Bike for young girl

[velo]

Thought that there might be some mothers out there to help me figure out a bike for my 10 year old. She is 4'8" and her inseam is about 23". I'm looking for something that is not a mountain bike. She wants to ride on the paved trails and wants something faster than knobby tires and not fixed gear. A hybrid would be a good bet for her, but not sure if they make them in her size. I'd like something that she can grow into over several years rather than replacing it in a year or two. I've looked on my local craigslist VERY thoroughly and cannot find anything. Any suggestions before I head to the LBS? I'm willing to pay a few hundred unless it's something that will last years and years. Thanks!

[goldfinch]

Trek makes an FX for kids, a hybrid bike: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/kids/kids_fx_girls/#
http://img1.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/796/media/images/Trek_Kids_FX_Girls_Mountain_Bike.jpg

I have a Cannondale Quick in an extra small size, with 26 inch wheels. It may fit her, though the standover may be too high:
http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/recreation-urban/recreation/quick
http://cdn.cannondale.com/catalog/product/cache/3/small_image/725x/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/c/_/c_12_2qr5_slv.png

Fuji makes several road bikes for kids, one with 650 wheels, one with 24 and one with 20:http://2010.fujibikes.com/Kids/Road.aspx
http://2010.fujibikes.com/CMSTemplates/ASIASPX/ResizeImage.aspx?nodeID=238217&w=427&b=false

Felt makes a pretty road bike for kids:
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2012/Road/F-Series/F24.aspx

And Kona: http://www.konaworld.com/kids.cfm?content=jake_2-4
http://www.konaworld.com/images/bikes/med/jake_2-4.jpg
http://www.feltbicycles.com/Resources/ProductPhotos/Bikes/F24_2012_SMALL.jpg

[Sky King]

Just one note of advice, make sure she is involved 100 percent in picking out the bike. Years ago we made the mistake of buying our DS a Trek and the DD a Giant, both were pretty much the same bike other than the name. Well DD was not happy as she felt the Giant was not as "cool" as the trek, ugh. We laugh about it now but I sure learned a lesson. A good deal means zip if they won't ride the bike because of the "cool factor" :)

[velo]

Thanks, goldfinch!! I really like the Kona, but don't have a local dealer. I do have a Felt dealer nearby, so I think we'll go check those out. Do you (or anyone else) have any personal experience with any of these bikes? I'm kind of looking for first-hand knowledge before spending a lot of time driving around and shopping. I can do that, just thought I'd see if anyone else has a young 'un that is riding something and can give feedback. Skyking - I will definitely have her involved. I won't buy one unless she's actually ridden it and I am 100% positive it fits her. Thanks for the tip!

[zoom-zoom]

We got our DS (11) a Redline Conquest 24 for Christmas...it's a scaled-down version of my cyclocross bike (which happens to be my favorite bike). It comes with knobby tires for taking on grass, gravel, and packed dirt, but we also got some slicker tires so that he can ride it on the road. It is a really awesome bike and a great do-anything bike for a kid. It's intended for kids 9-13, so he will be able to ride it for a couple of years, then we'll likely look at a small adult's CX bike for him.
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/uploaded/dynamic/1304/Conquest-24-thumb_800.jpg

AFAIK any shop can order from Redline...they don't have exclusive accounts, or anything. Our LBS actually stopped stocking Redline, because of this, but they still were able to order DS's bike.

[zoom-zoom]

I should add that DS has already done one cyclocross race and some easy single-track on this bike...and he really ZOOMS on the road. We have fun exploring local backroads...about 1/3 of which are unpaved and a mix of sand and gravel. He also likes that there are brake levers in front of the drops, but also on the tops, so anywhere he has his hands he can access the brakes. He's getting better with shifting appropriately, too.

[Sylvia]

With a 23" inseam, you will most likely be looking at 24" wheels and/or a step through frame. In addition to craig's list you might also check ebay. I've definitely seen kids road and mountain bikes there with 24" wheels.

[velo]

Thought I'd post a little update. I ended up finding a REALLY great Diamondback hybrid that fits her perfectly. And I mean perfectly. I got it off of craigslist for a song. It's a steel frame, and has low-end shimano components with a well-fitting youth saddle. The guy I bought it off of is a bike mechanic, so he has it tuned up nicely. Really, it was luck that I found it and had the time right then to go test it out. Luckily, the weather broke yesterday afternoon for a few hours (like many of you, we're in a heat wave), so we were able to take it out last night. The daughter is very pleased. So am I. Thanks for all of the suggestions. Actually, in looking at the Felts, I fell it love with one for myself. :(