I got that it was OP’s first MTB, or at least first MTB in a while, but even so, local terrain can make a difference, and people also advance at different rates. That said, I actually do agree with you. I also think it’s more likely that OP is overbiked in terms of travel rather than on the wrong size bike or the wrong size wheels. Unless OP is riding aggressive terrain, which seems unlikely for a beginner, I think a short travel 29er is probably the best fit.
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