179cm tall would prefer the alpine 160 in a 16 as i like smaller bikes. Anyone ride one who is a similar height to me?

I'm the same height and ride an 18". You'd probably be fine on either, but I suspect you'd find the 16" a touch cramped for long climbs. The flip-side is that it's quite a long bike anyway, so can feel like a bit of a beast. Mine took a little getting used to, but no hassles in the tight singletrack now. Great on the steeps.

I currently ride a 16 reign X1 and am comfortable with the size as i like smaller frames for the chuckabiltiy. It climbs like a dog but i think more to do with the 16.5kg. Have you found Orange to be accurate with their geometry numbers on their website??
cheers

I'm a fraction taller and the 16" Alpine 160 I rode yesterday felt spot on.

sounds like the 16 is the winner cheers guys. time to place my order…

The 16 was bang on for size, thanks for those who responded. awsome bike what a difference to my old giant….