Bike for my wife.

[So]

No, not a weird reincarnation of Noel Edmonds' Swap Shop, I need to get a mountain bike for my wife.

When she last bought one, 26 inch wheels were the standard. Now, there seems to be 26. 27.5 and 29. She is 5ft 2in so I THINK she needs a 27.5 SMALL but would appreciate some guidance.

Many thanks.

Edited by So on Monday 15th January 07:18

[So]

We tried one of these and it seemed to fit well (small).

[So]

Well, the choice is bewildering.

Are we thinking 27.5 is a better shout than 29?

I am tempted to pick one Trek and one Specialized and having them delivered to Evans locally. She's tried the GT Avalanche. Is there really going to be merit in trying loads of models?

[So]

Usget said:

What's she going to be doing with it? Sending it down some cliff face or other, or pottering to town and along some towpaths?

If the latter - probably no merit to testing a load of them. Pick the one you both like the look of the most. You're always more likely to get out and ride on a bike you like the look of.

Mostly local country trails.