18" or 20" compact for little guy - 6.5 yo

[wineberry]

Hello Everyone

I'm looking for a freestyle bike (for dirt mounds; $350 price range) for my nephew who is 6.5 yo, 47" tall and 55 lbs. His inseam is approx. 19.5". He has a 20" diamondback skindog (20.5" TT) that is too big for him. He has to really reach for the brakes on the skindog. Given his height & inseam, should I get him an 18" bmx, or a compact 20"? What are your thoughts on the Redline RL 18.1 (approx. $260) or a free agent?

Any recommendations for a compact 20"? I'd rather get the bike at a LBS to have him fitted correctly.

Also, can he ride the freestyle on the trails also, or will he need a separate bike? Or is a hybrid better than getting two bikes?

Are there any upgrades that can be done to the Skindog (smaller tires, etc. ?) so that it is a better fit?

Any assistance will be very much appreciated.

Thanks.


Here are the specs for the Redline RL 18.1 - http://www.redlinebicycles.com/freestyle/bikes/RL18-1.html
FEATURES:
+ Device Technology Frame
+ Duro Fantasy Tires
+ Alex Rims 48H
+ RL Aluminum Flip-Flop Hubs 14mm axles
+ Tektro Rear Brake System with SST DC Amplifier
+ Aluminum Platform Pedals
+ Pegs and SST Oryg Detangler
Colors: Black
Weight: 26.5 lbs.
FRAME GEOMETRY
Head Angle: 72° / Seat Angle: 69° / Top Tube: 18" / Chainstays: 13.4" / BB Height: 10.9"


Diamondback Skindog http://www.amazon.co.uk/DIAMONDBACK-Skindog-Bmx-Bike-2006/dp/B000IMVEA0

[PRIMO22]

Get him a DK Franklin 18" bike. http://www.danscomp.com/101066.php?cat=BIKES

[itz_eclipse]

Get him THIS =]
http://mirrabikeco.com/bikes_project_18.html

or, THIS
http://www.danscomp.com/101744.php?cat=BIKES

[PRIMO22]

Did you see the price on that mirra bike. A little pricey for a 6 yr old.

[wineberry]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I've decided that a mini 20" would be better as he wouldn't outgrow it as quickly.

These are what I've found so far...
http://mirrabikeco.com/bikes_signature_signature.html#
http://mirrabikeco.com/bikes_signature_shorty.html#
http://mirrabikeco.com/bikes_fivestar_intro.html#
http://www.harobikes.com/bmx/bikes/group1_srmini.php
http://www.harobikes.com/bmx/bikes/z_20.php#geo
http://agouracycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=9717
http://agouracycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=9720
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/kids/ages_6_9/jet20/

Which is the better bike? Are the higher prices on the Haros & Mirras justified, or is that too much bike for a 6.5 yr old. I'd like something that he can grow into for 2 yrs in terms of performance.

Thanks again for your assistance.

[PRIMO22]

Usually if you are riding BMX you will stick with a 20" forever. Unless you race. You can always switch different parts to fit better in the future.

[minichamp31]

The Trek makes me sick. But the Haro Mini and FA Reactor are mini race bikes, so unless he's racing, they're not recommended. And try to get something with a 3-piece crank.