I'm 5'2 I have a specialized hardrock 29er. After struggling with this bike for a few months I decided a 26 is better for me. My hardrock rides beautifully over rocks and stumps. I love it for that type of trail. However, when I am trying to do the more technical trails I have little control over the bike. It is very frustrating. The last few strokes to get to the top of the hill is impossible. I fell backwards on my first ride and got a concussion. So I just bought a Cannondale Lexi 3. My advice would be to demo as many bikes as you can. Not just in a parking lot either, unless it has a giant dirt hill