Mountain bikes for short people. 27" inseam

[stephanie1129]

I currently ride a Santa Cruz Blur XC. It has a 20.5 effective top tube (and I still had to put a short stem), and a 26" standover height.

Unfortunately Santa Cruz stopped making bikes in this size, and I realize that if I ever wanted an all mountain full suspension, or another cross country full suspension that I am out of luck.

I've looked at the specs of many brands of bikes but the I can't find a high end (or any price range) full suspension that would fit me. It seems that standover heights don't go smaller than 28" or 29" and effectgive top tubes start at about 21". Supposedly Tony Ellsworth's wife is also only 5' and I had the chance to sit on her bike (an Ellsworth Truth), but it was a little long still and I think I only had stand over clearance was just ok.

Is there anyone out there with any suggestions or have had the same problem?

[emily_in_nc]

Have you looked at a Titus Racer X in XXS? I have an XS and about a 28.5" inseam, and the bike fits me perfectly. Nice short effective top tube and plenty of standover. I haven't looked to see if they still make the XXS size, but you might be able to find a used one.

[Irulan]

Giant has some small fs frames, as does Jamis and even Ellsworth

There's more out there than you think. MTBR's women's lounge has extensive ongoing discussion on small bikes fro small women. www.mtbr.com > women's lounge

[Catrin]

Giant has some small fs frames, as does Jamis and even Ellsworth

There's more out there than you think. MTBR's women's lounge has extensive ongoing discussion on small bikes fro small women. www.mtbr.com > women's lounge

I just found this forum, it looks like a nice one!

[tzvia]

Same issue here but I've got a 28 inch inseam. Went to six shops to try bikes and was disappointed till I tried a Specialized Safire and then ordered the S-Works. Not all-mountain, more a trail bike, but it is a fantastic ride with a short top tube and good standover. I also have a Giant Anthem that fits well.

[stephanie1129]

A lot of the bikes that were suggested are not small enough. =( And still now all mountain/longer travel bikes.

Found one alternative for an xc bike .. a Pivot Mach 4 in xxs. 20.8 tt and 25.5 standover. =)

[bpchik]

Same issue here but I've got a 28 inch inseam. Went to six shops to try bikes and was disappointed till I tried a Specialized Safire and then ordered the S-Works. Not all-mountain, more a trail bike, but it is a fantastic ride with a short top tube and good standover. I also have a Giant Anthem that fits well.

Tzvia, or anyone else who might have some feedback,
I see you rode the Specialized Safire, but own the Giant Anthem W.

I'm considering both of them right now. The Safire Expert 2010, and the Giant Anthem W1 (2011). They are different, but I'm stuck regarding Specialized's brain technology, and the Talas fork (more options, more travel), and a $1000 discount off of last year's model ($3300 down to $2300). Both fit okay, but the geometry and feel is definitely different. Unfortunately the two bikes are in two different towns (an hour away), so I haven't been able to ride them back to back to really compare.

My gut tells me to go with the Giant, just because it feels faster and more responsive, and everyone says the components on it are awesome. The Safire Expert has a rear X.0 derailleur, though (Giant Anthem 1 is XTR).

Thoughts?

[stephanie1129]

Have you looked at a Titus Racer X in XXS? I have an XS and about a 28.5" inseam, and the bike fits me perfectly. Nice short effective top tube and plenty of standover. I haven't looked to see if they still make the XXS size, but you might be able to find a used one.

I can't find the geometry specs for this bike.

[Becky]

Unfortunately, Titus is no longer in business. It appears that they haven't even maintained their web domain.

[Irulan]

yep, titus went bye bye but you can still find them on Craig's list.

OP, have you been to MTBR. com yet and searched threads in the women's lounge?

Both giant and jamis have 13" fs frames.

[stephanie1129]

Neither the giants or the jamis were small enough. Maybe I'm just trying to get people to feel my pain. For some reason when I tell people that they don't make things in my size (There is only 1 xc bike that I know of, the Pivot, but no trail/all mountain or downhill. And adult ski boots are not made in my size either.),they seem to be in denial. The outdoor industry hates short people. And I work in the outdoor industry, so I have a lot of exposure to the brands and products offered.

I think I just need to vent.

[Raph1978]

I am 5'1" and ride a santa cruz juliana xs. I love it.

[iskrapi]

I'm also 5ft 1in tall but I ride a S-sized Santa Cruz Juliana. Great ride.

[Catrin]

I am starting to look around for a FS bike that might fit me. My TT on my custom bike is 500mm, so this is going to be challenging. I know that there is a different geometry to consider, and it is a different style of riding, but there is only so much variation possible in this department.

I do not yet know if I will get it this year or next spring - but with my assorted body parts that like to complain I have decided that FS is the way to go if/when I do go forward with this. No reason to subject myself to more pain than I need to!

[Catrin]

Of course, I am probably deluding myself at the ability to go FS this year - the Gunnar is costing enough I am also looking at hardtails, but am glad that I decided to wait until after the clinic...