Hi Gals. I started looking for a MTB a couple years ago after not biking since childhood. I rode many many different bikes with the idea that I wanted a hardtail to learn on - never really thinking about the size of the tire. One astute bike shop owner put me on a Gary Fisher Cobia 29er, and within a few minutes, I knew I had found my bike. I am 5'8" with a powerful leg, and like a previous poster, I found that it took a little more muscle to get going, but once on the way, the larger wheels took less to power and smoothed out the bumps, rolling over things I had trouble with on a regular size bike. The stand over is the same as with 26 inch wheels. One difference may be the length of the top tube to accomidate the wheels. I have fairly long arms, and prefer the longer reach, even on my road bike.

Anyway, I love my bike. 'Sally', btw. Mustang Sally, because she ain't no A-rab (the breed I ride in endurance races).

Laura