LOW standover 29er

[zoom-zoom]

So, our LBS buddy is going to some bike trade show event in Utah this weekend. DH gave him explicit instructions to really check out the Tango 29er.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am only 5'2.5" with a 29" inseam and have no standover issues on Specialized's small FSR or HT. I was VERY worried about standover but it is a non-issue for me. After I realized that I could focus more on reach, luckily Specialized uses a more compact cockpit than a lot of manufacturers and so the "unisex" bike fits me like a glove. I still have people tell me us short gals can't ride 29ers because of standover but have you seen Emily Batty? She is tiny!

See if they can get you one to demo, that is the best way to see if you have standover issues. The Tango is an interesting design, I think you will see more and more manufacturers experimenting with shorter standover 29ers. When I bought my Gary Fisher FS 26er back in 2008 there was nothing I could standover in a 29er (Austin was definitely flooded with them to try). Fast forward to 2011 when I got my Epic and I had plenty of options to try.

[indysteel]

I think demoing a bike is key as the published geometries of mtbs can be misleading to some extent. With dramatically sloping top tubes, it all depends on where the manufacturer measures along the TT for standover. I know I've been fine on bikes that, on paper, shouldn't fit and vice versa.

[indysteel]

You might look at Giant's offerings, too. The Anthem X 29er W looks like it could fit you, too. I know you're excited about the Tango, but I'd do your best to test out other bikes and brands to make an informed decision--as best you can--as to fit.

[zoom-zoom]

You might look at Giant's offerings, too. The Anthem X 29er W looks like it could fit you, too. I know you're excited about the Tango, but I'd do your best to test out other bikes and brands to make an informed decision--as best you can--as to fit.

I may have to...I'm interested to hear what our LBS buddy says (he actually took a photo with his phone and addressed it to me on FB, heh). He can generally tell whether or not something will work for me without my even trying. He told me from the get-go that the small Trail SL isn't really all that small.

I wish our LBS carried a wider variety of 29er options -- without looking into really pricey options like Salsa.

[indysteel]

What brands do they carry?

[zoom-zoom]

What brands do they carry?

Cdale, Salsa, Surly, Cervelo, Ridley, Gunnar, Seven. A lot of those companies don't do mtn. bikes (Cervelo, Ridley) or they don't offer 29ers in smaller sizes (Gunnar). I have a feeling the Salsa El Mariachi would be a good one to try, but the trick is finding one to try. Our LBS is a small shop and doesn't carry a ton of stock, much less in smaller sizes, particularly with 29ers. Maybe it's something he'd be willing to order, even if it doesn't work for me. I can't imagine that it would be completely unsellable--it seems like the demand is there.