A Guide to MTBs for Short Women

We've said it before and we'll say it again: there is no such thing as normal (in a good way!). We are all unique in how our bodies are put together, so it’s only logical that we are all going to be unique in the way our bikes are put together.

For the sake of affordable consumerism, bike manufacturers need to make a range of standard size frames and components. And just as in clothing sizes, a small for one brand might be quite different to a small in another brand.

What does this mean in the real world though?

We’ve spent years reading about, listening to and enjoying the benefits that 29er mountain bikes have to offer us. Larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily and lose less speed on rough terrain and these days most manufacturers have the 29er geometry sorted.

Even for a person of 'average height' riding a medium 29er, there are several modifications that ideally should be made for the bike to fit perfectly.

If you're not shorter-than-average, you might be unaware that modifications become difficult (and even limited) as the frame size reduces.

For those 5’2” and under, modifications on 29ers are ultimately limited by a few things – namely a minimum headtube size, a minimum steerer length and an amount of material needed in the front end of the bike to make it a safe leverage point for the fork.

Why does it matter how tall I am if I can reach the handlebars?

Great question. It’s not just about your height, it’s about your reach.

For mountain bikers, you aren’t just sitting on the bike fairly stationary as you would be on a road or time trial bike. When you’re descending or unloading the front tyre to navigate an obstacle, you need to be able to have your butt back off the seat.

If the bike frame is too large, which for people under 155cm it often is, you may be able to reach the handlebars while sitting on the trainer in the bike shop, but not out on the trails where it matters.

Additionally, if the reach is too long, a smaller rider may have difficulty cornering on a 29er, where the handlebars are wider than on a 26” or 27.5” to account for the larger wheels.

If you’re turning right, for instance, and your reach to the handlebars is already strained, you will struggle to get full extension of your left arm while remaining in the correct position over the rest of the bike. This puts you in a ‘difficult-at-best’ ‘dangerous-at-worst’ position if you’re navigating technical stuff.

Some of the drawbacks relate directly to the rider of smaller stature – trade-offs with regard to toe overlap, handlebar height and standover – which begs the question:

Can you be too short for a 29er?

The verdict? Annoyingly, it depends.

In short (excuse the pun), provided the frame is the right size, there are plenty of easy-to-implement modifications for shorties wanting 29ers, including shorter cranks, a downward-sloping top tube, an adjusted stem and seat position.

These, coupled with a bike fit from a knowledgeable and experienced mountain biker, will make your riding much more enjoyable and ensure you aren’t compromising the amount of power you’re able to put through the pedals. 

As with all size bikes and all size people, there will be short people who LOVE 29ers and there will be short people who hate 29ers. Professionally there are plenty of shorter riders (under 5’5”) who race them and do just fine, just as there are average to tall riders who prefer 27.5" or mullet set-ups.

At the end of the day, riding should be enjoyable. If you prefer a 29er and the necessary modifications can be made to ensure you have a pain-free ride with full function and movement – ride it like you stole it!

A few extra hints for the vertically challenged:

DO: See a professional bike fitter no matter what height you are to make sure you get the most out of your riding

DON’T: Assume that you can’t ride a 29er just because you are short

DO: Test ride out on the road/trails to get a good feeling about handling out of the saddle

DON’T: Assume a 27.5” or 26” can’t be as much fun – particularly if they allow you to handle the bike with ease!