FS eMTB for a short guy?

[Caanon]

Greetings!

At 5'6" and an inseam of 30", I'm pretty short. I've been pulling my hair out over the last few months trying to figure out the right full suspension eMTB to get; they all seem geared towards much larger folks. For context, I'll mainly be trail riding with the Mrs and doing the occasional downhill once or twice a year. I'll also probably end up using it for my quick 4mi commute (paved bike path). I don't have many requirements, other than <= $4k and full suspension. I've been eyeing the Haibike NDURO 3.0, but even the smallest model has an 805mm standover height (31.7"). Is it even possible to find an eMTB that won't, ahem, negatively affect the next generation?

 

[steve mercier]

Greetings!

At 5'6" and an inseam of 30", I'm pretty short. I've been pulling my hair out over the last few months trying to figure out the right full suspension eMTB to get; they all seem geared towards much larger folks. For context, I'll mainly be trail riding with the Mrs and doing the occasional downhill once or twice a year. I'll also probably end up using it for my quick 4mi commute (paved bike path). I don't have many requirements, other than <= $4k and full suspension. I've been eyeing the Haibike NDURO 3.0, but even the smallest model has an 805mm standover height (31.7"). Is it even possible to find an eMTB that won't, ahem, negatively affect the next generation?

German bikes seem to fit big. I have a medium frame that I can barely clear. Maybe a Giant or Trek?

 

[MikeDD]

I am the same size as you. I ride a Specialized Turbo Levo. With a medium size frame and a dropper seat post, I can sit on the seat and touch the ground. The wheel size is 27.5". I didn't plan to spend this much, but when the bike fits, bite the bullet.

Good luck with your search.

 

[bob armani]

Hey, welcome and join the club! I was faced with the same dilemma @ 5'5" @ 135lbs. I ended up with size SM Haibike 10.0, and is a little tight but not anything to worry about. It would be perfect if I could lose 1/2 inch on the standover. A riding partner just purchased the Levo in a LG and he is over 6 feet tall. It is a 29er. I sat on his bike and the family jewels were barely touching the top tube. I did not expect that at all. I have found geometry in bikes have little similarities bike to bike. Looks like the 2018 Levos run really small in that area and am sure you could fit into a SM or MD size. Happy shopping!

 

[Caanon]

Just following up. Me and the Mrs. ended up getting the Giant Trance E+ 3 Pro in S, and the Women's version of the same bike by Liv, the Intrigue E+ 2 Pro in XS. Loving them! Close to an inch of clearance for me (!). The Liv bike in particular was a lucky find, since there were only 3 stores in all of North America that carried XS size.