I'm 5'4" and hadn't thought about going two nine but then I rode one at a Trek demo and nearly whipped out my checkbook right then and there. I hadn't felt that way about any other bikes and I wasn't even looking to buy a new one. When I rolled into the parking lot that day, I was pretty content with my Trek WSD 6700.

I coach a ton of mtb clinics here in the Midwest and often get the "you're too small for a 29er" comment but I don't think I'll go back. The reason I'm building up the 29er carbon hardtail is because I do a lot of endurance 12 and 24 hour races and wanted something that would be a little bit more responsive.

At 5 foot, it's hard to tell. The feel of the cockpit or the stand over might be an issue. Remember, Willow Koerber is 5'2" and she can rock the 29er all day long!