Suggestions for a beginners MTB for 5'1" female

[haggis]

Been scouring the net for a bike for my GF. Have looked at Scott, Specialized, Kona, 'Dale to name but a few and just wondered if anyone male or female had any input for me. Plus what size would 5'1" person need...13.5-14" i'm guessing?

 

[andrewl]

Are you looking for something new or old?

Does she have long or short legs for her height?

I'd say for her first mtb, just buy something new after taking her around a few shops to try the fit. I'm assuming that she may not care too much what it is but more that it works and hence retro isn't the best option.

 

[logger]

well just my twp pence worth, but my girlfriend has a womans specific yukon (giant) good spec and sloping top tube all i can say is she loves it.

 

[Kneedowndean]

My girlf is 5ft 1", and I built her a 14.5" Zaskar which is the smallest size they came in. Fits a treat.

 

[Ziggy]

Mine's 5'0" & I've built a wee Nishiki Alien for her, albeit with not-particularly-retro kit

 

[Pickle]

I've got a 16" Diamondback Topanga for sale, on behalf of my Mum. She's just over 5'. Its in the For Sale forum, £95 and a good spec for the money.

 

[haggis]

WSD

I would like something new as i've got more of a chance of getting a woman specific design. I'd like it to be a surprise as well so getting her to try out a few bikes could be difficult. Has anyone or their GFs' had any experiences with Scott Contessa bikes or the new Specialized Myka hardtails?

 

[haggis]

Topanga

I've got a 16" Diamondback Topanga for sale, on behalf of my Mum. She's just over 5'. Its in the For Sale forum, £95 and a good spec for the money.

I think that'll be a bit too big for her Pickle, she's tiny. Thanks though.

 

[Rusty]

I bought a Scott Contessa for my girlfriend 2 years ago and she loves it. The frame is fantastic and definitely warrants upgrading the components when they wear out. Or you could give her some of your nice "spare" XT kit.

My girlfriend is 5'3" and the XS frame is just big enough for her. She is a lot more confident going off-road now than she was on her Halfords bike and a lot more keen to come to Glentress or Wolftrax with me (which isn't always a good thing.)

 

[xiphon]

I've just finished a build, based on 15" Merlin Dual frame.

She's 5'1, and I've got a short 35mm stem, and 80mm Marz forks on it (frame designed for 100mm+ though).

Combined with 165mm cranks, it's a perfect fit.