bike for my lad

W243510

Any advice gratefully received on the following.
My 8 year old has out grown his 20" wheel bike and is due a new one.
Thing is, do I go for a 24" wheeled one or a small framed 26" wheeled one. I know it's whatever fits best, but assuming he fits both, then what?
He's quite big for his age, and very enthusiastic off road.
Any experience most welcome.

Mad Splasherwmb

Look at http://www.islabikes.com

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majorbloodnock

Seconded.

I bought my 5 year old an Islabikes Beinn 20, and it's excellently thought out and put together. Add to that the fact that, when he outgrows it, they'll "buy back" his existing bike in part exchange for a new Islabike, and I reckon we're quids in. And, most importantly, he absolutely loves the bike.

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GYP

My lad had a Scott junior racing 24. Very good scaled down version of the mans bike 26" (ged it).They are around œ250.That did him for 2 years.Then he outgrew that bugger aswell...Still, better than hanging on streetcorners swearing at old people...[:D]

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Unknown

13" hardrock? Or is 26" too big?


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dsmiff

Got my lad(8) last years ladies Carrera kraken (14 in).

It really does depend on what riding he is doing, most people seem to just recommend islabikes - yes islabike might be OK for 90% of the 8 year olds out there, but if he is anything like my son, I think it would be worth investing in a small ladies bike 26" with a damped front fork or a 24" bike - scott (racing jnr) or specialized (Hotrock A1 FS) hardtail.

The disadvantage to the 26" bike is that it will be slightly harder to get up hills, but will roll faster downhill and cope with bumps a bit better.

We bought him a hotrock a1 fs 24" but that did not last him the year. I'd keep hold of the 20" for knocking about with his mates.


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