what mtb for a beginner who is short?

[Irulan]

I've been told a 650b would be too big for me. I had ok clearance. It was up higher because of the travel? I don't know a lot of mtb lingo. I guess I should have rode it up the curb too and get a feel for it but it was only in the parkig lot

It might have felt bigger due to the wheels but there are any number of factors that affect the size. Wheel size (26, 650 which is the same as 27.5, 29) has nothing to do with "travel". Travel is the amount of movement you get in the suspension on on the bike when you activate the front and rear suspension. Fit come down primarily to the frame geometry which means the various angles that are used in designing the frame.

It sounds like you may want to learn a little more before you plunk down money on a bike. You want it to be the right one! Do you know someone who is an experienced mountain biker that could help you shop? Hint- not the person that told you that a beginner on a F'S would break the bike...

[amyp]

Yes one coworker was a downhill racer and he was the one who recommended the trek lush sl