Are 29ers only for tall riders?

cbee

I've been thinking seriously about buying a rigid fork 29er, but I keep reading that they are only really suitable for tall riders. I'm just under 5'8", but with a 33" inseam. I would appreciate any comments/advice from any 29er owners of similar size. BTW I like the look of the Charge range.

nicklouse

They are not just for tall riders.

belugabob

There are a lot of smaller riders who use 29ers (particularly Women pro riders like Willow Koerber)
Personally, although I'm 6ft, I only have a 29" inseam (inside leg), but get on fine with a 19" frame Gary Fisher Marlin (Fitted with kit to my own spec)
You really need to find somewhere that you can do test rides - I went to the Demo series event at Bedgebury in January, and rode 3 different bikes before making my decision.

cbee

belugabob wrote:

There are a lot of smaller riders who use 29ers (particularly Women pro riders like Willow Koerber)
Personally, although I'm 6ft, I only have a 29" inseam (inside leg), but get on fine with a 19" frame Gary Fisher Marlin (Fitted with kit to my own spec)
You really need to find somewhere that you can do test rides - I went to the Demo series event at Bedgebury in January, and rode 3 different bikes before making my decision.

Good advice, thanks, although the nearest venue is some distance away.

cbee

nicklouse wrote:

They are not just for tall riders.

You'd may be surprised how often the size issue finds its way into 29er magazine reviews, hence my question.

nicklouse

cbee wrote:

nicklouse wrote:

They are not just for tall riders.

You'd may be surprised how often the size issue finds its way into 29er magazine reviews, hence my question.

And like I said they are not just for tall riders.

Tall riders may like them better thar a 26er but that was not the question you asked.