Originally Posted by
Inpd
So I have an 11 year old who has a Diamond Back Podium Jnr Road Bike. (see
Podium 24 (Youth))
He loves it so he doesn't need another bike for his birthday. Any suggestions for a present to complement the bike?
I wouldn't mind getting new wheels so I can put the old wheels on another bike but I doubt I'll get anything much better than the R450 Alex rims in the bike.
DON'T GET NEW WHEELS
It is quite possible your kid will outgrow that bike within a year, if he hasn't already.
Start considering a 650c based bike, or a small 700c bike.
I would second the suggestion for bike tools. And, get some good stuff. Cone wrenches, truing stand, spoke wrenches, etc. Then, sit down and spend some time greasing hubs and etc. Those skills will last a lifetime.
You could start planning a full "scratch build from parts" for the next bike. It would be a wonderful project
A bike computer would be good too.
I'm not sure when the best time is to start investing in clipless. But, maybe toeclips.