Frame sizing for 5' 2" girls bike opinions

Hi, I need some advice and opinions on frame sizing for a bike for my girlfriend (5 foot 2 tall).

She's ideally after a road bike with step thru frame, riser bars, front and rear brakes and a freewheel, single speed preferred. (Second hand).

I have a Wanted thread in the Classified section:

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread28272.html

Some lovely bikes have been offered but all but one appear to be way too big.

What would you suggest? Are 700c wheels a no-no? Are there any short girls on the forum who can help?

Any opinions would be useful, looking to pick up a bike next week if I can find one. Also neither of us drive so we gotta mission it around on public transport to view...

There was a decent 19" Raleigh on Ebay the other day, if you'd asked this question at the weekend... Think it was in Derby, but collecting it would have just been a fun day out.

For a step-through frame, you're probably looking at 26" or 27", just because that's what a lot of them use. Size wise something in the 48cm region probably.

Even a 19" frame may be too big for her, it's possible for her to ride it but the saddle will have to be quite low, you already got quite a lots of good advice on that topic (you don't really need to create a new topic).

Try and find a way to get the IRO Mark V HD frame, they should be inexpensive at £180-200 (same frame as the Mark V really), honestly it's easier to try and get a new frame that fit her than an old bicycle, especially for those who are under 5'3, it's as rare has hen's teeth;

Smaller, 46cm (18") version of the Mark V designed specifically for riders under 5'3".

http://www.irocycle.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=109

Hi Ed, if you buy a small frame like this and put 700c wheels on, is there a toe overlap issue? For instance, with the Bob Holdness frame you bought for ed's missus, is this the case?

For a step through, either of the town bike or ladies road bike variety you will probably be looking at something with 26" wheels (of the old school variety/not mtb) Youd only really get 27" wheels on larger bikes.

Bikes that would use 650c racing wheels would be more modern & racey not step throughs.

Hi Ed, if you buy a small frame like this and put 700c wheels on, is there a toe overlap issue? For instance, with the Bob Holdness frame you bought for ed's missus, is this the case?

There's a slight toe overlap on the Bob Holness (48.5cm, a perfect fit for a 5'4 person), but that's to be expected on a track frame as the geometry is very tight, plus don't forget about female's feet being smaller than the men which help reduced the overlappiness.

unless you're referring to the Mark V HD, it can't take 700c.

Hi Ed, if you buy a small frame like this and put 700c wheels on, is there a toe overlap issue? For instance, with the Bob Holdness frame you bought for ed's missus, is this the case?

the mark v hd only takes 650c, not 700c

Thanks guys, that's good to know.

Hi there! I'm 5' and I ride the IRO Mark V HD and looooove it!

It is super fast - the 650c wheels are proportional to the frame - no need for 700c.

I spent a year researching bikes for my size - the HD is an awesome bike and so fun to ride.

Mary rides a steam roller, I think she's under 5'. I'm pretty sure it's a 46.

Maggie, who works with me in Brixton Cycles, rides a fuji with 650c wheels. She is even shorter than Mary.

you already got quite a lots of good advice on that topic (you don't really need to create a new topic).]

Yeah, I was advised by a member to start this one too, soz!

But thanks :)