Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
If you find a frame with an extremely short head tube and a nearly horizontal top tube, that frame size might be too big for you. Thus, a horizontal top tube just might be impossible for the size frame you might be looking for.
And if you get a frame that fits you with 29 inch wheels, you might have big time toe overlap issues. You might also have minimal clearance for your under seat bag if your saddle is as close to a 29 inch wheel as I suspect it might be. Have you tried to estimate how close your saddle will be to your rear tire?
If I was looking for a bike and was your height, I would be looking for 26 inch wheels. But, I already have two 26 inch wheel touring bikes, I am partial to that tire size, my bikes are rated at 59 and 61 cm frame sizes and they have that smaller wheel.
I already have a 29" bikepacking frame with 100 mm suspension clearance, and it fits me great! If anything, I feel like it's a little small. Size is 15.5", for what that's worth. My biggest problem with it is the shape of the frame itself, and I think the excessive seatpost look is goofy. If I wanted that, I'd get a folding bike.
In the center are two small-ish frame bags, both of which are intended to leave most of the frame open, allowing for use of water bottles.
I have a couple other things I'd like to change on it, but at this point, I figure instead of spending a bunch of money upgrading this bike, I'd rather sell it and start from scratch. First step: the frame. Fitting isn't an issue with this one, so if a manufacturer made a similar frame, but only leveled out the top tube, we're in business!
I prefer 29" wheels for the smoother ride, and for the fact that my road touring (700c) and bikepacking bikes would have parts that are cross-compatible. Yeah, I'm aware there are disadvantages, and I'm sure someone will say the benefits of 29" aren't as great as they're made out to be. I might be convinced to settle on a 27.5" if I find a great frame at a great price, but at this point, 27.5" isn't ideal for touring because of availability.