Road Cycling - Children's Road Bikes

Greetings All...

My little guy is 7. He was in his first MTB race when he was 4 (when that's all I rode). Since I got into road riding a couple years ago to improve MTB endurance, and it has become my primary fitness fix, he'd like to get into it. Any suggestions on where I can get (economical) kids' bikes. I'll pay for quality later when he takes to it and is ready to race.

Thanks!

I'd suggest that you post this in the Recreation and Family sub-forum. This comes up all of the time. I purchased a bike for my 10 year old daughter recently. At this age, they are growing a bunch and to try to fit them is difficult. Additionally, I wouldn't spend many bucks on the bike as it will get replaced soon!
I don't recall ever seeing what I would call a "Road Bike" in the kids depts. You would likely be better off getting slicks for any mtb he is riding now.

Sheldon

Every once in a while they show up on ebay. I saw one that was the cutest thing - 451/20" sew-ups, 140mm campy cranks, miniature Cinelli bars. I dunno who made it, but I almost bought it and I don't even have a kid!

Trek and felt make childrens road bikes, each for about $600. I haven't seen any less expensive ones.

The trek bike is sure nice for the childs age but you are right that he will outgrow it in a few years. I would also look on ebay and see what you come up with, I am sure something nice is there...

I went through the same thing when my boy was 8. He was on a 20" Specialized kids MTB. I was ready to spend $$$ on a semi custom kids road bike. LBS convinced me to skip the road bike and we put him on a Trek 4500 MTB with a 13" frame. It has a very low standover height. Surprising me, he adapted to it fine. He's 10 now and loves the bike on and off road. It will last at least 2 more years before he outgrows it. At age 10, he is nearly big enough to fit one of the womens road bike frames.

We had a thread about this a while back.