#1
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kids bike sizing
I am planning to buy my daughter a 'proper' bike with a few gears and hand brakes. She is a tall 6yr old (think 7yr old) and now loves riding, but the bike isn't cutting it.
I think it has 16" wheels. I assume the next step up is 20" wheels, but after that, is it 24"? That is too big, right? Stick with 20" I would love to get one that is lightish and without a crap suspension fork (which seems impossible to find), so any thoughts on a cool little ride? Colour neutral is good, as I have a 4yr old boy who will most likely inherit it not long afterwards. Oh wait, scratch that, he was wearing his sister's underwear tonight before bed / |
#2
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http://www.konaworld.com/shred_20.cfm
The Haro comes in ketchup/mustard color scheme with a hamburger bun seat! https://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/...htline-20-2015 |
#3
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stick with 20". even if it only has a short usage period.
more important than saving money is the kid has the right size at the right time. repeat: right size at the right time. proper fit leads to confidence, and potentially a lifetime of love for the sport. I've said it before. my daughter (now 16) has has 16 bikes to date. craigslist all. Has mad road, single track, cx and DH skills. won a few junior cx races. can rip the same easier double black DH at lift assisted Northstar that I can. Forget the color. rattlecan for your son. make it happen and you will have the best riding partner you can imagine. |
#4
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Fits all your needs.
http://www.islabikes.com Very popular in the UK, but they have a US branch based in Portland Oregon. My 9 year old is riding the beinn 26 and really enjoying it. Last edited by radsmd; 04-22-2016 at 12:08 AM. |
#5
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Sorry, d-doug: unfortunately no kids = no kid bike advice, but jeezus those things that AV just posted are sure a long way from my old-whatever-it-was-3speed. Wow....
My friends and I would re-paint our frames, usually twice a year. I bet your boy would enjoy that. Then, we moved to America, and "banana seats" + "sissy-bars" were the coolest one could be. Suspension, discs, 6-speed...whaaaa? Oh, we also had cards in the spokes, and those streamer things coming out of the handlebars. pdmtong's were no doubt silver and black only. +1. Blue/purple and gold. Or Dodger blue and white. No silver and black. Last edited by cadence90; 04-22-2016 at 12:10 AM. |
#6
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#7
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islabike
my 7 year old has been riding his benin 20 for the past year light, no suspension, nice gearing and great brakes |
#8
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Ive never heard of Islabikes, but they look very nice. I wish I could find one used. Pinkbike had one, but it is sold now.
What about a BMX bike? gears aren't essential - in fact, might be a distraction. What I really want is two handbrakes. She is using her feet as brakes these days and I am trying to reinforce that you can't drag your feet on the ground when riding in traffic! |
#9
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There must be some kind of turn-over market for these things, no? Local/near Craigslist, etc? Only one has been listed on eBay recently. Used, sold for $330. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Islabike-Bei...p2047675.l2557 |
#10
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Just bear in mind: (1) 1 1/8 inch width tires that come with Junior BMX race bikes are not great for loose dirt or grass, (2) you'll have to mount a front brake, as BMX race bikes don't come with front brakes (3) The seats are hard. Another lightweight bike with gearing is the Trek SuperFly 20". |
#11
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We have 3 girls.
Two on Islabikes which we are very happy with. One on the 20 inch Specialized with no suspension. It has hand brakes, gears. Very happy with that bike as well and it cost less than the Islabikes. |
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#13
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My son rides a specialized BMX style with a coaster brake and a V-brake in the rear. Kids love to skid so it works out awesome. |
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