Thoughts on these kids (7yo) bikes...

mattrixdesign2

My 8yo is keen for a new bike at Christmas (he has always had hand-me-downs, deserves a new one this time around!). Looking around to see what's on offer, and it now seems that a few other companies have cottoned on to the whole Isal bike principle - i.e. a sensible bike, fit for the job.

This is what I have found/know of so far, any to add?

Halfords: Abyss - looks like a Blast without suspension forks, having had a Blast (lads current bike) and Vulcan (wifes current bike), happy to give these a look over. I do have issues with grip shift and would change it on day one
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/k ... ke-2014-24
Weight: Unknown
£179.99 (could be cheaper in a sale!)

Frog Bikes: Frog 62 - Not keen on the looks, but simple design, again happy to give them a look over
http://www.frogbikes.com/lightweight-ki ... rog62.aspx
Weight: 9.9KG
£270.00 (not likely to be in a sale!)

Evans: Hoy Bonally - Really like the look of this, high price, possible with less residual than they equivalent Isla
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/hoy ... e-ec063491
Weight: 9KG
£320.00 (could be cheaper?)

Isla: Beinn 24 - Again like the look, these are everywhere at kids races, which is obviously a good thing, hold their price very well
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn24.html
Weight: 8.82KG
£349.99 (not likely to be in a sale!)

Oreba: MX 24 Dirt - An unknown, seen it recommended
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueP ... lsrc=aw.ds
Weight: Unknown
£: Varies

Any others worth looking at, any feedback from the above models?

Don't want suspension, fair weight, ideally good for road work and off roading, quick release wheels, single at the front, grip shift not ideal - it just doesn't work for small hands. The lad is capable of 20mile rides, and is starting to show interest in racing locally.

othello

What type of racing is your lad interested in? Local MTB races, cyclocross or road. That will make a difference to the type of bike.

You've said good for road and off-road, but how rough will the off-road riding be?

mattrixdesign2

Not quite sure as yet, doing his first road "races" at the moment, but has also done a GoRide "Off Road" ride, essentially a mini cyclocross. Anything we do as a family would consist of road, fireroads, paths and say some "blue" type off roading.

Certainly does not need suspension, looking for something that would take narrow slicks and wider CX style/small MTB knobbies.

He isn't ready for drop bars, but is keen to compete. I was in Evans the other day, and they had some smaller Hoy bikes (too small for my lad), build was impressive. They also had Evans own Pinnacle kids bikes, again the looked well thought out and not carrying any uncecessay weight.

I will also try and get to see the Carrera and a Frog bike.

I am going to need to measure him up, currently on 20inch and sitting with the seat quite low, however I reckon he could get on a lower framed 24inch with smaller tyres - tyres seem to make a big difference in bike size when they are this small, i.e. skinny road vs fatter MTB make an inch or so difference.

I totally understand Isla make sense in terms on getting your money back when you sell it on, but they are not the "only" choice, despite what a lot of people say. My older lad has a (new to him) Dawes Espoir, happy with it, he can keep up with the Isla's on it.

othello

I wouldn't discount drop bars straight away. If he gets into racing he might soon want drop bars, and a bike like the Luath can run slicks and knobblies.

jomoj

My 7yr old daughter has had the frog 52 (20") for nearly a year and loves it. It came with slicks which are much better for general pootling about on tarmac and gravel but you could easily fit some bmx tyres for more off roadability. It has tektro v brakes and there is plenty of frame clearance. Frogs also come with crudguard type guards front and rear which is a nice touch. The frames are neatly put together, components are sensible and the paint finish seems pretty robust. She loves the fact that it doesn't look all pink and girly and even snooty boys say 'cool bike!'

We initially baulked at the price but the bike will be handed down to younger brother so it seemed worth the investment.