29er??

[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

[rocknrollgirl]

I am 5'3 and 1/2 and I am on a 29er. Salsa Mamacita. It depends on your geometry and the bike's. I do not have any standover room, but that does not bother me. What does bother me is that it is tough to bail off of when I need to. It is a long way to the ground for short people.

You may have to have one costum built, which would be pricey.

One thing I will tell you, is that for small women, you will need very light wheels and I would suggest going tubless. I started with stock wheels and had a hard time getting the bike to repsond because of the rotational mass of a heavy wheel.

We just upgraded to Stan's Crest tubeless and what a huge difference. It is like a new bike.
Good luck. I love mine.

[Irulan]

Many tiny women ride them and love them. My friend Collette is 4-11" and is one of them. There is much discussion of this (what brands, which frames etc) in the women's lounge at MTBR.com

http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=94

So few mountain bikes come with 650 wheel size it's hardly worth mentioning.

[LyndaW]

5'2" here with a 28" inseam. I love my 29er's. I have a Voodoo Zaka and a Lenz Milk Money single speed. When I stand over both of them I have about an inch of clearance wearing my cycling shoes - not much but it hasn't been an issue for me while riding.

I second the light wheels and tubless advice. Makes a big difference.

[ellerie]

Lots to take in!! Thanks. I'm going to call around and do some online homework! What did we do before the internet???

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm pretty average height, so shopping for a 29er wasn't too tough. I didn't get WSD because I have a long torso, but I still ended up shortening the stem a bit and taking a bit off the bars. I love that bike! I hope you find one you like. They are way too much fun!

Deb

[ellerie]

And the verdict is....
I really wanted a 29er. Finally gave up on GFs. Standover's too high. Discovered that Specialized was much smaller... actually too small in the wsd. Ordered a Rockhopper Pro today!! Wish I could have it NOW! Nothing within hours of us! Can't wait.