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I'm building a new bike for my 13yr old girl. She's 5'1" and a pretty strong rider but has outgrown her old bike.
Any way I now have two frames in the garage for her - one must go!
Theres a:
... small, steel OnOne 456 frame which looks the dogs but weighs 4.5lbs
... small, Alu Giant XTC SE frame. It's a bit more generic looking but has the advantage of being a full pound lighter than the 456
What do you reckon for hilly XC riding around the Malverns? The lighter Giant or the cooler 456?
IMHO - whichever's cheaper, she'll have outgrown it in a month. Not that I'd recommend being tight, but they are both nice frames so put the change in the 14th birthday present fund 🙂
Yeah but they're both bought now (neither cost me more than £50)...
Oh sorry, I thought you meant you had two to choose from buying.
I'd guess you need to assess the reach. It's often the reach/tt length that bugs girls on boy's bikes. Whichever will give her the better positioning and fit. Bung wheels/forks/pedals on both in turn and ask her how they feel?
Does one have more growth potential (and therefore longevity) than the other?
Or for something really risky, maybe ask the daughter which one she prefers? Wimmenz does have opinions on things! 😉
She loves the look of the 456 and was fairly indifferent about the (grey) XTC.
I know the 456 will make a mint bike but there's a fair but of heft there. I'm guessing that once built up the 1lb weight difference will be unnoticeable ?
The 456 will be quite long along the top. I love my whippet but even with a 40mm stem I find it too long to be easily chuckable. It is however very comfortable for long days out. If it is the same for her ask which is more important. If she is involved in the decision making process she will love it even more.
It's not a lot, no.
If all the other parts are the same, I reckon you could level the score by fitting it with folding tyres, lighter wheels make a surprising difference.
Yes GFS, I'm thinking keep the 456 - looks cool for the whole mate cred' side of things.
XTC likely to be heading towards classifieds
I hope it's ridden with a big smile 🙂
I'm sure it will. She just had a cheeky ride around Eastnor deer park on her old bike this afternoon. The new build will be mint!
Double post