You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Following on from an earlier thread about getting a bike within a £500 budget for my partner, I've spotted some fantastic On-One deals on Scandal 'rolling chassis' packages (frame, fork, finishing kit and wheels) for £399, leaving £100 only for brakes and drivetrain but I can live with skimping on that for now for the longterm benefits of such an upgradable package. They've 14" in stock which according to their sizing guide is spot on for 5'4".
However, my partner's 14" Giant gives her a pretty much 'sit up and beg' ride position and although building something with a bit more stretch would be a good idea, she's not an experienced cyclist and isn't going to feel safe at to acute an angle or too stretched. The Scandal isn't a female specific frame and On-Ones tend to be reasonably long in the top tube (I've had a couple of Inbreds) and I clearly don't want to buy something she won't feel safe riding.
When I've got a chance I'll check the TT length of her Giant against the On-One geometry chart (I assume TT lengh is centre of seattube to centre of stem cap) but I though I'd ask whether any similarly sized ladies ride a 14" Scandal and how they find it, would it be a good frame to get someone who's keen but not overly experienced more into cycling?
Any thoughts?
I don't ride a scandal, but do ride a 14" 'On One', being 5' 4" too. Its been fine. Not sure how it compares though.
If you get one, will you let me know how it goes, 'cos I need a new frame?
Kona frames are always good for a woman, I started out on an old 'cindercone', the reach was fine.
Wife is 5ft2 and rides a 14" Scandal. Fits great and more importantly she loves it.
My other half rides a 14" Inbred, she too is 5'4" and again it fits and she loves it.
The reach is similar to her previous frame, a 14 1/2" unbranded thing, and similar to her small (16") Giant Reign.
Mrs TJ has a 14/" inbred. She is 5'5" and finds it stretched but not too much so
my on/off long-distance-Doris is 5'5"
she rides a 14" inbred (same geometry as scandal).
it's just about perfect for her.
Am 5'5" and have [s]not ride[/s] a 14" Inbred ss. I used to think it was OK but reckon it's too small. Definitely would be too small with gears.
Also depends on body proportions too.
As mentioned the on ones are long top tubes. The other half is about 5ft 4 and rides a Rockhopper in 15" which has a nice 70mm stem to keep the reach okay.
Women typically have longer legs for the same height as men so you would probably want to run the shorter end of the stem range which will make the steering nice and quick - so probably 60mm if not less.
Best thing to do is drop a line to or call on one as they used to have a very good section were people said how big they are and what size frame they had.
Make sure you get a seat post with a decent length though and if going for a rolling chassis package ask them which bars might be the most suitable for you a they will have a big effect on reach/stretch.
An On One 14" 456 was spot on for my last girlfriend who was 5' 4"
My wife and son both ride a 14" Scandal he's 5'2" and shes 5'4" they both get on well with the size !