Hello

[Jangle Moore]

Hello

I’m sort of new to mtb. I have kids so most trails I have done are beginner and easy enough for kids and we started out about 3 years ago with a trail a bike. Now my youngest is on her own and I am ready to do more technical trails and learn new skills. I have a entry level Trek Skye and it’s decent. My oldest is outgrowing her bike and I am thinking of giving her my 13in bike and upgrading to a full suspension. I am finding it difficult to find a 13in frame in full suspension. Would appreciate some recommendations.

Thanks!

[mreusser]

I’m not being sarcastic here….but have you looked at some of the ladies/girls FS bikes. I believe there are companies that make small frames that might suit your need…if you are needing a frame that small, then the top tube length will be an important factor…again, here girls bikes will likely have the better fit for you. Hard to recommend a bike or company as I don’t know the type of riding and trails you want to do, and what your budget/pain threshold is.

Some companies like Scott, have "Junior" sized bikes (they look the same as the larger bikes….they are just sized for shorter stature) ….or you might try contacting one of the smaller/specialty builders or custom builders. (BlkMrkt Bikes for instance offers their "Roam" in a 14" size…and it takes 26", 27.5" and 29" wheels)

A sort of last resort/outside-the-box option, if nothing can be found, is possibly looking at a slopes-style frame….they’re typically only 100mm of travel, and though "purpose built" if you use something like the fox CTD’s for suspension you can lock them out or set them in trail-mode, and still climb with them and have a blast riding down…..though this option is truly not the best, and would really depend on your riding style/intent.

[Edit: Trek has some XS size women’s specific FS bikes that are 14"]

[Jangle Moore]

"mreusser" wrote

I’m not being sarcastic here….but have you looked at some of the ladies/girls FS bikes. I believe there are companies that make small frames that might suit your need…if you are needing a frame that small, then the top tube length will be an important factor…again, here girls bikes will likely have the better fit for you. Hard to recommend a bike or company as I don’t know the type of riding and trails you want to do, and what your budget/pain threshold is.

Some companies like Scott, have "Junior" sized bikes (they look the same as the larger bikes….they are just sized for shorter stature) ….or you might try contacting one of the smaller/specialty builders or custom builders. (BlkMrkt Bikes for instance offers their "Roam" in a 14" size…and it takes 26", 27.5" and 29" wheels)

A sort of last resort/outside-the-box option, if nothing can be found, is possibly looking at a slopes-style frame….they’re typically only 100mm of travel, and though "purpose built" if you use something like the fox CTD’s for suspension you can lock them out or set them in trail-mode, and still climb with them and have a blast riding down…..though this option is truly not the best, and would really depend on your riding style/intent.

[Edit: Trek has some XS size women’s specific FS bikes that are 14"]

Yes, I have looked around. I’ve tried haibike, giant/liv and kona. The problem I’m finding is with my height (4’11 short torso/short legs 😛) most bike stores in my area (Mannheim Germany) only have frames that fit someone 5’3 and up and that’s a "small". I mainly do cross country/single track with my husband and kids. I was wanting a full suspension, but I can’t find anything in person that fits. So I was looking for personal experience or suggestions from people the same size and what they have found to work. Thanks for the suggestion on the Roam. Budget 1500-2000Euro

[gar29]

How about this 24" Norco? It’s billed as a youth bike, but it has a nice setup, with Deore components and a 1×10 drive train. The stand over height is just a small bit more than the 13 in Skye.

edit: If you want to move up to a 26" wheel and pay a bit more, Norco makes a XS women’s specific Fluid. The stand over height is 30mm more than the Skye, which is just a bit more than an inch. Keep in mind with rear suspension, your bike will sag when you sit on it, effectively lowering that height.

And no, I haven’t tried either, I’m 6’4" with long legs, so I’m on the other end of the bike fit problem…

[Jangle Moore]

"gar29" wrote

How about this 24" Norco? It’s billed as a youth bike, but it has a nice setup, with Deore components and a 1×10 drive train. The stand over height is just a small bit more than the 13 in Skye.

edit: If you want to move up to a 26" wheel and pay a bit more, Norco makes a XS women’s specific Fluid. The stand over height is 30mm more than the Skye, which is just a bit more than an inch. Keep in mind with rear suspension, your bike will sag when you sit on it, effectively lowering that height.

And no, I haven’t tried either, I’m 6’4" with long legs, so I’m on the other end of the bike fit problem…

Thank you for the suggestion! I am looking into all these options. I appreciate the help. 😀

[gar29]

I ride a Kona, but I have a couple friends that ride Norcos. They’re well made bikes. I’ve been impressed with them and would definitely consider one if I was in the market for a new ride. Norcos seem good for what you get for your money, they have a nice selection of components for the price on a quality frame. Sure some of the components are pretty cheap to keep the price down (stem, seat post, pedals), but that is stuff that is reasonable to replace.

[Alvin Mullen]

checking specs I the Giant Tempt 4 comes in an XS 14 inch frame with a standover of 24.2in.. Felt has the 7 eighty W that comes in an XXS 12 inch frame with 27.5 in tires.

There is also the Giant Sedona a mulit-use step through with 26 in tires.

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