I have a Stumpjumper 2010 18" 26er and am thinking about getting a new Stumpjumper 29er. Both are Hard Tails.
I am 5-11 and currently have the standard seatpost set to the max. I ride a road bike a lot and this is about 1cm less than my road bike saddle height.
For the last 2 years Specialized now only have 17.5" and 19".
I am looking at getting a Stumpjumper 29er and have to decide on 17.5" or 19".
17.5" is probably too small and I'm afraid a 19" will be too big!
I am going to try out a Carve 29er in 17.5 on Friday.
I'd go 19" and knock a bit of length off of the stem if you find the top tube is longer than it is on your current 18".
Can you not get a demo on at least one of the sizes ?
Base it on the top tube length. Use a longer seatpost if needed.
I have a Specialized Stumpjumper 29er Comp in 19" and I'm 6'. The seatpost has a fair bit of length in it for me so I'm sure you'd be fine with that.
Come and try it if you like, it's in Somerset and will be for sale next week.
Mike