Smallest frame with 700c

trekrider127
trekrider127 Posts: 83
edited August 2009 in Workshop
I'm wanting to build a road bike for my wife, she currently rides a Cannondale F5 Small to give an idea of frame size.

I have a spare Claud Butler with Sora triple etc. and I'm thinking of getting a frame which I can take everything off the Claud Butler and put onto the smaller frame.

Does anyone know the smallest size frame that can take 700c wheels? Do womens smaller road frames always use 650's?

Thanks guys

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    The shortest horizontal top tube length (ETT) is usually about 50cm. Any lower than this and toe overlap starts to become an issue, although builders often slacken the head angle on small frames to try and get the front wheel further away.

    You can get 650c frames but they're pretty rare, which is a shame I think, as for short women/v. short men the 700c setup can start to get squashed and look a bit odd. Same applies to crank lengths - anything shorter than 165mm is tricky to get hold off. Campag don't even do a 165mm crank.

    I've just bought a new frame for my wife so her current Dolan will be up for sale soon. That has a 52.5cm ETT (I think) and suits 5'2" - 5'6" height. Keep an eye on the classifieds if you're interested.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    this'll give you some ideas of geometry and sizes

    http://vannicholas.com/WbmBikeHome.aspx ... mZiEf8VOUt
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer

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