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I like the idea of a British designed bike and am very happy with my Genesis Altitude. Now looking for a bike for the girlfriend who would like something with a short(ish) top tube. Unfortunately, practically all British designed bikes seem to go for the longer top tubes. Are there any that are relatively short?
Charge duster.
Not British designed, but a Merlin Rock Lobster comes up a little bit shorter than say an On One Inbred, so might be more comfortable. Otherwise I'd say look at women's specific designs from some of the bigger manufacturers, who do frames that are a little bit shorter to cater for the on average shorter female torso.
Not aware of any 'British' designed stuff that is particularly designed for women, although most bikes can be tweaked a bit using short stems, inline seatposts etc. Handlebar with can make more of a difference than half an inch in a top tube, too.
Rock Lobster
Edit:SNAP
Or the Merlin Malts if you want aluminium.
The Vitus hardtails for 2011 from CRC are quite short. <Disclaimer :: I might have something to do with them>
Kobe TI.