Any kids road bikes?
05-26-05, 08:49 PM
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Any kids road bikes?
My 7 year old son has been riding 10 miles with me, on his heavy Haro bmx bike. Well, his bike was stolen a few days ago, so I'm now in the market for a new one. We are limited to 20" since he's not big enough yet for a 24". I'm planning on getting him one of these kids mountain bikes and changing to more street friendly tires. Does anyone here have any other suggestions or experience with any of these bikes. Here's the short list.
1. Specialized Hotrock 20 (list is $260, not in stock, but can be ordered)
2. Giant MTX 125 ($180 plus new tires)
3. Raleigh Rowdy ($189 plus free tune-ups)
4. Trek Mt. Track 60 ($219 with new tires)
A couple of these have aluminum frames, but I can't remember which ones right now.
1. Specialized Hotrock 20 (list is $260, not in stock, but can be ordered)
2. Giant MTX 125 ($180 plus new tires)
3. Raleigh Rowdy ($189 plus free tune-ups)
4. Trek Mt. Track 60 ($219 with new tires)
A couple of these have aluminum frames, but I can't remember which ones right now.
05-26-05, 08:52 PM
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too bad you can't go this route... it's a 24, so too big... but man it's neato!
https://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f24.html
https://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f24.html
05-26-05, 08:56 PM
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Try taking him to the a Felt dealer. I have been looking to get my oldest son now 8 a road bike to he is starting to fit on to a 41-42 cm frame. With the 40cm frame and sloping top tube the bike may fit. I would go this route but I still have to get Mom to say yes.
05-26-05, 08:58 PM
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That specialized hotrock isn't a bad looking bike, honestly. I like the felt better, though. 
05-26-05, 09:04 PM
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There is 1 Felt dealer nearby, but I don't think he stocks much. I'll ask about the 40 cm though.
My son's favorite is the green/black hotrock. Of course he just likes the cool graphics. I'll have to see what actually fits best.
My son's favorite is the green/black hotrock. Of course he just likes the cool graphics. I'll have to see what actually fits best.
05-26-05, 09:37 PM
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how about the Orbea carrera? has 24" wheels though.
but the 41cm compact frame really has a 37cm seat tube.
https://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?me...duct&taxid=244
.jpg)
but the 41cm compact frame really has a 37cm seat tube.
https://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?me...duct&taxid=244
05-27-05, 01:20 AM
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They are probably expensive, and perhaps need an Email to the manufacturers, but I have seen tiny versions of Coppi, Wilier, Bianchi, and others over here. They even appear in stores like GoSport, so I know that they are available.
05-27-05, 06:35 AM
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These are all great looking bikes, just way more than he needs at this age. Maybe in a few years, if he's interested in riding some longer distances, I can get him a performance bike. For now I just want to make it a little easier for him to do 5 or 10 miles with Dad. Thanks everyone!
05-27-05, 07:39 AM
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I have an old issue of Bicycle Magizne around here, the 4/03 Buyer's Guide, with a Colnago Bambino. Designed for Italy's training circiut. It has a complete Campagnolo grouppo with downtube shifter. Plain brake levers are easier for small hands and it teaches kids how to properly shift. (I summerized the caption, so sue me) Has 22" tubular tires too. Talk about a real PITA.
05-27-05, 07:43 AM
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This is what I'd reccomend,
https://www.mongoose.com/bikes/detail..._US&brandID=43
It's a reasonable weight BMX with short, kid size cranks which is most important.
Fit a longer seatpost and maybe a lower handlebar if apropriate. I would reccomend sticking to single speed simplicity at his age though.
Set it up properly and teach him to spin.
Edit: The Giant looks good too. I don't know if lots of gears at that age is a good idea or not. One apropriate gear with apropriate crank arm lenght would be the best. Maybe I'm just being jelous of all the flashy stuff they have these day's. Who knows!
Regards, AnthonyG
https://www.mongoose.com/bikes/detail..._US&brandID=43
It's a reasonable weight BMX with short, kid size cranks which is most important.
Fit a longer seatpost and maybe a lower handlebar if apropriate. I would reccomend sticking to single speed simplicity at his age though.
Set it up properly and teach him to spin.
Edit: The Giant looks good too. I don't know if lots of gears at that age is a good idea or not. One apropriate gear with apropriate crank arm lenght would be the best. Maybe I'm just being jelous of all the flashy stuff they have these day's. Who knows!
Regards, AnthonyG
Last edited by AnthonyG; 05-27-05 at 08:06 AM.
05-27-05, 09:34 AM
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A buddy of mine had a "Bambino" when we were kids. It was so cool. 5-speed (as was the flavor of the day) rear-derailluer only. Drop bars, etc. I was jealous as heck, stuck with my 3-speed Raleigh (though in fairness that Raleigh must have been the toughest bike ever made - I did stuff on it that broke my freinds's BMX bikes!).
05-27-05, 10:50 AM
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Many kids bikes have cranks that are too long. The Trek cranks are adjustable 120 - 140 mm and it has the adjustable stem, so it may be able to be kept in tune with his body as he grows. The front sus on the Trek is unnecessary weight, but this may be offset by the al frame. They are all nice looking bikes.
05-27-05, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Mark_B
My 7 year old son has been riding 10 miles with me, on his heavy Haro bmx bike. Well, his bike was stolen a few days ago, so I'm now in the market for a new one. We are limited to 20" since he's not big enough yet for a 24". I'm planning on getting him one of these kids mountain bikes and changing to more street friendly tires. Does anyone here have any other suggestions or experience with any of these bikes. Here's the short list.
1. Specialized Hotrock 20 (list is $260, not in stock, but can be ordered)
2. Giant MTX 125 ($180 plus new tires)
3. Raleigh Rowdy ($189 plus free tune-ups)
4. Trek Mt. Track 60 ($219 with new tires)
A couple of these have aluminum frames, but I can't remember which ones right now.
1. Specialized Hotrock 20 (list is $260, not in stock, but can be ordered)
2. Giant MTX 125 ($180 plus new tires)
3. Raleigh Rowdy ($189 plus free tune-ups)
4. Trek Mt. Track 60 ($219 with new tires)
A couple of these have aluminum frames, but I can't remember which ones right now.
Last edited by ckleps; 05-27-05 at 11:52 AM.
05-27-05, 01:29 PM
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One of my son's friends in the neighborhood rides the Trek - he beats the hell out of it (with a giant smile). That's a pretty good recommendation in my book.
I'd be really leary of getting a kid a bike with less than 1.5 inch or better yet 2.0 inch tires. Changing the tires to slicks will make a big difference, but will seriously cut down on off road horsing around. Depends on what type of neighborhood you live in.
I'd be really leary of getting a kid a bike with less than 1.5 inch or better yet 2.0 inch tires. Changing the tires to slicks will make a big difference, but will seriously cut down on off road horsing around. Depends on what type of neighborhood you live in.
05-27-05, 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by SpongeDad
One of my son's friends in the neighborhood rides the Trek - he beats the hell out of it (with a giant smile). That's a pretty good recommendation in my book.
I'd be really leary of getting a kid a bike with less than 1.5 inch or better yet 2.0 inch tires. Changing the tires to slicks will make a big difference, but will seriously cut down on off road horsing around. Depends on what type of neighborhood you live in.
I'd be really leary of getting a kid a bike with less than 1.5 inch or better yet 2.0 inch tires. Changing the tires to slicks will make a big difference, but will seriously cut down on off road horsing around. Depends on what type of neighborhood you live in.
05-27-05, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark_B
There is 1 Felt dealer nearby, but I don't think he stocks much. I'll ask about the 40 cm though.
My son's favorite is the green/black hotrock. Of course he just likes the cool graphics. I'll have to see what actually fits best.
My son's favorite is the green/black hotrock. Of course he just likes the cool graphics. I'll have to see what actually fits best.
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05-30-05, 04:39 PM
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I would suggest the Orbea and Ibex above... but, if your kid needs something for posin'.
Colnago Junior's Bicycle
The Colnago Junior bicycle is specifically designed for children who are ready to encounter their first road ride! Colnago's Junior bicycle was originally created for the Italian Cycling Federation's Junior Development Program. Just like all of Ernesto Colnago's framesets, geometry is the focal point. Using a sloping geometry, Colnago's Junior bicycle is designed to fit a child between the ages of 5-9 yr. old. Additionally, it's equipped with road components that are designed for children:
22" wheelset with Vittoria tubular tires
Frame - 390 mm (c-c) x 420
Headtube - 108mm
Crankarm length - 130 - 25/38
Cassette ratio - 17-23
Miche Components
Look-Compatible pedals
Junior colors: JR11 (Red) or or JR14 (Yellow)
Price: $1350.00
Colnago Junior's Bicycle
The Colnago Junior bicycle is specifically designed for children who are ready to encounter their first road ride! Colnago's Junior bicycle was originally created for the Italian Cycling Federation's Junior Development Program. Just like all of Ernesto Colnago's framesets, geometry is the focal point. Using a sloping geometry, Colnago's Junior bicycle is designed to fit a child between the ages of 5-9 yr. old. Additionally, it's equipped with road components that are designed for children:
22" wheelset with Vittoria tubular tires
Frame - 390 mm (c-c) x 420
Headtube - 108mm
Crankarm length - 130 - 25/38
Cassette ratio - 17-23
Miche Components
Look-Compatible pedals
Junior colors: JR11 (Red) or or JR14 (Yellow)
Price: $1350.00
