Kids Road Frames
 

My little brother is 4 ft and his bike doesn't quite fit. I'm looking for a road frame to fit him. Any ideas on frame makes, tire sizes, opinions on kids riding road bikes, etc? I know the in-seam measurement will be helpful so I'll get that - any other measurements?

Felt makes nice kids frames.

Fuji and Felt make Junior Racers. They both have 24" wheels, although Fuji also makes a 20" model.

Components on the Felt F24 are usually a combination of Shimano 8-speed Sora and Tiagra derailleurs and brifters, where as the Fuji Ace is a 7-speed mix of Sunrace and Fuji components with Shimano thumb shifters. The Felt F24 frame is 7005 double butted aluminum with a carbon fork and the Fuji frame is Altair 1 Compact (?) aluminum with a Hi-Ten steel fork.

The difference in quality also means a difference in price: the Felt F24 retails for $750, the Fuji Ace $420.

My nearly 8-year old son rides a Felt F24 and loves it. But he is also a kid who is truly into cycling (he hopes to do duathalons as well as road races) and will ride the bike until he out grows it. He's 4' 5" BTW. For some folks the cheaper option would be better, especially if it is unclear whether cycling is a passing fancy for the child.

Another option, if you can do your own wrenching, is to find a 40 cm frame and build it up from scratch with 24" wheels and components found on eBay. Could make a cool brother bonding activity. :)


stan