I picked up a 1990 Terry Symmetry from my local craigslist today. It's so tiny: 48cm with a 24" front wheel. I've been looking for a road bike for my kids. My son jumped on it and fairly leapt up our steep hill. Prior to this he's only ridden mountain bikes. The lugs are nicely worked and the components above average considering what I paid. I took a photo of me sitting on it when I was test riding it because I thought it was funny how small it is.


I realize this is a new level of lunacy, but I'm looking forward to having them keep up with me on the road when it's their turn to take the Terry for a spin. Who else has a specific road bike, vintage even, for their kids?

20" wheeled road bike, this is what it looked like when I got it.
Still need to fix the wheels and get a small saddle and itll be complete.

nice score! that bike is beautiful. love the color too.

I'm not sure it's going to be ideal - hand strength to actuate the brakes isn't really there, and add to that the weaker stopping power of steel rims. He last tired it a half year ago though, and was still on the small size for it.

These are hard to find, and the price of a quality one is hard to justify, since the kids will outgrow these in a year or two. However, bikes like these are ideal for an aspiring road biker.

This one has been passed down through the extended family. My youngest now uses it as his every day rider! It's a heavy beast but a blast to ride.

You're absolutely right. I was incredibly lucky to find this one for half the price of what a plain coaster-brake 20" Trek would be new. I also have economy of scale working in my favor; my 2 oldest kids fit it now and there are 3 more younger!

I still want to find a 24" for the future as well. Heavy yes, but once you get it rolling on a flat bike trail its not too bad.

My little lugged 20" wheel bike will be handed down then sit on the wall as garage art.

Great score! My 8 year old son has been asking me for a real road bike for a while now. I would love to find something like that for a reasonable price. Seems like vintage is about all you'll find for a true road bike.

- John