Not actually a big deal I just wanted to say that…
Ok so I’m attempting to help my girlfriend build an adventure/light bike packing setup. She is 5’4” with a 29.5 inseam. I’m looking at older steel bikes because they are cool and we can’t afford a new frame.
Pretty much every bike I find in small has 28-29 inch standover. I finally found this old Kona with a standover of 25”, but is seems tiny on her. Look at that seat post! I realize the larger tires will help but is this too small? Any recommendations on where to go from here?
I bought the Kona because it was dirt cheap, so I’m not too bummed if it doesn’t work.
by gek__co
23 Comments
From what I understand, old steel MTBs often had a lot of seattube showing. So if she’s comfy on it, go for it! As long as there’s also a decent amount of seatpost within the frame too, so the stresses are well-distributed.
I’m not strangers to using extra long aftermarket seat posts, but yeah this just seems too small. You could make it work also with a longer stem, but I’d rather start with a slightly larger frame
Looks fine to me, the saddle is roughly even with the bars. With a sloping top tube it naturally requires more post exposure. As long as you’re within minimum for that post you’re good.
The main thing is her comfort. Take it for a 30+ minute ride and have her focus on what her body is telling her, then adjust to fit from there. Take tools to make small adjustments on the ride if you want, but in general only change one thing at a time and give it a good handful of miles before making the next adjustment.
I am 5’6” with approx 29.5” inseam, and 16.5” to 17.5” frames tend to have a comfortable standover height for me. That one looks like a 14.5” or so? On the small side but a larger frame would have a longer top tube (more of an issue with vintage frames). Provided the seat post isn’t above the minimum insertion depth it just comes down to is it comfortable to ride for a couple of hours?
Only word of caution is it’s small enough to potentially be a youth frame, in which case the tubing might not be up to bikepacking. I am assuming it’s steel not aluminium?
This bice is nice
I’m 5’2” running an 18” rockhopper. That sucker rides my chode pretty intimately, however if I lean to one side problem gone. I also have a 14” 1995 Kona Fire-mountain and the seat post was super long & weird looking as well. 16-18” rockhopper or hardrock may be the sweet spot for your lady. Plus specialize has some awesome colors in the 90s
let her have a test ride, but by the look of it her elbows are kind of fully extended already – this reads like she isn’t feeling comfortable going much lower/further, in my book.
this looks like a very tight fit, but maybe a good one. i enjoy slightly smaller bikes, feel very nimble… not the most comfortable for packing, i guess.
i don’t think you can go much farther with a longer stem, but IF she enjoys it, it looks good on her honestly, to me, sizewise.
descendents sticker-branded bike ftw :p
Top big, you Need a New girlfriend
Long seat post gives you extra flex for comfort. Not a bad thing!
I don’t see a problem. Short reach is nice for bike packing, it’s more comfortable to ride more sat up for long periods.
Get some larger tires on there and give it a twirl. If it looks like it’ll work out some mild rise on the bars and you’re golden.
Also, front brakes are overrated anyways.
how did you let your gf agree to building her a bike? I’ve been trying to get mine onboard, but I’ve really gotten anywhere
I also have a 29.5” inseam.
Comments from looking at the 3rd photo, I would recommend getting the longest crank arms you can (without them fouling/scraping at turns). And, the tallest tires you can fit. Then, me personally, the bars; I would raise and sweep back or BMX bars. I don’t like to ride pressed forward and pinching my neck. That’s what I see anyways.
Eta. Nice Descendents sticker!!
Head tube and fork angle of Project 2 forks is the chefs kiss of geometry
I believe the back tire needs more air.
You might want to adjust the front brakes for more stopping power.
It’s good if it feels good
Just dropping by to say I too like Descendents.
I’d buy it for the Descendents sticker alone
Looks like it fits her. Saddle is level with the bars so the seat is just fine as long as height is concerned. Can’t wait to see your build.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzbhhfo0TYI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzbhhfo0TYI)
The frame looks potentially a size too small. That said if she’s happy and comfortable riding on it then she’s happy and comfortable riding it. For longer trips some bar ends and possibly aero bars (with risers for the elbow supports) are going to help improve aerodynamics as well as offer additional hand positions. If she can do 60 mile/100km rides on it pain free (might require a different seat and/or stem + some form of additional hand positions such as bar ends) then it’s good enough. Make sure that the bike has enough seatpost stuck into the frame – there’s a LOT of seatpost sticking out.
Just here to say hey nice descendants sticker on there. Probably won’t survive the reno but had to say it😎😎
DESCENDANTS sticker alone are worth whatever you paid