I'm 5'2" with a fairly short inseam. I started on a Rebel a few years ago and moved up to the Shadow 600 last year. I can easily flatfoot both bikes. IMHO, I'm glad I started smaller than the Shadow. It wasn't just the seat height for me, it was the weight of the bike and the riding position as well. The Rebel had many advantages as my first bike - it is smaller, lighter and the upright riding style of the Rebel was much easier to learn on and helped me gain confidence. When I got the Shadow I made sure the first ride I took was in an empty parking lot until I got used to the additional weight, longer rake and forward controls. My

worth. Don't choose a bike based on what other people say will work for you or seat height or style. Shop around. Sit on as many as you can. You'll find one that will tell you this is the bike.