2014 Carbon Hardtail for a 5ft 1in Female

[Becky]

Don't discount the opportunity to demo a bike in your size. While it's true that small and extra-small demos are less common, they're still sometimes available. My friend was able to demo a Niner Air 9 (not sure if it was alloy or carbon) in XS when the demo truck rolled through last summer. Never hurts to check.... I would also check with your local dealer. They may have your size available, or know of a customer who owns that size and would let you try it out.

Good luck!

[Wahine]

TigerMom, this is a situation where a sizer cycle would be really helpful. A fitter could mock up the tow different bikes based on the gemetry given on the website and you could sit on both just to see how they feel fit-wise and then make your decision based on fit and projected performance.

This is exactly the kind of service I was hoping to provide with the purchase of a sizer cycle. But I'm not there yet. You could see if someone in your area has a sizer cycle and might be able to do this for you , if you can't find a demo.

I spent some time last night looking up geometry on various 650b bikes and I was surprised to find that all of the ones I looked at had a higher standover than the two that you listed.

Have you considered steel? It's slightly heavier (by that I mean about 1 lb for a good steel frame) but it would open up your option significantly.

[TigerMom]

TigerMom, this is a situation where a sizer cycle would be really helpful. A fitter could mock up the tow different bikes based on the gemetry given on the website and you could sit on both just to see how they feel fit-wise and then make your decision based on fit and projected performance.

This is exactly the kind of service I was hoping to provide with the purchase of a sizer cycle. But I'm not there yet. You could see if someone in your area has a sizer cycle and might be able to do this for you , if you can't find a demo.

I spent some time last night looking up geometry on various 650b bikes and I was surprised to find that all of the ones I looked at had a higher standover than the two that you listed.

Have you considered steel? It's slightly heavier (by that I mean about 1 lb for a good steel frame) but it would open up your option significantly.

I totally wish you lived in the area (@Wahine). But, I don't feel comfortable with internet viewing of my geometry, but I would totally have paid for a sizing with your personal attention.

I'm scared of steel due to the rust issue and slightly due to the weight issue (but more the rust issue). I am not the best caretaker of bikes. If it is raining/muddy outside, I usually still just hang up my bike without washing/drying. Hopefully, TE members won't yell at me for being lazy to my bikes. But I do take really good care of my dogs and my daughter

[Wahine]

I totally wish you lived in the area (@Wahine). But, I don't feel comfortable with internet viewing of my geometry, but I would totally have paid for a sizing with your personal attention.

I'm scared of steel due to the rust issue and slightly due to the weight issue (but more the rust issue). I am not the best caretaker of bikes. If it is raining/muddy outside, I usually still just hang up my bike without washing/drying. Hopefully, TE members won't yell at me for being lazy to my bikes. But I do take really good care of my dogs and my daughter

The sizer cycle fit is definitely an in person thing, it is not an internet fitting. I'm suggesting you might be able to find someone in your area that does it, in person, it's the only way to use a sizer cycle.

Steel carries some issues, but so does carbon. I used to ride a carbon mtn bike but I cracked a chainstay when I fell to the side into a rock. Fortunately I could replace it, but it cost nearly $300 to do so. With the number of times I hear rocks kick up and hit my downtube, I'd be afraid of fracturing carbon. Also, if you're not great about cleaning your bike, make sure any carbon frame you get is a single piece and not glued anywhere. Sweat, sports drinks etc, can break down the glue they use at carbon junctions and can cause them to fail.

[Irulan]

aren't there some new carbon composites that are supposed to be more durable now?

[Wahine]

I'm sure there are. But they still won't be as durable as steel.

[TigerMom]

I just tried a 27.5 again. I had tried a GT aluminum 27.5 full suspension and the Giant Obsess 2 carbon hardtail 27.5 and still not impressed by the 27.5 wheel. I felt like it did not steer that much better than the 29er for me (I am not riding crazy hard switchbacks). Also the 29er rolled sooo much better over rocks and dips when going uphill and downhill for me compared to the 27.5 which would buck me off on some of the big rocks/roots.

I think that I am going to do more research on 29ers for short people. But, I think my choices are limited due to standover. The only two carbon hardtail 29ers that I could find in the $3500 price range are: Specialized Fate Small which has a standover of 715mm and the Niner Air 9 XS which has a Standover of 688mm.

Anyone have a preference after riding both bikes as there are no bikes in my size to demo?