Kid's bike sizing

[uncinqsix]

My boy has completely outgrown his 20" bike (hasn't actually been on it for a year or so, during which time he's grown quite a bit), so it's time to get him a new one so he can get back into it. He's just turned 10, and is 145cm tall.

Looking at online bike sizing charts, most say that a 24" bike works from 132 to 145cm, and for >145cm a small 26" wheel is recommended. Which isn't massively helpful as, you can't buy a new 26" anymore (or at least, I can't find anything suitable).

I'm worried that he'll outgrow a 24" in short order, but I also think that a 27.5" will be too big for him. He's not a very confident or sporty kid, so anything too big may well put him off.

Any ideas?

[Bobley]

What sort of bike do you want? When my lad turned 10 I got him a Specialized Crux XXS (46cm frame 700c wheels). A lot of kids in our club ride Isla Luath 26 at that age but they dont stay on them very long. He kept the 46cm until he was 13 and then got a 52cm and now he's 15 on a 54cm

[uncinqsix]

I was thinking something like a lightweight xc bike. I have a CAADX myself, so we're not going to be doing any seriously rough off-road stuff, but definitely won't be sticking to tarmac.

[hyphen]

uncinqsix said:

My boy has completely outgrown his 20" bike (hasn't actually been on it for a year or so, ...

I'm worried that he'll outgrow a 24" in short order,

With kids, it is often better to buy a used one. If you buy a in-demand model, you won't lose much either so how long he uses it isn't a big issue.

[uncinqsix]

I should add that he has an 8 year old sister, so a 24" could be passed down to her, provided that it had a suitably unisex colour scheme...

[Sk00p]

Frog 62 - 24" wheels and would be good for younger sister, he'll be at the top end of it now

Frog 69 - 26" wheels but the saddle goes pretty low and the frame stand over is low too.

Expensive but the resale is very good on them, very light which helps the kids out. Come with off road and road tyres


Islabikes similar but more pricey. Also spotted Dawes Academy bikes recently, look similar to Frog but unlike Frog there's some good online deals available,

Just spotted this, looks very reasonable
https://www.jejamescycles.com/dawes-academy-bullet...



Alternative is second hand xs 26" mountain bikes from ebay, patience is the key there though, recently got my 11 year old daughter a £300 Scott ladies MTB for £90... I did then spend £200 on upgrades for it but the bike was mint as it was. I just wanted Hydraulic disk brakes etc for her.

Edited by Sk00p on Wednesday 6th June 08:39

[Chester draws]

My youngest is 10 and currently 142cm.

Got him a Pinnacle Kauri from Evans a year ago, as a follow on from a 20" specialized hotrock.

26" wheel, but a small frame. He fits it nicely now, but will probably have outgrown it in 2 years.

[uncinqsix]

The Pinnacle and the Frog 69 both look ideal, but unfortunately not available on this side of the world (NZ). Even the local used market is very sparse at the moment.

This would be much easier if we had access to a decent range. The only 26" options I've found so far are a Polygon (whoever the hell they are) and a POS Apollo. Might have to try him on some 27.5s.

ETA - Looks like Giant ATX has 26" wheels in the smaller sizes.

Edited by uncinqsix on Wednesday 6th June 09:21

[mikey P 500]

Quite alot of brands still use 26" wheels on the extra small frames sizes, Kona do for example too, so don't think choice would be too limiting if wanting a hard tail. Also many jump bikes also run 26" wheels and small frames. Not much choice for full suspension bike in 26" unless going used.

[uncinqsix]

You're right about Kona. There's a good candidate in their range.

[FredClogs]

Just bought my daughter a frog 69, Shea about 145cm. If you go on the frog or isla website, or pop down your local bike shop they're is info on how to measure them up.

The frog is a great little bike, a lot cheaper (second hand) than the isla alternative, you'd think they were good plated they way they hold their value though. If you're doing a mix of roads and canal tow paths etc... Like us they're great

[uncinqsix]

We ended up getting him a 26" XXS Silverback hardtail. Not a brand I'd heard of, but I had a very good look over it in the bike shop and was impressed with the weight and spec for the price. Very similar to the Pinnacle mentioned above.

Should do him nicely for the next few years!

[Sk00p]

uncinqsix said:

We ended up getting him a 26" XXS Silverback hardtail. Not a brand I'd heard of, but I had a very good look over it in the bike shop and was impressed with the weight and spec for the price. Very similar to the Pinnacle mentioned above.

Should do him nicely for the next few years!

Hadn't heard of them either but seem to do a vast range.

Oh and here's Annie Last riding one

[uncinqsix]

He's been out on it a few times, and is really liking it so far. I think it compares very favorably with the more established brands, both in spec and build quality.

My daughter is very keen on one of the 24" models, so we'll probably end up getting her that as well.