29er??

[ellerie]

Ok.. I started mtn biking three years ago on my son's Kona and it's done the trick surprisingly well, but it's time for my own now. I'm 5'3" and am Looking at the GF Mamba WSD. Love the idea of the 29" wheels, but the bike shop isn't sure that standover room is sufficient. I didn't have all that much on the one I've been using, but it hadn't been an issue... They suggested the Trek 6000.
Thoughts? Other suggestions?

[Becky]

What's your inseam? I'm only an inch taller than you, but have a cycling inseam of ~33". For me, standover is never an issue If your legs are shorter than mine, standover could be a concern....

When I was test-riding 29ers, it became apparent that I had to be aware of the handlebar height and the saddle-to-bar drop. On some bikes, I couldn't get the bars low enough- felt like I was riding ape-hanger handlebars! That 29" front wheel really jacks up the whole front end! If you have short legs, I would pay close attention to saddle-to-bar drop. My bars are about as low as I can make them and they're still only a tiny bit lower than the saddle, despite all of my leg length.

I love my 29er, but I can see how fit could become problematic for someone shorter or proportioned differently than me.

[ellerie]

Sadly, my inseam is only about 29". That's definitely the sticking point. Thanks!

[Cataboo]

If you want something bigger than 26" - you could maybe try going for a 650b - you probably won't find anything stock, but a 29er is going to be pushing it I think.

I know I googled 29ers and short people a while ago and there were some people at 5'1 riding them - there's a whole thread of people's 29er build for short people on some website (I think I followed a link off here - so maybe search the forum for more 29er threads)

[SheFly]

You should definitely investigate this. I have a lot of friends in your height range who are riding 29ers and love them.

SheFly

[Becky]

Willow Koerber is only 5'2" and racing a 29er, so it can definitely be done with the right geometry.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/...superfly-elite

[ellerie]

Becky, what are you riding?

[Becky]

Becky, what are you riding?

Sorry, just saw this now...

My 29er is a Salsa El Mariachi, size small. Standover height is ~30", but I have some massive tires on there because it's full rigid and single speed. If I was running a suspension fork, I'd probably use a lower-volume tire, which would lower the standover a bit.

Glad to hear that you found a bike that will work!

[jessmarimba]

I kinda want to try a dos niner. Never got a bike when I was looking before and the doc might force me to ride FS. You alright with the salsa unisex fit?

[Becky]

I would love to try a Dos Niner! Also, Salsa just unveiled a new short-travel FS 29er at Interbike. It's called the Spearfish and has ~3" of travel.

Yep, the Salsa fit works well for me. Then again, I've never really needed a WSD. I can certainly ride a WSD bike (and do), but I've achieved a good fit without it too. Between having long legs and a preference for a somewhat agressive upper-body position, I may not be the best person to ask when it comes to fit....

[ellerie]

I wanted to get on a Salsa, but there were none to be had in a small frame within hours of me.