Road bike for 8 year old (triathlon)

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My son likes his cycling and has recently taken up triathlon. He has an Islabike Beinn which he loves and which is great at all things, but I've noticed him shooting admiring glances at the other kids' tasty road bikes. He's not the only one, there is something about the relative geometry of proper kids road bikes that makes them look ace!

Naturally he's asked for a road bike for Christmas. The default option would be another Islabike - we've had four and the quality and sizing etc. is always spot-on - but for some reason the Luath doesn't appeal as much as, say, a Felt F95. There's also the delivery anxiety to work with; we've been left wondering in late December if Santa was going to turn up with an Islabike a few years ago and it is not a pleasant experience!

Only problem is, when looking about most shops only have one or two bikes suitable for that age and it seems that Felt and Moda are pretty much the default options. He's quite big for his age and is on a 26 Small Beinn at the moment, but I presume I'm still looking at a 24" road bike.

Are there any other brands I should be seeking out? Or shops that have a decent selection? I admit I've gotten bored looking after the usual suspects (Evans, Wiggle, CRC etc.) and a few of the bigger independents, but there doesn't seem to be a go-to place for junior bikes.

Before anyone suggests my LBS, he's an arse and won't be getting another penny out of me

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pablo said:

do they have gear restrictions in triathlons? Islabike seems to be the obvious choice

If they do, certainly not at that age.

He's OK to compete on his MTB - indeed some kids apparently drag nasty BSOs round - but for every one like that there seem to be ten with natty road bikes with carbon forks etc. "just like Dad's"

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Birdthom said:

My 8yo has done a couple on his mountain bike. I think the kids always do their bike legs on grass, so a proper road bike may not be the best option. I've seen quite a few on the Moda cross bikes which seem ideal for the job, but they aren't cheap. There were some very good discounts on them online a month or two ago though.

TBH I find there are a few too many kids with shiny kit and pushy parents at these events. Plenty are on their regular knockabout bikes though. I've never detected any kit snobbery, and the kids should just be there to enjoy it and learn to love the sport rather than to get a great result. Just my 2p.

Oh, absolutely. Thing is, it's either a new bike or a console for Xmas and I know what I'd rather he get.

Plus, once he's got a shiny new road steed it'll be a lot easier to convince SWMBO that Daddy needs a road bike to be able to keep up with him...

p.s. His first proper event is the Hillingdon duathlon which is on tarmac, but apparently most are on grass as you say.

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Magic919 said:

Have you looked at the Genesis col du glandon? Pretty small roadie.

Thanks, exactly the kind of tip-off I was looking for. Cyclocross brakes and ability to run bigger tyres a definite plus I guess.

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richardxjr said:

Dawes do littl'uns too.

Thanks, I'll take a look.

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Great links and advice. Thanks all, particularly Bobley for that review site.