Will my 7 year old son be able to ride a Trek MT60?

[JasonJ]

I don't have access to an LBS that stocks the Trek MT60, so I'm relying on the goodwill of fellow BF'ers to help me make a decision on this.

My son is 47" tall with a 21" in-seam, and I'm trying to figure out if he could comfortably ride an MT60. I looked at one in Minneapolis in March and it looked like it should fit, but I couldn't ask him to sit on it without giving away the surprise.

Can anyone help out? I'm also concerned about reach and how easy/hard it is to squeeze the brakes, since he's used to the coaster brake on his 12" bike. :eek:

Thanks!

Jason

[jsharr]

My six year old rides a Haro Z20. About the same size as that Trek (both have 20" wheels). My son is average height and build for a first grader, but I do not have his inseam and height memorized. If you want, I can get his exact height and inseam and some measurements off his bike to compare to the Trek.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r162/jsharr/Easter08003.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r162/jsharr/bikes006.jpg

[JasonJ]

My six year old rides a Haro Z20. About the same size as that Trek (both have 20" wheels). My son is average height and build for a first grader, but I do not have his inseam and height memorized. If you want, I can get his exact height and inseam and some measurements off his bike to compare to the Trek.

If it isn't a bother, that would be great. My son is not a bruiser in any sense of the word. He rides his 20" trail-a-bike really comfortably, but that's a little different from his own wheels.

Jason

[bessieheath]

My kids were on their 20" Giants in first and second grade. I believe we moved up from 16s to 20s right around that height, maybe a little bit taller than 47". If you can get your son on ANY 20" bike for a test drive, that might help you make a decision about whether he can handle that big of a move, or whether you'd better be looking for a 16. Can you make up a circumstance ("hey, want to try Billy's bike out, just for fun?") and just let him give it a spin?

[st0ut]

My son is small for his age. He is 6 and on a Specialized Hotrock 20" coaster.

[jsharr]

If it isn't a bother, that would be great. My son is not a bruiser in any sense of the word. He rides his 20" trail-a-bike really comfortably, but that's a little different from his own wheels.

Jason

Will get you some measurements tonight.

Here are specs on his bike to compare to the Trek
http://www.harobikes.com/2004/backtrailz20/

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/kids/ages_6_9/mt60/print/

[st0ut]

IS there a reason you need the Trek MT? Could you take him to you LBS that carries adiffernt brand and see if he like anyof those and get the right fit?

[JasonJ]

Is there a reason you need the Trek MT? Could you take him to your LBS that carries a different brand and see if he likes any of those and get the right fit?

I live four hours' drive from the nearest urban centre so selection is limited. I've looked around at what's available (Norco/Rocky Mountain/Giant/Miele) and the MT60 offers the most bang for buck.

I know he could ride a 16" no problem, but I'd rather move him to a 20".

Jason