Building up XS frame - too many choices help!

[LittleSkink]

I have been looking at extra small MTB's (ie 14" frame) for my eldest who is just too small to fit any of the bikes I already have (my kit is all 26" wheel / V brake and mostly retro)

So started looking for a sensibly priced (and decently light) XS frame to build up as I have a garage full of parts I can use - but its getting complicated . . .

Not seeing any MTB frames with brake bosses - maybe someone can point me to decent bossed or s/h XS frames (without going on fleabay)

Seeing lots of fairly light 650c hybrid frames with brake bosses - but will that build up too big for her and will I get chunky tyres in there?

any thoughts or creative suggestions welcome

 

[greencat]

Re:

Does it need to be a modern frame? For example, my missus has a quite nice Specialized Rockhopper from the mid 90s which I think is around 14 inch.

 

[LittleSkink]

thankj greenkat - retro is probably my preference as all the kit in my garage is pre 2000 and a decent lightweight retro frame would build up nicely (and I would know what I was doing). I have been away from the bike scene about 15 years and feel very out of date now

BUT finding a decent small frame is proving challenging. Admittedly only looked at a couple of items on ebay and they were real tat - one bike described as "fantastic" wasn't worth the petrol to take it to the tip. I guess this very forum is one place I might find something decent, hence one reason for my post

Also figured mtbs were all going to rear discs and that a new XS brake boss equipped frame might be had cheaply - but maybe that was true a few years ago and not now

 

[hamster]

I'd start by looking for a small Kona - there are a fair few around. In order of preference I'd go with HERE, then ebay and finally Gumtree. They do turn up fairly regularly, typically at the £50-100 mark depending on condition and spec. I picked up a nice steel no-name frame in 15" with bosses and disc tabs for £25 on Retrobike, similarly a scruffy Cindercone frame in desparate need of a repaint for around £50.

Slightly unloved brands like Univega and Trek are often stunning deals.

 

[reanimation]

We got a Merlin, a fairly classic one, its nice, might even be to small for us even though I think it's a 15"