I just put my 7 and 9 year olds on the Specialized HardRock 24 Street. Got 2 of them for under $600. They have them in boy's and girls models, both with rigid forks and hybrid street tires. My kids love them, although the bike is a wee bit big for the 7 year old. Boy's model- http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...enuItemId=9270