Proper Road "20 inch" road bikes for kids

[sean]

I'm helping a friend find a proper bike for her daughter. She really wants something that is more akin to a road bike for her to get her started young. Most of what I've found seems more along the BMX or MTB range except for the Fuji Ace.

Any other suggestions? What happened to Boy Racers? I wish someone would start making them again!!! On that note, I would go vintage, but I fear the overall cost would outweigh the length of use of the bike.

Thanks.

Sean

[ultraman6970]

Penarola had some juniors, pinarello i believe too. Like 2 companies from canada were manufacturing 20's and 22's road bikes too, trek used to have those too.

20 inches, road and down tube shifters, ideal for kids, If you need like a 140 mm crankset let me know I have a set.

[KidWok]

Redline added a 20 to their Conquest line a few years ago but don't have it now. Dig around...or maybe call your SBS dealer to see if they can check old inventory for you.

Tai

[nbl78s]

Redline added a 20 to their Conquest line a few years ago but don't have it now. Dig around...or maybe call your SBS dealer to see if they can check old inventory for you.

Tai

+1 saw one at a swap meat a year ago. I decided to pass on it but 20 minutes later I changed my mind, went back and it was gone :( if you can find one they are cool

[christian]

Redline Conquest 20 or Specialized Hotrock Street (2012 only) would be the best bets. I have a global craigslist search for both though, so....

[madcow]

My daughter ended up getting a custom Colin Lange 20" road which I thought she'd love. Turns out it wasn't her favorite. The problem is that young girls have small hands and not much hand strength so working with a drop bar shift/brake lever can be really difficult for them. It's best to start them on a flat bar with trigger shifters. In all honesty most kids are much better off learning on a 20" mtb with just a rear shifter.

[pdmtong]

The smallest kids road bikes are in 24" wheel configuration. the redline, the trek kdr1000, the blue 24 and the felt 24. not all of these are still in production

they truly are a shrunk road bike but be warned, the cheap sora or tiagra 8sp on these bikes makes shifting the front chainrings a major chore for kids with small hands. when it was time to upshift we just stopped, lifted the wheel and shifted while stationary. that said, daughter used to do 25/1600' on the trek kdr 1000. learned to ride in drops and on hoods. different skills than if she used her mtb.

[evo111@comcast.net]

try these links

http://www.islabikes.com/us/why_islabikes.html


http://www.culpritbicycles.com/junior1m2.php

[Louis]

Maybe something like this? ;)

http://velochimp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NDDCn.jpg.pagespeed.ce.feHtfeQCKO.jpg

[wombatspeed]

My daughter has one of these. She is about to turn six. Her sister rode it before her from 6-8 years old.
http://www.localbiketrader.com/bike-ad-e190856685071
A real, pint-sized road bike. Weighs about 18 pounds.

The best part it fits cx tires for fun and racing in the fall!

[crownjewelwl]

Never seen a 20in kids bike

My son rides a kona Jake 24 cross bike and loves it

[sean]

Thanks everyone. Lots of good advice and stuff to think on.

BTW, the kid in that pic is riding wheels that cost more than my car! :)

[beercan]

i think bianchi made a kids road bike awhile back, came dressed with campy xenon, start em young for campy