You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I’m in the market for a new machine. Budget up to 4.5K. Ok,’lucky you’ I hear you say, but here’s the catch: I’m 5ft 3in with a laughably short inseam (26in), long torso but short arms (even funnier). Yeah go on laugh – I don’t mind. No really.
I’ve been riding a 13in Orange 5 for last 7 years - mostly UK trail centres and natural (Lakes etc.) and go to the Alps at least once a summer. I’m after a typical enduro (groan) rig: 160mm travel, 650b, under 30lb, and good climber. Something that is genuinely versatile. I’ve been looking at Kona 153 (great stand-over but heavy), Canyon Strive (great package but high stand-over), Commencal Meta AM V4, Pivot Mach 5/6, YT Capra, etc. I don’t know if I’m getting hung up on stand-over or not. 90% of the time it’s not a significant issue but there have been occasions when it’s been critical, such as very steep technical terrain with big consequences for mistakes.
Anybody on here who has, or has had, a similar problem? I would really value some good experience and/or advice. My head is full of geometry numbers which could mean nothing.
You're probably gonna struggle a bit; not sure if standover is a massive issue, but I imagine getting something with a short enough seat tube, especially if you want to run a dropper, is gonna be tough. Most Manufacturers smallest sizes are about 16" I think.
Giant do the Trance in a XS, but might be a little light on travel for your enduroing needs. More than capable for UK natural and trail centre stuff, though.
Not far off your build. Ride a Saracen Ariel. Worth a try but be aware of the bushing issues!!! Maybe this years are better?
I'm 5ft5 with 27 inseam and ride a small Canyon spectral ex and stand over is not an issue so I reckon either the S or XS would fit you.
Small Turner burner is pretty small.
Ah now that is a great suggestion! Exceptionally low top-tube. Lots of food for though. Many thanks
I'm nearly 5ft 5 and ride a small transition covert (26" though)..
What about a small women's bike as they tend to have lower stand over
The Bird Aeris is available in little sizes, so check that out.
(If you were genuinely up for some gentle teasing I will direct you to the bottom of the Curtis Bikes page of Frames. If you weren't, please don't look 🙂 )
I reckon the xs aeris might just fit
Custom Nicolai.
[img] 
[/img]
I’d second the Aeris. All sizes have relatively long reach/top tube, but that is paired to a relatively short seat tube and low standover.
Lots of great suggestions that I hadn't considered before - many thanks. I'm thinking Transition or Bird. The Aeris looks like a goer - great geo, v good value, configurable builds and their HQ is almost 'local' to me. Definitely worth a demo...
(The Curtis - wow that really is low. Even I would be dragging my knees on that)
Just get the Bird, but be aware, it will probably ride quite a bit different to your 5
They're good blokes too.
It's on your list anyway, but I have the Meta V4 in small and it's a very very good bike with huge amounts of standover due to them sinking half of the shock into the top tube!
My son has a knolly endorphin in an XS. Would suit your budget id say if you splash out on a new one. His is a 2010 I think with 140 rear and 160 front travel on 26" wheels.
New one now out with 27.5" wheels, worth looking if they still do an XS. Travel truly feel bottomless on knollys. My son is not a brave rider, but tackled anything blue or red in the Alps on it and had a go at the ixs black dh at winterberg this year.
Sadly looks like he has just about outgrown it.
Otherwise, try the Bird. I have the zero in a small and it's lovely.
Simone
The GF's Capra seems pretty low. She's probably only got legs a bit longer than yours and has the 150mm reverb an inch or 2 above the lowest setting. And they're well within your budget, it's also a fantastic bike.
She's 5'6" and has short legs.
davidtaylforth - In what way(s) will it ride differently?
Transition Patrol - 685mm standover. Small frames still available from 2015 (one of the advantages of being your size!) so 20% off and you could have an absolutely cracking build for your budget.
Or you'd get the carbon version with a slightly more value-oriented build, but the small frames won't be available until December.
I'm 5'4 with a 28" inseam and ride a small Bird Aeris, which you're welcome to come and try for size in the South Lakes. The XS may be better if your arms are short (mine span 5'7).
Drover, where are there small patrols instock? I've been after an orange for a while. 20% off would be even better.
Many thanks for all the responses and suggestions.
Has anybody here got/ridden a Pivot Mach 6 by any chance? Very curious...