Hi, MTB newbie here, looking for a new entry-level bike.
I want to ask, how important is frame size? I've decided to buy a 29er, and after looking through the net, it seems that size L is the best fit for me (my height is 183 cm).

But most shops here don't carry L size, only S and M. I went to a shop in tmn melawati and the seller said that M should be enough for me, but I have a feeling that he just doesn't want to order L size just for me... So, should I just take his words and buy M, or should I force him to order L size?

FYI, this is the bike I'm planning to buy now http://www.apollobikes.com/bikes13/29er/xpert29t for RM 1469. I don't have a big budget. Do you guys have any other recommendation? (budget less than RM 2000)

Thanks everyone. I've looked around today and found out that CT size 18" is enough for me. Most brands label 18" as M size, except for the bike in the link I gave before (18" is L size for that brand). Anyway, I'll go to KSH tomorrow to test out other bikes. Thanks

Another bicycle recommendation question. Has anyone heard about Venzo bikes? A shop nearby my house is selling this bike for RM 2000

Model:- VENZO SCUD 29"
FRAME: Alloy
FRAME WEIGHT:- 1.85kg
SHIFTER:- SHIMANO DEORE SL-M591 (10SPEED)
FORK:- SR Suntour XCT With Lock Out
Brake:- Tektro Draco Hydraulic Disc 160mm
Crank:- SHIMANO DEORE 42/32/24T
FD:- SHIMANO DEORE
RD:- SHIMANO DEORE XT
Freewheel:- SHIMANO HG 11-34 (CS-HG62-10)
RIM:- Alloy Double Wall
TIRES:- Kenda 29 X 2.10 K1047 Small Block Eight
http://www.bicyclebuysell.com/view_item.php?id=174591

It's perfect with my budget, and the components are good (for that price). But since venzo isn't a popular brand, I have doubts about the frame quality. Should I just stick to well-known brands like giant, trek and specialized?

Is this deal too good to be true? A shop in cheras is selling this for RM2300

MODEL: VENZO VIPER 29" - 30SPEED
SIZE:- 16" & 18"
WEIGHT:- 13.95KG
SHIFTER:-SRAM X7 (10SP)
FORK:- SR SUNTOUR XCT With Lock Out
BRAKE:- Tektro Draco Hydraulic 160MM
CRANK:- SRAM X7 44/33/22T
FD:- SRAM X7
RD:- SRAM X7
FREEWHEEL:- SHIMANO HG11-34T (CS-H62-10)
RIM:- Double Wall Rim
TIRE:- KENDA 29 X 2.10 K1047 Small Block Eight

I'm still a newbie with MTB, so I dunno much, but SRAM X7 is not a cheap component right?
As comparison, Trek Marlin 2013 model is selling at RM2400 with these specs


I asked the seller why it's so cheap. He said tht's because the factory that makes the bike is making a promotion for this bike. I can't find anything on the net about venzo bicycle. I only know that it's from taiwan.
I'm just afraid this is a scam. Maybe pirated goods, or refurbished item, or old stock. Is there such a thing in MTB industry? Advice please....