29er sizing for the ladies

[ColinB]

Howdy Gals,
I am helping my significant other shop for a new bike and it looks like she would like to get a 29er.
Since there are very few smaller sized 29er's in any of the local LBSes, i thought i would see what size/make/model 29ers you are folks are riding. She wants to keep it geared and hardtail and she is 5'3' with a 30" inseam. Is a 29er out of the question? She has her heart set on one and i am pretty sure i saw some petite height girls kicking *beep* at tree farm last weekend. Any advice is always appreciated!

[gearsntears]

I've got an 09 Fisher Paragon that I love. I'm 5'5 and have a 31" inseam (so not completely comparable, but close), and my bike is a medium/17.5". If she ends up needing a smaller bike than that, in my experience you will probably have to get it ordered. I was really worried about getting the right size (15.5" vs 17.5"), but my LBS let me test out their demo 17.5" Superfly (since it's same size/geometry as the Paragon) for about a week to get a feel for it and gauge the size, because there weren't any smaller bikes with similar geometry to try. I definitely didn't need the smaller size, but someone a little shorter than me might. I suggest she test what's available and see what feels best.

[stepsmtb]

I race for Bell's Brewery/Quiring Cycles. I'm 5'6" (with long limbs (: ). I was at the Tree Farm relay on the weekend. I ride/race on a 29er and love it. I would suggest perhaps a custom frame for her. She would be guaranteed a bike that fits her. I can't say enough about my bike (Quiring) and it has seen it all. If you or she would like more info or want to pick my brain you can PM me, I would be happy to help you out. A properly fit bike makes a huge difference.

Sue Stephens
www.suestephensmtb.blogspot.com

[inasnit]

I ride a small (16 in?) Vassago Bandersnatch and Jabberwocky. I'm 5'3" with about a 29-30" inseam. I really don't have much standover clearance, but its honestly not an issue. I'm somewhat of an agressive rider and have never had any problem because of it.

I rode several different 29ers before I found and fell in love with the Vassago geometry. Love love love it.

I know Specialized makes a 14" 29er as well that an even shorter female friend of mine rides and she loves it.

[ColinB]

Ha! Sue, i think we crossed the finish line at the same time!

Thanks for your advice, we will start shopping around with a bit more confidence!

[Dirtdevil]

I 2nd the Vassago Jabberwocky. I'm 5'5" and ride at 16" frame (the smallest they make). Comfortable fit. No standover issues. Good bike.

[bikerchick29]

I am 5'6" and test rode the Giant Talon 2 (medium frame) and fell in love with it. They do make a small frame but it was too small for me. As long as she doesn't have a specific name brand of bike best bet is to go to a couple bike shops and just put her on them and see what is most comfortable for her.

Good Luck

[fizgig]

I've got an 09 Fisher Paragon that I love. I'm 5'5 and have a 31" inseam (so not completely comparable, but close), and my bike is a medium/17.5". If she ends up needing a smaller bike than that, in my experience you will probably have to get it ordered. I was really worried about getting the right size (15.5" vs 17.5"), but my LBS let me test out their demo 17.5" Superfly (since it's same size/geometry as the Paragon) for about a week to get a feel for it and gauge the size, because there weren't any smaller bikes with similar geometry to try. I definitely didn't need the smaller size, but someone a little shorter than me might. I suggest she test what's available and see what feels best.

wow. I'm a 5'10" male with a 30" inseam and have the small 09 paragon, how is the stand-over for you if you have to get off on a climb?

if she wants to try mine, I ride murray lake and island lake often, spd pedals, prolly have to put the seat down.

[volklgirl]

I'm 5'5", 30" inseam and I'm riding a Cannondale F29 medium. Like inasnit, there's no clearance but it hasn't been an issue in the 2 years I've been riding it.

Redline makes some really nice 29er frames in 15"...the Monocog Flight was my first 29er demo ride and I loved it.