Does Size Really Matter?

[gminator]

Im looking to get my hands on entry level MTB bike.

 

I'm looking at the GT Avalance 3.0/2.0 26er and a Mongoose Meteor 29er.

 

The bike is for my lady friend who is 1.58m tall, the dealer recons that a 29er will be to big for some of her hight and that the 26er probably be a better fit.

 

Any thoughts on this?

[JGR]

Sounds about right ... im 1.74 and ride a 15" 29er frame. Don't think you get much smaller than that

 

650b?

[Cellar]

Any thoughts on this?

 

Go to a different store. The wheel size has sweet FA to do with the frame size.

[fanievb]

My wife is 1.52 and we got her this bike in XS

 

http://www.silverbacklab.com/upload/2011_website_SILVERBACK/slade2_13.htm

[DJ84]

Agree with Cellar on the frame size,

although you should be able to get a better 26" bike than a 29er.

 

For a beginner I do not see the difference between the two wheel sizes.

[Cellar]

 

although you should be able to get a better 26" bike than a 29er.

 

Unless you go second hand, which is my other thought.

[gminator]

For her I know the advantages of a 29er will make almost no difference at all, cause she just rides slow period and she's not overlly fond of rolling over obsticacles. She currently got a 26inch small silverback.

 

I just dont want to buy 29er if its going to be a wierd or lumpy fit.

Edited April 25, 2014 by gminator

[GaryP]

Agree with the above responses - wheel size is not what really matters. To me it would be which bike, i.e. overall fit and feel, suits her best. Thus, some sort of test ride, even if it is a short one, would be highly recommended. One other thing to take into consideration - you basically can't give away 26" bikes these days, they are really not that popular anymore. This only matters, though, if you want to sell it some time down the road.

 

Hope this helps, use it or don't, cheers.

[DJ84]

For her I know the advantages of a 29er will make almost no difference at all, cause she just rides slow period and she's not overlly fond of rolling over obsticacles. She currently got a 26inch small silverback.

 

I just dont want to buy 29er if its going to be a wierd or lumpy fit.

 

Then get her a 26",

and if possible get a FS bike so that it is more comfortable.

 

I am trying to get my wife back on the bike and will definitely get her a descent 26" FS bike

[MrJacques]

For her I know the advantages of a 29er will make almost no difference at all, cause she just rides slow period and she's not overlly fond of rolling over obsticacles. She currently got a 26inch small silverback.

 

I just dont want to buy 29er if its going to be a wierd or lumpy fit.

 

Stick with the 26er for her. I think the 29er will be hard / more difficult to handle for someone of her size and skill level.

[marko35s]

Agree with the above responses - wheel size is not what really matters. To me it would be which bike, i.e. overall fit and feel, suits her best. Thus, some sort of test ride, even if it is a short one, would be highly recommended. One other thing to take into consideration - you basically can't give away 26" bikes these days, they are really not that popular anymore. This only matters, though, if you want to sell it some time down the road.

 

Hope this helps, use it or don't, cheers.

Should anybody be having this particular issue please feel free to contact me and I will help out

[GaryP]

Should anybody be having this particular issue please feel free to contact me and I will help out

 

Ha ha

[Matchstix]

26" or 650b/27.5 for lady friend.

26" handles easier than a 29er. Especially for shorter people

[Matchstix]

The silverback slade will be awesome value for money and they have a great geometry going

[arendoog]

Woman generally want to sit in a more upright position ,so take this in consideration also .Riser handlebars will be welcomed

[Brassmonkey]

Specialized in Melrose arch let me and the missus take their stumpjumper elite and camber expert for the week. Tested the whole 29'er theory. Has pro's and cons's. But mostly pro's. The question is: what level and type of trails you ride. Relaxed jeep track and the 29'er will be better, even for someone of her height. But if she ever was to go on twisty single track, it may be a wee bit cumbersome. Best bet is to get a loan bike for a week. Find a decent store that does this.