First, on the 29er v regular size - I'm 5'6" just like you. I have been riding since 89 and raced all over the country. Despite what one poster said, I'm probably pretty qualified to answer your question. 29" wheels do roll smoother than a 27". But obviously there wasn't some epiphany 5 years ago. There must be some reason why 29 inch wheels weren't the solution ten years ago and why no one in their right mind would ever downhill them. And there are. 29" wheels are less strong, harder to turn, and harder to accellerate than a 27" wheel. They also flex way more than a smaller wheel, both due to fork length and also spoke length. 29" wheels will break hub flanges more often as well. The big turning point a few years back that started the 29er fad is that technology had improved to the point where wheelmakers could make a 29 inch wheel that didn't break all the time and that bike sales had stalled and they needed something new. But they still aren't nearly as strong as a 27" wheel. Simple physics there. If you are 6'2" then you barely notice the increased difficulty turning, but I just can't recommend it to a 5'6" who is just getting back into the sport. Also, the increased wheel size leads to an increased fork size that leads to either a high top tube or weird geometry. High top tubes for small guys means squashed balls. You will be wrecking, why go for squashed balls when you don't need to?

Hardtail v full suspension - It just comes down to price. You are going to get twice the spec on a hardtail for the same dollar. Full suspension is better in every situation, but still may not be the route to go. If your budget is $1600 or under, go hardtail. If over go full suspension. I pick that point because that is where you can get a decent rocky mountain or specialized full susser. Personally I always rec hardtails for people entering the sport because if teaches better riding skills, they are faster, and they are cheaper. Which would you rather be, the guy on the cheap looking hardtail keeping up with the big boys or the obvious newbie puking on the side of the trail next to his $4k bike?


Boutique bikes - If you have to ask people for advice on what to buy, then don't even think of buying a boutique bike (small maker). Buying a bike from a small custom maker is great, but that is for people who know EXACTLY what they want. Maybe you crap cash and this doesn't matter, but custom makers are expensive for what you get.

Bikes for the SE - Its a little mudier here than the west but riding is riding. Buy a bike with a minimum of SRAM x7 or shimano xt. wheels are the most important component, followed by deraileurs, followed by the front fork. plan on buying a better wheelset as your first after bike purchase. Put that wheelset on the bike and put road slicks on the second wheelset. That way you can switch them out and do 100k road rides with the slicks without having to change out tires all the time. Road riding makes you a better biker really fast.


Last thoughts - do a couple races somewhere. Do a XC race and do a marathon race (40+ miles). Have fun on your rides. Don't just bury your head and push til you puke, jump stuff and try impossible climbs and scary little drops. Scare yourself a little but not too much, faces are hard to fix and broken teeth hurt.