Trying to find a ‘hardcore’ hardtail (I hate that label) for my 13yo son.
He needs a Small frame proper trail bike, more aggressive than XC. He gets air and beats me downhill on his crappy Pina. (I can still claim superiority in the climbs though

Half my post disappeared….

Can you help me with a list options:

650b 27.5
Head angle 67ish
130Ish fork
S or XS frame
Like an Orange Crush but less scary price. Im searching the classifieds for a used one.

What budget?

A friend has recently picked up a Forme Ripley and is very happy with.

Sorry just checked. 18″ the smallest frame size currently.

I don’t know the 650b models, but some sort of Ragley, probably.

small BFe frames on the cotic site, 249 for the bare frame. They are the older frames but worth a look if your budget will go to it.

There’s a NOS XS Soul frame in that Cotic yard sale – would be a lovely bike for a youngster, and plenty hardcore

As you do, I’ll recommend what I have, a kingdom vendetta, but if Ti is a bit pricey, take a look at the Dartmoor Hornet, at £200 it seems a bargain

This has just come out:
https://www.orangebikes.co.uk/bikes/zest

Look for a BTR frame ?

They often have trade ins or buy backs

Production privee shan small is very small. Its a 500 frame though so second hand qould be the way to go. Its 65 head angle….

Whyte 901

The whyte is on the list. Looks good value. Might be a bit long TT. They also do a Compact model but it’s a bit more XC.
Tend to avoid steel for weight although Cotic probably lightest of all steel builders. I’ve got a roadrat and its bullet proof.

If you want something cheap and aggro then Dartmoor is probably your best bet. Go alloy rather than steel to keep the weight down.

Any opinions on the planetx’s Parkwood 27.5?

Cove stiffee but I’m not sure if you can get a dropper to fit. I gave up and bought a santacruz chameleon which is another option.

Production privee Oka, is the trailier model over the shan.
67 ha, 27.5 or 26″ wheels.
I love mine, except for the gear issues I’m having right now.

Picked it up second hand but new for well under rrp so pretty lucky really.

Octane 1 Zircus? My 13-year-old has one running a 150mm Revelation and it flies. He rides it everywhere – XC trail centres, to school. Drop the seat and it’s a great jump bike. He’s run it single speed but settled on 1×10 gears using the removable drop out gizmo that came with the frame.

http://octane-one.com/zircus-frame-2014/