Mountain Biking - Short guy vs. 29er SS

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steve-in-kville
05-13-09, 01:18 AM
So I'm looking for a bike to thrash around off-road, but still run those half-mile trips to the local pizza shop. I looked at 20" and 24" BMX as well as full suspension MTB's. I've been reading about the 29ers, especially the SS models. Found this one at bikesdirect:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outcast29_08.htm

Now... I understand that 29ers are not the best thing for short people (I'm 5' 2".... 160 pounds and loosing!). Is this something I would enjoy? I thought about a regular 26" mtb converted to SS but I am limited on bucks and the Motobecane is within my price range.

Thoughts? Suggestions??

yellowjeep
05-13-09, 01:43 AM
I don't think a 29er would be the best for you at 5'2 you are pushing it.
BD used to have a 26in version of that bike but apparently not any more.

Bike Island still sells the frame though.
http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1263

Probably best to convert something though, What is your price range?
steve-in-kville
05-13-09, 01:58 AM
Thanks for the reply. What is the issue with short people on 29ers?? The stand over is okay for me on this model. My LBS guy (who's fitted me to bikes before) tells me I am short in the legs, my torso is "normal". Am I missing something??

yellowjeep
05-13-09, 02:11 AM
From what I have read making 29'r frames to fit smaller riders leads to wack geometry.

Maybe it will work for you, everybody is proportioned differently (I have relatively short legs too).
isotopesope
05-13-09, 01:36 PM
one issue with a 29er at your height is that you might have to have a flip your stem down to have a negative rise, to lower your handlebars some. you might run into toe overlap issues... it's also a lot of wheel to content with. i have friends that are just under 6' and still think a 29er wheel is too big! that said, i loooove my ss 29er. of course, i'm 6'4".

i know your budget is tight, but i've seen some threads on mtbr of people using 650b wheels on a surly 1x1. they can clear the pacenti neo-moto tire, even in the xs size. i think that would be a better big wheel option for you than a 29.

a single speed 26" mtb for your height would probably perform and handle better. also, i'm sure a ss 26" could be cheaper and easier to convert from a geared bike, even compared to that motobecane. besides, who wants an aluminum frame? ;)