Wanted Used Women Mountain Bike 14"-16"

[moto922]

I edited this post to add 14" after other SORBA members said I may need a small frame bike. My first post said I was only looking for a 16" frame.

Looking for mountain bike to buy for my sons girlfriend. She is 5ft. tall and the bike needs to be a 16" frame with 26" wheels. She wants a bike to ride the Canal trails with my son. She can not afford a bike so I decided to try to get one for her. She goes full time at ASU. Would like a Trek, Gaint, GT, etc., Thanks for looking and if you know of a bike that am looking for please let us know. I'm from Augusta, GA

[brianW]

You may want to keep an eye on craigslist for a bike.

[dgaddis1]

You might want a smaller than 16" frame. My fiance is 5'1" and a 16" frame was too big. Mostly she had trouble with the reach to the bars. She ended up getting herself a Giant Rincon W, size XS, which is a 14". It fits her just right. Good luck on the search!

[seenvic]

I also think a 16" frame would be too big for a 5' tall gal.

More like a 13" or 14".

[moto922]

Thanks for all the advice, I'm new and learning about MB. Will a 14" frame still have 26" tires.

Thanks,
Jerry

[dgaddis1]

Yes...but they're hard to find. From what I saw most shops don't carry the XXS size bikes, so finding one used is probably going to be tough. Check e-bay, craigslist, and I'd check w/Chain Reaction and Andy Jordans as well and see how much a new one would cost, or if they have any leads on a used one.

[moto922]

My son told me that his girlfriend is 4'10" tall. She is a thin 22 y/o and want need to buy a bike that she will grow to. My Question is, will a 12.5 frame be to small for her or just right. I've seen two bikes like this Giant Boulder SE with 12.5 frame 26" tires. Is this bike considered a boys, mens bike. Should I look for a bike that is made for women only. I'm just looking for a bike to see if she wants to start MB and don't want to be stuck with a new bike that will sit in garage, so I don't want to spend lots for the bike. The photo is a 12.5 frame 26" tires.

Thanks,
Jerry



This is a 13" frame 26" tires Trek 800 ST

[dgaddis1]

I would let her sit on both of them to see which fits best and which she likes. I don't think a women specific design is necessary.

[moto922]

Thanks everyone for the help with what size bike to get. I got her a like new womens 2007 Schwinn Frontier 13" frame that was on Augusta Craigslist. We rode the Canal this past weekend and the bike was great for a beginner rider. If you see us at the Canal this weekend give us a shout. The old man "me" will be on a Trek 4500 and my son rides a Cannondale Super V2000.

Thanks again,
Jerry Murphy