Road Bike for Child

Nov 30, 17 5:58

Post #1 of 18 (2885 views)

Does anyone know a bike that could fit a child, roughly 50" tall? My son was in a triathlon program this summer and completed two races. He was on an old walmart bike that you buy to teach kids to ride. The bike was way to small, but I didn't want to buy something if he didn't like it. Needless to say, he did like it and wants to continue to ride. I was looking at getting him a small road bike. Something we could ride the neighborhood or go to a green way on and that he could use next summer. I can get a good deal on the Diamondback podium 24, but he isn't quite big enough for it yet. He was about 150mm short of the standover height. I was debating on trying to make it work as he will obviously grow into it, but I don't think it would be a good idea and probably discouraging for him to get a new bike and not be able to ride it well.

I was hoping under the 300 dollar mark as I can get that with a company discount at $288. Should I just find a mountain bike or something and put smooth tires on it?

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Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 6:14

Post #2 of 18 (2859 views)

We had the same issue a few years ago & bought the smallest women's bike we could find at Performance. It was Grey with orange paint, so he doesn't even notice it is technically a women's bike. The compact frame & sloped top tube are perfect for him & his size. I bet he will get 3-4 summers out of that bike.

It is geared appropriately & has 700C wheels, which is nice.

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 6:19

Post #3 of 18 (2850 views)

Diamondback makes two children's road bikes.

https://www.diamondback.com/podium-650
https://www.diamondback.com/kids-bikes/road/podium-24

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 6:28

Post #4 of 18 (2839 views)

AlyraD wrote:

I can get a good deal on the Diamondback podium 24, but he isn't quite big enough for it yet. He was about 150mm short of the standover height.

150, or 15?

A Fuji Ace 24 has a standover about 40mm less than the Diamondback.

The Ace 24 has been in production for ages (I had one in the early 80's!) so you can probably find a used one if you have some time and cast about.

"They're made of latex, not nitroglycerin"

Last edited by: gary p: Nov 30, 17 6:29

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

culpritbicycles

Nov 30, 17 6:45

Post #5 of 18 (2828 views)

I have culprit junior s1 20 inch wheels new 650 shipped with jr jersey.

https://culpritbicycles.com/products/culprit-s1

Let me know.

Joshua

Re: Road Bike for Child [culpritbicycles] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 7:04

Post #6 of 18 (2815 views)

culpritbicycles wrote:

I have culprit junior s1 20 inch wheels new 650 shipped with jr jersey.

https://culpritbicycles.com/products/culprit-s1

Let me know.

Joshua

Those look really nice Joshua, but they are twice the cost of the diamondbacks!

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Re: Road Bike for Child [gary p] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 7:14

Post #7 of 18 (2804 views)

I second the Fuji Ace. Have one in storage that our two older kids used and is now going to be ridden next summer by our youngest. You should hopefully be able to find one used online.

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

culpritbicycles

Nov 30, 17 7:15

Post #8 of 18 (2803 views)

My s1 is 17.5 lbs without pedals. 10 speed.

Diamondback 20.75 lbs for 24. Granted bigger frame but my s2 650 c is 18.5 lbs.

Weight really is important when a little riders body weight is that low.

You pay for quality.

Joshua

Last edited by: culpritbicycles: Nov 30, 17 7:19

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 7:34

Post #9 of 18 (2787 views)

Take a look at EVO Vantage 7, small sizes should work for you.

Steven Harad
215.359.6964

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 7:57

Post #10 of 18 (2776 views)

My 11 year old daughter has the Podium 24 and loves it. But she's nearly 60". She's a little bit big for it now probably. One thing that's an issue with all small bikes is the reach to the brakes is still based on full size components (or at least on the Podium it is). And the V brakes on the podium have a long pull. I keep thinking about buying cantilevers to shorten the pull, maybe I need to do that over Christmas break.

Re: Road Bike for Child [Markalolo] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 8:28

Post #11 of 18 (2752 views)

My daughter has the Scott 24" it's very nice but I do wish these things were lighter

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 9:05

Post #12 of 18 (2721 views)

The KHS Flite 24 is a little smaller than the DB, although MSRP is about $500. S/O is about 50mm lower

"I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10, and I don't know why!"

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 9:26

Post #13 of 18 (2701 views)

I would consider used but higher quality over new but heavier.

As adults we focus on equipment weight, but it's 10x more important for kids.

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I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
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Re: Road Bike for Child [xtrpickels] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 9:36

Post #14 of 18 (2692 views)

I think your advice on buying a better quality used bike sounds solid.

Last edited by: DFW_Tri: Nov 30, 17 9:38

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 12:15

Post #15 of 18 (2626 views)

Thanks for all of the suggestions and information everyone. I do see your point about weight and agree. Has anyone had any experience with the Felt f24?

Use this link to save $5 off your USAT membership renewal:
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Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 14:29

Post #16 of 18 (2593 views)

Specialized Allez Junior?

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 14:31

Post #17 of 18 (2591 views)

AlyraD wrote:

Thanks for all of the suggestions and information everyone. I do see your point about weight and agree. Has anyone had any experience with the Felt f24?

along the lines of Allez JR and Scott.. nice bike but heavy for size.

Re: Road Bike for Child [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]

Nov 30, 17 15:24

Post #18 of 18 (2572 views)

I'm a big fan of Islabikes with their kid-sized brake levers, saddle, cranks, etc. The Luath 24 fits 51-58" height and 23-27" inseam so may just work. It's 19.6 pounds with pedals. It is more than double your budget, but you might find one used, or if not should get a good amount back when you sell.

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