Mountain Biking - Newbie 5'0", try 26" or 29" MTB

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TinyCycler
09-09-09, 03:57 PM
Hi,
I'm just getting back into cycling. I love the woods and would like a bike for single track at the local bike park. I'm a 5'0" female. Would it make a difference if I bought 26" or 29" MTB? I'll probably only ever ride the beginner trails as i don't see myself doing anything wild.

Should I go rigid or hardtail? I definitely won't be buying a full suspension because I can't pay over $850 for a bike.

What kind and model of bike should I try and why?

Thanks, All.

Repack Rider
09-09-09, 04:06 PM
For your size you might even consider 24" wheels, but definitely not 29.
TinyCycler
09-09-09, 04:08 PM
For your size you might even consider 24" wheels, but definitely not 29.


Thank you. I haven't seen those. Do you know any specific bikes?

skiahh
09-09-09, 05:34 PM
Stick with 26ers. Lots of selections to choose from. At 5', not many 29ers, if any, and 24... well, just leave 'em alone.

Your best bet is a "standard" 26er in either HT or FS.
mystolenbikes
09-09-09, 05:50 PM
Stick with a 26er many manufacturers make bikes to fit you and get the hard tail not the rigid.
Milice
09-09-09, 06:08 PM
I would go with the 29er. In the Gary Fisher line up the only difference in stand over between a 26" and a 29" is a 1/2"
Zephyr11
09-09-09, 06:22 PM
No reason to go 24" unless you plan on riding urban assault or DJ. It would probably be hard to find a quality 24" that's not a DJ anyway, since most of the non-DJ 24" mountain bikes are kids' bikes with cheap components. You'll fit perfectly fine on a smaller 26"...look for maybe a 13-14" seattube, and try a few of them out to see what feels good. You may be able to stand over a 29er, but at 5'0, I feel like it's a lot of bike to try to throw around (I'm 5'3 and I tried a 29er, and the clearance was tight and the bike seemed huge, but it's no doubt a preference thing). And I'd say look for a hardtail over a rigid. You can get a nice hardtail for $850, and you'll appreciate having the front suspension, even on beginner trails.