what that means for her bike size. I'm 5'5" but I ride a size more common among women several inches shorter, because all my height is in my legs. You'll have to get her sized and then ask around to see if anyone is selling her size. Even then it won't be an ideal fit, but she should be able to adjust it pretty close.

I don't but ask at your local shops, most of those guys will know. I'd say 54 would fit her. A used Trek or Giant might do the trick. What are you looking to pay in case I ask my friends?

Babs is correct. Height is only one factor that goes into bike fit. Colorado cyclist has a formula on their website to determine correct frame size based on a couple of measurements to be taken.

I would venture to guess that a 53 or 54 would fit her fairly well. Giant doesn't use number sizing, but their Small or Medium sized frame would be what she is after. She's a tweener at 5'8", so it would defintely be a good idea to at least take one out for a spin before committing to anything.

As to your other question - no idea where to get one. I'm 800 miles away. Try Craigs list (after figuring the right size first, of course).

Do you always have to be right?

If a "cheapo" bike offers fewer opportunities for adjustment, isn't that all the more reason to at least get the right size to begin with?

I understand your point. But adjustment is more determined by stem, seat post, fork, seat, which make a better fit possible.

But unfortunately with a cheap bike, "the right fit" is often unavailable. Frame makers for reasons of not wanting too many molds like fewer sizes and hope people will pay for the other parts.

Fortunately, most frames are not monocoque but rather tubular so some adjustment is possible. I'm really saying it's unreasonable to expect a cheaper bike to fit well. I don't have to be right, but in bike fitting, it is an area where I have a wee bit of exposure.

Perhaps I see a distinction without a difference, but my effort to articulate it.

Translation: the ideal fit being unavailable, any size will do.

You are too funny.