View Full Version : Little People
I am looking for a frame to build up for a single speed and a few of the guys I ride with are trying to talk me into trying the big wheels. My worries are I am 5'6" and barely 100 pounds and ride a 16 or 17 in frame usually.
Do 29ers work for small frames and small people? And other than Surley, who makes 29er SS frames?
reeseboisse
09-16-2003, 09:49 PM
Matt Chester makes some very nice ones. In fact, I've had a crush on those frames for a while now, although my riding tastes aren't really suited for them...
www.mattchester.com
wooglin-at-home
09-16-2003, 10:33 PM
There's a lot of small builders out there who do SSs. Some are already doing 29ers (Hunter comes immediately to mind) while others are more than capable of it if asked. As for the size issue, the bugaboo is standover height I think, with toe overlap also a worry. I don't know much about 29ers beyond the theory (which I like), but I think at 5'6" you're looking at a custom frame. I can steer you to a pretty complete list of custom builders if you like, but the link is on my other computer. I'll try to remember tomorrow.
wooglin
09-17-2003, 09:08 AM
List of SS builders:
http://www.altelco.net/%7Eemenaker/temp/MTBR.com/ssFaq.htm#ssMfgrsBikes
Mauriceman
09-17-2003, 01:38 PM
Wes at Willits brand mades bikes for someone as little as 5'2".
unclefuzzy
09-18-2003, 12:45 PM
Indepentent made a frame that was, like, 12" or something like that. Pretty bad ass looking. SS as well.
Cloxxki
09-18-2003, 01:35 PM
Now that White Industries offers the excentric rear hub, you're not even limited to EBB or horizontal dropout frames.
If you're prepared to take that route as well, things get a bit easier, and maybe even cheaper. Maybe you like Fisher bikes, they'll offer a really light hardtail frame for 2004, well under 1500g in your size, I'm sure.
29" makes sense for small people too, all the advantages are relavant for you as well. For you specifically being so light, maybe a bit of extra attention to the overall build is worth it. Quite often, if you look a bit further than the obvious, you can save a couple of pounds without even investing much extra. I bet that unless you're into hucking and dirt jumping, any lightweight part will hold just fine under you.
Good luck making the choice of frame! Make sure to get good advice should you decide to go custom before even trying a 29"er first. On Fishre demo days, maybe they bring a small niner with them as well, give it a go!
J