getting on a trail bike for short people

[Ewan]

My tip would be, don't try to get on and off your trail bike like you would a road bike. A trail bike is much lighter, you don't need to have two feet on the ground, very quickly you will get used to sliding across the seat as you come to a stop and putting one foot down.

My wife is a similar height and shortish of leg, she rides an AJP PR4 on trails (i.e. not the smaller PR3, though it is still fairly small) but did her first off road riding on a KTM 400EXC. That was on a training day with Patsy Quick, who is also short but rides full on dakar bikes. The first hour or so was spent learning very basic skills, including getting on and off without the seat height being an issue.

I would suggest buy a bike of the right power (probably a 200/250) and weight (i.e. light, as close to 100kg as possible), invest in a day of training and in no time the seat height won't be an issue. Honestly, it isn't like riding your road bike!

[Beerbelly]

Try a ktm freeride or Serow then... As much as I love a honda the crf250l is heavy when you have to pick it up!! The freeride is 90kg and short.

[Raleigh Chopper]

I would suggest buy a bike of the right power (probably a 200/250) and weight (i.e. light, as close to 100kg as possible), invest in a day of training and in no time the seat height won't be an issue. Honestly, it isn't like riding your road bike!

Absolutely agree weights the key not the height. Mounting my bike (Freeride) from the left I turn my handlebars fully to the right (so that the rh grip is closer to me). I then lean the bike into me (over to the left) lowering the height to swing my leg over. This can only be done with a light bike, I could not have done this with the TTR because 13o kg leaning over wants to topple.
All AJP's are fairly small but especially the Ultrapasser which is a 3/4 size frame but has full size wheels. This could be a good option but check out the weight as all AJP's seem to weigh the same (100kg) when you look at their range, which seems odd to me.

[GDAS]

worth adding Honda CRF230 and Beta Alp to your list of low and light(ish) bikes

[burls]

I'm 5'7 +3/4! and have a 250 EXC. Agree with what has been said about weight being key. On road it's fine. Off road I'd rather have the ground clearence and suspension travel of a tall bike. I'm happy to suffer the odd lay down on uneven ground. I have a low seat and drop the forks through the yolks 10mm. It's a case of getting used to the height.

[Dave]

Ewan & Chopper have pretty much nailed it. Lighter is better and you can mount it by leaning it or sliding on the seat.

If youcan find a Serrow in good nick you're laughing. There are bargains to be had on eBay and the motor pulled me along no worries when i went laning in Devon's steep hills around the Dolton area.