First, I apologize if this thread is somewhere in the discussion board, I tried to search for it!

I'm a 5'2 rider who is looking for a new hard tail mt bike to adventure race and do endurance mtb races. After getting opinions from bike shops and other riders (male!), I'm still confused at what type of bike I should be looking at. Some argue with my size (short) I won't notice any benefit from a 29er, is this true?? Will I compromise anything on the bike ie frame, components for the bigger wheels? I need a light bike that climbs well! I currently ride a Trek 26 Hardtail and love it but it is old needs replacing, and heck new bikes are always nice!!

Any opinions, help etc would be greatly appreciated!!