Suggestions please: very light hardtail for a small person!

I’m looking for a new bike that meets the following:

– very light
– extra small (suitable for someone who only 5′!)
– front suspension only: minimal travel needed, with lockout
– probably 650b (as I’m only 5′), but would be good to have a 29er if I can find one that fits
– able to carry up to 2 bottles on the frame (so straight top tube needed to allow space in a small frame bike)

Any suggestions? Especially for a very light weight bike? I’ve found various models, but they all seem quite heavy!

Light, nice, 2 bottle cages maybe…, height check the numbers
http://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/vertex/2016#/technology
stand over is 28″ it is a 29r but my very short friend rode one, I had a quick spin, felt like a bmx to me 🙂
http://www.bikes.com/sites/default/files/SizingChart_Compact.jpg
At that end of the sizing chart a lot more comes into play

Having similar problems as mrsmc is only 4’10”. Check my posting history for previous threads.

Current possibly is a Pinnacle Kauri and then look to upgrade bars, seat post, wheels etc. Or a Spesh Myka, and likewise.

A very nice 13″ Marin Bear Valley frame has just gone on ebay for quite a high price, clearly demand for small decent bikes.

What weight do you consider very light and what is budget as very light to me is well under 10kg and would mean fairly expensive if you can even get one at all off the shelf. I would build my own to get very light.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. The vertex looks good, and based on the sizing chart I should be OK (although not that tall I have relatively long legs!)

If I could get the weight to around 10kg that would good, and would consider building one up myself if that was the best option.

At the moment, I’m just trying to get more info on what is out there, and what sort of price. So open to a range of suggestions to consider – keep them coming 🙂

Thanks folks!

Pivot Les 27.5 is a lovely light frame. At 6’4″, I’m not sure about sizing, or pricing.
They are light and lush though – Pivot Les[/url]

That Pivot Les looks fab 🙂

Any other suggestions for us smaller folks?

shame they’ve only got the uber-spendy top-spec version, ticks all the boxes though. I’m sure they’ll discount it a bit more soon though if it doesn’t sell!
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/73701/Whyte_29C_Team_29er_2015_Bike

Still riding my 19c – it’s an ace bike, really light even without spending loads on carbon wheels, etc. I’m sure the 29c rides great as well. Whyte don’t seem to do a carbon hardtail any more, which is a shame IMO.

Should be able to pick up a hefty discount on these in the next 4-6 weeks as the 2017 model has just been announced:
https://www.evanscycles.com/scott-scale-700-sl-2016-mountain-bike-EV253327

Should be able to pick up a hefty discount on these in the next 4-6 weeks as the 2017 model has just been announced:

Be interested to see what happens, if 2017 bikes go up by 10-20% with currency changes 2016 RRP might look like a discount 😉

The Boardman Pro hartail is very light and a real bargain for the spec.

Been running mine for 3 years now, I use it everyday to commute plus the fun weekend stuff and have had no problems with it.

It’s a 29er though and I don’t know if the wagon wheels would be an issue for you. Oh and only 1 dedicated bottle mount but you can easily get a strap on one I guess.

The Boardman Pro hartail is very light and a real bargain for the spec.

Good suggestion but I’m 5’7″ and ride a small. They don’t do an XS

Giant Obess?

Link

Nice looking hardtail

Just a random thought….. islabikes? They have started doing a ‘pro’ range for junior racers and their largest size could work for you. I think terrahawk (aka Jason miles) has one on loan for his daughter to do a review but dunno about price

Thanks for all the suggestions folks, I’ll have a look at them.

Unfortunately the Boardman would probably be too big, and Isla bikes too small, but I’ll check out the geometry sizing in more detail.

Still open to any other suggestions 🙂

The Giant Obess (XS) does look like a very good possibility, £2000 if that is in your budget.

Frame only build, Kinesis Maxlite Sync? The small is designed around 650b. Pricey but Ti 🙂

Might not be too small – my eldest is on a 13” Spesh HotRock
Was a warranty replacement from Hargroves due to a few marks – frame was £50!
She’s 5′
Youngest is 4’10 and on a 12″ Kona

The Juliana Nevis is sized down to 4’8″

That Juliana Nevis looks great!

Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn’t considered Ti – how would that compare weight wise with carbon?

I’ll also look out for a frame (£50! What a bargain!), but wouldn’t know what to build it up with (I’ve focused on road bikes for the last 6/7 years, so totally out of touch with mtb).

Lots to consider … but keep those suggestions coming! You guys are great 🙂

I hadn’t considered Ti – how would that compare weight wise with carbon?

Roughly 500 grams.

If you want light as possible you will need to build it as off the shelf bikes always have a load of components that are heavier/cheaper to allow them to make a price point on the whole bike. Problem is it would turn it into a project which would make the time a lot longer and be more/less enjoyable depending on whether you like research and mechanics.

Something from the Giant Liv range?

Comes in XS size – check the size guide. Looks like you could add a seatpost bottle cage?

Hth
Marko

Whyte have a nice range of WSD and compact hardtails worth looking at

806 COMPACT v2

I have a lightly used XS Giant Talon 1W[/url] from 2013. Teen 2 is now nearly 6′ tall so has obviously outgrown it and I really should move it on! It has the sadly unfashionable 26″ wheels, but is an excellent bike with a nice SLX/XT mix.

Email in profile if interested.

This may or may not help but I will be looking to sell my girlfriends 2016 race bike in a month or so.

Cannondale FSI Team in Small 650b. Hollie (my girlfriend) is 5ft and it fits here spot on.

Full carbon frame, XX1/X01 groupset, Enve M50 wheels and carbon finishing kit. Weights 18lbs and takes 2 x bottle cages (but only 610ml ones)

If your interested then drop me a line richardpj1991@gmail.com.

Or go take a look at the Cannondale FSI range, fantastic bikes!!