5'2" looking for 29" hardtail- opinions please

[onefuzzy]

I am 5'2" with a 29" inseam and I am looking for a new hardtail 29er to eventually race.

I just demo'd the niner emd in an XS but am looking at the AIR 9 or SIR 9. The problem is that they only make the air and sir 9 in a small and I am having a hard time getting my hands on one to demo.

Any opinions on bikes that work for you?

[thekarens]

I have a friend who is 5' and rides a 29 HT. It's a Specialized, but I'm not sure which one.

[zoom-zoom]

My inseam is 30" and I'm 5'3.5". I have a new XS Salsa El Mariachi 3 that fits like a dream. If I were any taller I'd want the S, most likely. I think I'd be fine on my bike if I were an inch or two shorter, too.

[TigerMom]

I have a friend who is 5' and rides a 29 HT. It's a Specialized, but I'm not sure which one.

If the Niners are in your price range, then you should also take a look at the Specialized Fate Carbon 29er Hardtail. I am 5ft 1in and I was able to demo their smallest sized Specialized Fate.

______________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[onefuzzy]

I will check out the specialized. Thanks for the feedback!

[TrekDianna]

I am 5'3" and my 29er is a Specialized Myka HT elite. I love it.

[onefuzzy]

Well I just ordered a small Niner Air 9 yesterday! Now the waiting game....

I am so excited!!!

[zoom-zoom]

I am 5'3.6". My dream bike is XS salsa El0 Mariachi .

That's my ride! We are the same height--it would fit you like a dream!

[MountainandRoad]

I know this reply is a little late, but I bought the Small Air 9 frame and it doesn't match their geo chart at all. They list stand over at 28.3 for the small, and after I got the bike all built it was more like 30.5-31 inches. I'm 5'5" and there is negative clearance over the top tube. Niner gave me some song and dance about "the only measurement that matters is the top tube" but this is a myth perpetrated by the cycling industry when sloping top tubes became mainstream. Its not true however, unless you're not worried about whether the top tube is going to clock you (or worse) ever time you have to put your foot down. Its not like we ride bikes and never get off the saddle, from start to finish. Especially mountain bikes.