Hi, How many days will you ride these 850km? My idea is that if you ride more than 50 km per day, it will be a better idea to buy a FS because the hardtail tires your whole body when you go over the bumps and stones. We just bought this bike: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=59252 and my husband is very happy with it. I also tried it and I can say it's FANTASTIC! It's light, it has lots of gears, it has very good suspension both at the front and at the rear. The 16.5" would fit you just perfectly. I recommend it for longer and non-race type of rides.