We call it a "compact frame" here in the states. I posted the same question on bicyling.com and earned a front webpage posting on the firestorm of discussion as to whether a compact frame has any disadvantages over a traditional frame. The idea is that there is less weight in the compact frame, and for me, a man with a short inseam, the compact frame is plainly more comfortable. In then end I think it is about fit. I cannot comment on many of the bikes you are looking at because I have never ridden them, or seen them. I spent several months riding different bikes and ultimately found that Trek and Specialized were too long for my torso when they were right for my inseam, and I kept coming back to the Giant small frame, compact. It fits like a shoe.