Road Racing bike for 12 year old ?

swaman

Has anyone encountered the problem of trying to find a bike to fit a 12 year old boy. The problem I have is that on most manufacturers small bikes that fit inside leg OK, the top tube is way too long. The only bikes I see that have a shorter top tube is WSD models ( women specific designed ) On normal bikes even 50cm frame size has 53cm or 54cm top tubes where I need top tube no longer than 51.5 and possibly shorter.
If anyone has been able to sort out their son with a bike that fits without overreaching could they point me in the right direction ( and please I dont want to or can afford to go down a custom built frame route ) Is there anyone that make bikes to suit kids sizes, or have you put your son on a ladies bike.

Many thanks

Slow Downcp

Look at http://www.islabikes.co.uk/ . You should get what you want there.

MikeWW

Put my 12 year old on a small Carerra Vanquish-seems to fit OK
Only thing I didn't consider was the gearing :oops: so if he is planning to race bear that in mind

swaman

hi

he will be racing on it, hopefull this year but definately next year he will still be under 13

i think an xs or 43cm sze will be just about ok, maybe a bit of a stretch as top tubes tend to be a bit long

i am hoping to buy used and spend no more than £250 / £300

anyone put a boy on a ladies designed bike ??? they tend to have shorter top tube.

Floodcp

Swaman

I have the same problem with my son and I am considering getting a Giant defy in xs. This seems to be ok.
Only problem is trying to find a used bike / frame in very small sizes. They just dont seem to be around.

Kinesis do a ladies / kids frame but I think it is a round £400 which is steep as I know he is going to grow out of it.

Looked at ladies frames and they do seem to fit him and also are better for brake reach , narrow handlebars etc. Just need to find a not too girly colour scheme for him.

I would recommend getting him down to a good bike shop that has plenty of choice. We were in Evans in London a few weeks ago and they had all sorts of options available to try out.

Good luck with the search.

jonnyroberts250

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c002912

44cm frame and it is designed for kids

pottssteve

Hi,
I was looking into this as I'm starting a school-based road bike club.

IIRC, Chain Reaction cycles had a couple of models for kids. BeOne and Prolite. Follow the link and drag down:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Cate ... goryID=467

Fuji also do them. Even if the frame fits you need to make sure they can reach the brakes/gear shifters safely. You may also want to consider how well they can handle "adult" gears.


Best wishes,
Steve

Rich Hcp

I noticed the Revolution Flyer on the EBC website

swaman

ok...sorted

got him a used Giant Defy 4 and fitted shorter stem so fit nice now

thanks

kingrollo

I put a wanted ad in road classified - got my son a full size(700C WHEELS) road bike - but with a small farme - only cost £150.

Decathlon also do smaller bikes for £250.