Originally Posted by
eofelis
.... I've never tried a fs mtn bike and I wonder how much differnence it would make. .....
it makes a HUGE difference, it changed everything for me. 18 rd, you don't need it as much, but out at Loma, or Lunch Loops, it is a significant difference. You climb better, because your bike isn't bouncing all over, you feel more confident, you can ride more. You won't feel like such a beginner.
There are a bunch of small FS bikes. if you are at least 5'2" there is a FS that would fit you perfectly. You can rent them and try them out for yourself.