Cranks for Children?

[ANAO]

A friend of mine has a son on a 145 crankset right now, which is great, except that it's also a 53/39, which is not so great.

The son is 11 years old and I'm nervous about the growth plates situated by his knees.

Are there any 46/34 145-length crank options on the market right now?

[sandyrs]

What about a huge cassette instead and take off the big ring?

[ANAO]

What about a huge cassette instead and take off the big ring?

Still climbing on a 39.

[sandyrs]

Still climbing on a 39.

A 39-36 is a significantly lower gear than a 34-28. Or is the kid already on a wide-range cassette?

[ANAO]

A 39-36 is a lower gear than a 34-28. Or is the kid already on a wide-range cassette?

You're right. He's on a 26 (!) now. Call child protective services.

[buddybikes]

here's close: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SILVER-BIKE-CRANK-ARM-SET-ORIG8-155-MM-110-BCD-SINGLE-DOUBLE-ALLOY-/291830520418?hash=item43f2745a62:g:~sEAAOSwbqpT7oV 9

[Richard]

If he's on a small wheel bike (I would assume so with such a short crank), the gearing is affected in a big way and may be OK.

[ANAO]

If he's on a small wheel bike (I would assume so with such a short crank), the gearing is affected in a big way and may be OK.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/pinarello-speedy-complete-bike

[sandyrs]

That rear derailleur appears to have a fairly long cage. I bet that you could do a 1x setup, 39 x 11 or 12-36, with that derailleur and all you'd need would be a chain, cassette and new chainring bolts. If the kid rides hard a chain guide would be a good idea though!

[Richard]

If the derailleur can handle a cassette with a 30, that will be like an mtb gear on the 24 inch wheel.

[Rada]

These cranks are not exactly what you are looking for in gearing, but closer at 48/36.

http://www.therecyclery.com/parts/shimano-growth-crankset

[MattTuck]

get that kid on powercranks. Teach him proper pedaling technique when his brain is still teachable. ;)