The last bike I've found for my girlfriend was unfortunately too big, it got the right top tube length (51.5cm) and build as an audax frame which is prefect for commuting and long distance ride with a bit of luggage if necessary.
However it aspired that the Swinnerton frame I've found for her have an extraordinary steep seat tube that make it impossible to set the Brooks saddle as far back as possible (at least 76 degree), thus increase the top tube length to something like 54cm, because of the seat tube, and not being able to set the saddle back far enough, she get really bad pressure and pain on her hand no matter how upright the handlebar is;
After a while looking for a perfect frame for her and almost resort to a custom, she have found one that look very good, and a Rivendell design to boot, the Soma San Marcos.
The smallest size accept 650b wheel and have a very relaxed seat tube of 71.5, perfect for a Brooks saddle with an inline seatpost.
The top tube is 53.5cm, but with the very slack seat tube, it's realistically 51cm.
It got a very long headtube, allowing her to slam the stem without looking all Rivendellisque, and the best part, it look in proportion;
She liked the Nitto moustache handlebar, but would like to have a classic drop bar which her last experience turn her right off them, just need to wait for my wheel to be build so she can have my old set.
The last bike I've found for my girlfriend was unfortunately too big, it got the right top tube length (51.5cm) and build as an audax frame which is prefect for commuting and long distance ride with a bit of luggage if necessary.
However it aspired that the Swinnerton frame I've found for her have an extraordinary steep seat tube that make it impossible to set the Brooks saddle as far back as possible (at least 76 degree), thus increase the top tube length to something like 54cm, because of the seat tube, and not being able to set the saddle back far enough, she get really bad pressure and pain on her hand no matter how upright the handlebar is;
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh167/edscoble/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Edward%20Scobles%20MacBook%20Pro/DSCF6514_zpsff53dbd4.jpg
After a while looking for a perfect frame for her and almost resort to a custom, she have found one that look very good, and a Rivendell design to boot, the Soma San Marcos.
The smallest size accept 650b wheel and have a very relaxed seat tube of 71.5, perfect for a Brooks saddle with an inline seatpost.
The top tube is 53.5cm, but with the very slack seat tube, it's realistically 51cm.
It got a very long headtube, allowing her to slam the stem without looking all Rivendellisque, and the best part, it look in proportion;
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh167/edscoble/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Edward%20Scobles%20MacBook%20Pro/photo-2_zps3a5a30d2.jpg
It also got those Rivendell lugs too, which look awesome, and still cheaper than a Rivendell/custom frame;
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh167/edscoble/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Edward%20Scobles%20MacBook%20Pro/IMAG0546_zps67e144d5.jpg
She liked the Nitto moustache handlebar, but would like to have a classic drop bar which her last experience turn her right off them, just need to wait for my wheel to be build so she can have my old set.