for a very small lady.

anyone?

How small?
If not much over 5′, then an Islabikes Creig 26
If taller Cube Access WLS SL

As ever though, best to try before buy.

It’s quite a broad question. My default answers to a “What Hardtail” question are Inbred and 456, depending on the intended usage. However, there may be better options available if the circumstances dictate so.

More information would be useful. How tall / short is said lady? What kind of riding is intended?

A soul? and then you can build the rest to whatever you like.

You’d be doing well to build a Soul for under a grand… Perhaps with second hand parts?

Something from cube ? Mate picked up a very nice hardtail on sale for £700

Bit over budget, but there w version cant be faulted, my oh is a bit short and she got the nerve, fits her perfectly!

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3010