Road Bike for Child

Triathlon Forum
1

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?

2

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.

3

Diamondback makes two children’s road bikes.

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

4

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.

5

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

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

Let me know.

Joshua

6

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!

7

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.

8

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

9

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

10

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.

11

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

12

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

13

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.

14

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

15

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?

16

Specialized Allez Junior?

17

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.

18

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.