What frame size for the shorter lady?
I'm looking at getting a new bike,(because I feel like it
) and considering going for a full sus rather than replacing the hardtail.
I'm about 5'2 and wondering what size frame others are riding and how you find they compare to other brands if you've tried others?
I know we're all different and I need to go and sit on lots of bikes, but I'm used to riding a 16 inch bike. It's too big and I don't want to buy another that's too big just because it feels the same as I'm used to!
Help me bikeradar women, you're my only hope! How small is your bike?!

I'm about 5'2 and wondering what size frame others are riding and how you find they compare to other brands if you've tried others?
I know we're all different and I need to go and sit on lots of bikes, but I'm used to riding a 16 inch bike. It's too big and I don't want to buy another that's too big just because it feels the same as I'm used to!
Help me bikeradar women, you're my only hope! How small is your bike?!

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I am 5'4" and generally use a 16" or "small" but many manufacturers sizes vary.
Do you have any make in mind?
I have found that most of the ladies specific frames come in smaller sizes than 16" so it might be worth having a look at them.
Waterford RS-14
Trek Domane SL6
Ridley Noah SL
A woman can never have too many bikes!
Orange 5s are quite good for shorter ladies, not sure if they still do it but the Diva 5 used to be a 14 inch frame that comes in long (same geometry as the standard 5s) and short (special ladies version if the reach is too long on the standard one).
With full-sussers it's worth considering how much travel you actually need, as obviously the longer the forks the harder it is to get on diddy sized frames. Rear shocks vary in length too, so if you're really struggling to find a full-susser that fits, I'd look to ones that have horizontal rear shocks instead of vertical ones.
The Professor
Cletus
Good luck!
I've had a sit on an Orange 5 14" and Trek EX 5 16". The Trek was too big... but that's the only size they have left.
The Orange was a better fit but felt very twitchy and short, no doubt it feels better on a trail than in a carpark, but I think I would very quickly have a very dented Orange if I went for one of those. Not sure if it feeling less stable was because it was much shorter than I'm used to?
A couple of mens 16" bikes I've also sat on (I think bike-shop guy was determined that I would magically grow to fit one of his bikes) but I just didn't have long enough arms and torso for those.
Riding a gorgeous ano orange Turner Burner!
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