I know if it exists, it'll be like finding a needle in a haystack, but my son is interested in me getting/fixing up a c-v road bike for him, but he's not ready for 26" wheels and wondering if any exist for 24" wheel? He's on 20s now, but next summer could do 24s so I have time. I came across a reference in an old forum about a Schwinn that supposedly exists, but described as rare. Doesn't matter quality-- huffy, etc..-- he's just excited to get on a bike like ours. And like I said, have time to hunt something down, but right now don't even know what to even begin to search for.

The 1979 Schwinn 24" Caliente or Varsity, or 1980 24" Varsity or Collegiate would fit the bill. I'm sure there are other 24" wheel models in the Schwinn lineup over the years.

These have straight gauge 1010 carbon steel electro-forged frames, so they're heavy.

Half a cannondale

https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/can...20-%200027.pdf

What's your location? If you happen to be in Ohio, I spotted a 24" wheeled Varsity in a thrift store a couple days ago, could go back and grab it for you if you're nearby.

Most companies had 24" varieties but the survival rate is low. I've got a Japanese mixte in the basement that I was sort of saving for one of the girls to fix up. Nishiki I think. Don't figure he'd want a mixte but he's welcome to it. Needs reassembly.

CCM Pursuit 3
CCM Pursuit 5
CCM Pursuit 10
Frejus Juvenile
Fuji Junior
Gitane Boy's racer
Itoh 24" Lightweight racer
Jeunet Aspirant
Kabuki Junior Sports
Motobecane Nomade 24
Nishiki Sport Junior
Peugeot UG45CX
Raleigh Record 24
Torrot Junior Sport
Vista Esquire

Above is only a partial list. Just about everybody made them. You also want to consider one the mid-1980s proportional models (24" front wheel with 700C rear wheel). Typically they were mid-range models, featuring better tubing and components than the Junior 24" models, but with silmilar standover height as they were designed for short adult females. They're commonly referred to a 'Terry' bicycles, after the designer/brand who popularized them.

shoot, would be perfect but I'm west coast, but thanks to all for the good leads. now I know it's possible at least but as you all point out, finding it'll be the tough one.

I have a 24" Peugeot UG45 available. A drop bar mtb might fill the bill too.

They're out there just be patient. Look a late 80's or newer model, they're that much better than the older ones. There're a bunch of newer ones eBay right now including a Merlin....

I have two. A vintage Dawes and a Vintage Raleigh Record. The Dawes is up and running, but the Raleigh needs one spoke and new bearings/grease all around.

These 24" Junior Road Bikes (use as ebay search terms) are pretty rare, and so are their wheels. They are 540 tires, AKA 24x 1-3/8". Tires and tubes are available, but alloy rims, not so much. Steel is probably better for kids that age as they get used to twitchier road steering.

I was recently discussing whether 559 26" MTB wheels would fit with skinny tires, but the front fork is set for 90mm juvenile axles, not regular 100mm ones, and I'm not so into playing with the fork as I am with spacing a rear triangle.

Was thinking about selling the Raleigh. It's worth fixing up.

Snapshots:

The Dawes:



The Raleigh:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-18-Gitan...item4859327f1f

a 22" wheel?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Fuji...item565ab266dc


etc:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Cycling-/729...nior+road+bike

more etc.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...ke&_sacat=7294

That Terry frame for ladies has a 24" front.
Ony mentioning it because noone else had.

They are small but in all honesty I'd rather see the kid on 2- 24" wheels.

That Raleigh is pretty cool. Why is it when I move to the West coast, the bikes that work are back in the midwest and east? Yeah, I am finding that frames are easier to come by than wheel sets too. but thanks for all the help, already a few good leads.

The Pinarello and Treks on ebay are pretty schweet....

have a Coppi (Fiorelli made) frame for 24" wheel from the early seventies. refinished it in Dupont Centari metallic gold. it is ready to build.

22" was the imperial equivalent to the European 550 size. Early in the boom, many European manufacturers used this size. I believe the Gitane is 550A. There were even tubulars available in 550C which, IIRC, were optional on Legnano and Frejus models.

Believe we had a 24" Cannondale in the coop a while back. We currently have a 24" Sierra MTB.

hey there-- this is seriously belated in replying to your post, but wanted to thank you for the lead in you gave me. I am close enough to seattle that I took a chance on that little Gitane w the 22" wheels on ebay/goodwill-- yes, they're really 22-- and got it. Pretty cool little ride (not that I can ride it to tell) but its in good shape (doubt kids have ridden it much).

I think I owe you one sometime since once I overhaul it, it will be a christmas present. So thanks for that man. Owe you one. Let me know if I can ever help with something out on my coast.

hey Standalone--

Here's my choice, go offroad.

1985 Cannondale SM700. Rollercams too.

Awesome! My son loves his. We got it a year too early-- for Christmas-- but we gave it time, and eventually he wanted to try it out and loves it now. The only reward needed is on its way in the karmic conveyor belt...! Hope it makes for a fun Christmas morning.