BMX - Small 5 year old needs 20" lightweight BMX race bike - suggestions?

I am looking to get my 5 (soon to be 6) year old a BMX bike for dirt track/ramp racing. He is a little guy (43", 36lbs) so I don't want a bike that weighs as much as he does. I have seen some "Minis" that weigh 15lbs from Redline. Are there other good possibilities that are 20" rim bikes for a beginner racer? I'd prefer not to spend more than $300 but give me all suggestions in case I find a deal out there. Thanks!
Jason

Minis and micro minis are 20" wheel bikes. Redline is a good brand.

J&R (https://www.jrbicycles.com/storefront/) should have a good selection of several brands. In fact, I see that they're currently selling the 2010 model DK Tracer line for a little over $200.

Thanks. From what I can see, that DK is the best deal for a Mini at the moment. I now have to convince my 5-year-old that green is just as cool as red!

You may be on your own, with that one. :lol:

Good luck!

The Redline Micro uses 18" wheels. The Mini would be more his size, it's 15.5# The DK is a good choice too. A little heavier at 16.45# for the 2011 model. If he doesn't like green, they are white this year. They list at $319.99, but you might find one just under $300.

A Mini is definitely the way to go. As someone said, the Micro-Minis use 18" wheels instead. DK has a solid racing line, and the color situation is a battle that we can not control. Lol, have fun with that one! I remember being 5, and very stubborn.

Redline mini is a great starting bike. Just be prepared for it to comsume your life. We did it for 8yrs, started with local races, then double pointers, state qualifiers, gold cup qualifiers, state chamionships, gold cup championships, nationals. My son went from a 4 year old beginner to factory racer at 10 years old to Motorcycles at 12.

For a mini, I would definitely check Craigslist and/or go to your nearest track and let people know you are looking for a bike. You'll likely spend a lot less buying something that another young rider has grown out of.

I suggest training berms. Let your kid gain some street time and safety sense and let him rip closer to 7.

If he can handle a bike reasonably well no reason to wait till he's 7.

Race him now but learn this now; used stuff is king in this sport while they grow. mini would be good but a junior might work and when he grows you do cranks, stems, bars and stuff instead of a new frame. boys will always stay on bikes longer than girls. get to know other parents. learn and network. good luck.