New bike for titchy adult - advice please!

[Twowheelsbetter]

I started riding about two years ago on a cheapo Apollo hybrid. I swapped that for an equally cheapo probike escape mountain bike as I needed a different shaped frame to fit my child seat bracket. I'm currently riding the probike with semi slicks and its OK, but already (after a year of use with regular maintenance) starting to creak, be less than smooth to ride, have some resistance etc. It's also really heavy compared to my friend's Cube MTB. I'm hankering after something a bit more upmarket. I think a hybrid is my best option as I ride mostly on cycle paths/towpaths with road riding only when necessary. I probably ride four or five times a week and rarely anything over ten miles. Thing is I'm really small - 4'11" with a 27" inseam. My probike is a 14" frame but I could go up to a 16" I think. I'd like some suspension as I'm starting to find it tiresome taking all the bumpy ground with a rigid frame. My budget is probably no more than £400-500 and I'd need that to be on finance. Any suggestions gratefully received! Thanks!

 

[cyberknight]

isla bike?
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/products/bikes/item/beinn-26-large

 

[Twowheelsbetter]

That looks good, might need to lost a few kilos first....

 

[MichaelW2]

Islabikes have a good rep.
Beware getting a bike too big. Length also increases, affecting reach from saddle to bars.
The key features of a bike for a small rider are:
Small wheels: 26" MTB (NOT 27.5" or 29" or 700c)
Not too stiff. When you take a med frame can cut down the tube lengths for a small one, siffness increases but riders get smaller and weaker. Look for thinner frame-tubes, avoid fat ones.
Points of contact: short cranks, 160-165mm
Narrow bars (can be cut down)

For practicality, look for one with rack and pref mudguard eyelets.

 

[Twowheelsbetter]

Thanks for the tips. Will start lookng into the specs a bit more.

 

[Twowheelsbetter]

I was looking at Specialised - this one has caught my eye, I'd probably swap the tyres for schwalbe slicks though. Not sure how I'd find out about the crank measurements unless I just email the retailer? Unfortunately I don't have a local bike shop. Ours shut down two years ago

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized...ign=Adwords&gclid=CPycsYbdjMcCFUL4wgodrqEPPw#

 

[vickster]

I was looking at Specialised - this one has caught my eye, I'd probably swap the tyres for schwalbe slicks though. Not sure how I'd find out about the crank measurements unless I just email the retailer? Unfortunately I don't have a local bike shop. Ours shut down two years ago

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized...ign=Adwords&gclid=CPycsYbdjMcCFUL4wgodrqEPPw#

Full geometry here. 170mm cranks on the XS, you can always change if needing something shorter

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/womens-mountain/myka/myka-disc-se-26#geometry

Perhaps try to get your local Evans to order one in for a test ride. Or don't know where in Middlesex you are, but there's a Specialized Concept store in Kingston near the station, give them a call

 

[Twowheelsbetter]

I'm not too far from Kingston, will have a look, ta