Womens Frame Recommendations please

[Bullpup]

My other half is looking for a new frame to replace her Marin IFT because she finds throwing her leg over the crossbar exascerbates an old injury leading to painful hips.

She is prepared to accept that the needs a lower crossbar but really doesn't want any thing as extreme as a Dutch bike or indeed a 50's looking step through frame.

She is 5'8 and has long i.e. 31" legs

Use is mainly tracks and trails.

Can anyone recommend something suitable please perhaps in swooping hydroformed aluminium?

Many thanks

 

[The History Man]

Re:

Explsifs have good geometry for the ladies the boss has a 17” and is 5’6” with regular leg. Whatever that is.

 

[The History Man]

Re:

Oh and I have a 17” specialised alloy frame and forks you can have for £10 plus post.

 

[Bullpup]

Thank you very much but they both have a straight top tube meaning the rider will have to cock her leg to get on. We are looking for something with a lower or swooping top tube.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Specialized myka? Giant do a similar style for the lady.

I opted for a very small stumpjumper frame for my 5ft 2 ish wife.

Similarly, for my 10 year old who is approaching 5ft, a 12 inch framed hardrock worked nicely as the top tube slopes down from the front. Would probably suit my wife better as they both almost have the same saddle height. Considering the hardrock is a kids frame and low end, it is very light and well built.

 

[Bullpup]

I wonder if an older full suspension frame may be more suitable e.g. a Cannondale Super V?

 

[CassidyAce]

Re:

I suppose it depends on how rough the tracks and trails are that she rides. If they're rough, a full suspension bike might be the best bet, as you say. If they're the type of thing a gravel bike could comfortably handle, a women's hybrid or even a mixte might do the trick. I think the problem with the MTBs these days will be that there's not a lot of difference between the men's and the women's - presumably women have got better at getting their petticoats over the frames before hitting the muddy tracks.

 

[mattr]

As an alternative suggestion, has she tried swinging her leg forwards and over instead of backwards and out. A lot more flexibility that way, a guy i used to ride with 30+ years ago started doing this in the run up to a hip replacement, at the recommendation of the surgeon. Much less load on the hip joint.

 

[Bullpup]

Good suggestions there thank you.

I think the problem is clearing either the saddle or indeed the handlebars either way she trys it. Further experimentation needed I think.