Trek Cali SL vs Specialized Jett

[hitnkickn]

I've shopped my area for what will fit me (5' 1" and change) and am down to these two bikes. The Cali is on a 17" frame, but surprisingly, it fits fine, the Jett is a 15 inch frame. I don't know if that should make a difference. The Cali is on sale, so I can get it for about $100 + pedal more than the Specialized. Here's some info:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/cross_country/cali/cali_sl/#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/mountain/cross_country/cali/cali_sl
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/jett/jett

Would appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance

[brigada]

Have you taken them on a test ride or are you basing this on standover alone?

[indysteel]

I'm a little shocked that the Cali fits "just fine." I have the same question as brigada. Have you given it a good test ride? Have you gotten out of the saddle and really moved around the bike like you would on a trail. Unless you have freakishly long arms for your height, I have to wonder whether the top tube is too long.

[TigerMom]

I agree with all of the others. I think that you would have to have super long arms and super long legs to fit a 17in at a height of 5ft 1in.

I am 5ft 1in and I barely can ride the 15", especially in terms of standover. In mountain biking, ideally, there should be at least 2inches between your crotch and the bike when standing over the bike. For me (I do have short legs), I'm lucky if I even get 1 inch.

[Irulan]

ditto, 17" for 5'1" sounds big....

[Trek-chick]

I ride the 17" Cali S and I am 5' 6"

[Owlie]

I know Trek runs a little on the small side, but I'm 5'7" (long legs) and would ride a 17" Trek WSD MTB.

[brigada]

I'm the same height as you, Owlie, and I ride a 16" Cannondale 26er.

I'd say it's just not possible for someone at 5'1 to fit a 17" 29er, WSD or not. I don't think it's worth it, even at a significantly reduced price. That just calls for trouble on the trails, I'm afraid.

[Catrin]

I am 5'3 and ride a 15" Jamis FS mtb...and that is almost too big!