Islabike Luath 700 large

slowlanejane
slowlanejane Posts: 312
Does anyone in the s. bucks /E Berks / WLondon area have a Luath 700 large that I could look at with my son? He's a big 11 and wants a road or crosser for his next bike. But I wanted to check it out in person before committing as I think he might outgrow it too quickly and I'll be better off buying a small adult bike for him.

Comments

  • Mike Healey
    Mike Healey Posts: 1,023
    Try Isla's size chart for guidance: http://www.islabikes.com/bike_pages/pdf ... rt_web.pdf
    Organising the Bradford Kids Saturday Bike Club at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre since 1998
    http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastbradfordcyclingclub/
    http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastbradfordcyclingclub/
  • Thanks Mike, familiar with their sizing but just wanted an oppy to handle it in person if poss... Hence the query.
  • Not answering your original question, but another option is Paul Milnes frame/bike. We have had isla bikes for my 11 year old up to the Luath 26 but we went for a small Paul Milne frame for her first 700C. It is a cross frame which she is riding on the road now but she will use as a cross bike in the winter and will hopefully do a couple of seasons as a cross bike. ( we went for frame only as had bits to build up - although with junior gear rules no need really for the large ring)

    Whether you get a small adult road bike or an isla bike, if it fits properly he is still likely to outgrow at the same rate and isla bikes hold their value well. Certainly see plenty luath 700s used at U16 races and cross races.
  • Tom Butcher
    Tom Butcher Posts: 3,830
    I think a big 11 would be fine on a Large as far as outgrowing it goes unless he's absolutely huge - my daughter is an average 10 year old and she is too small for a 700 small - though she could ride it the 26 is her ideal size.

    I do some kids coaching in schools and I've yet to find a year 6 that is too big for an Isla 700 large - though yes when you get that big the option of a smaller adult bike is there as the Isla large is big enough for quite a few adults.

    As above if buying new an IslaBike may be the best bet as they hold their value well - if buying second hand then a different make may well give better value and you'll have more choice.

    it's a hard life if you don't weaken.