Road bike for my 9 year old son

[milkbone]

My son has been asking for a road bike of his for about a year now, I'm seriously looking at this point, since I'm convinced this isn't a "phase" for him now.

So far the Schwinn and the Felt F24 are the ones I've found and been condsidering.

Just wondering if anyone has any other advice or has been through this before. He seems so young to start, but he's into the Tour big time. Loves riding with me and even got up to 16.5mph our last ride with his "hunk 'o steel" bmx bike.

Thanks in advance!

[channlluv]

We bought our then-9-year-old a Trek MTB - it's purple and was the "girl's version" according to the sales guy, but it's plenty sturdy and can be adjusted quite a bit as she grows. She's 11 now and has grown about two inches in height since we bought it, and Dad has had to move her handlebars and seat accordingly. Last year she and I rode the Tour of Poway together (18-mile course) and we're training for it again this year. I'm hoping she can do the 26-mile course this time.

She'll be read for a road bike in a couple of years. It may very well be that she'll get a commuter bike instead of a commuter car when she turns 16. Ha!

Roxy

[sarahspins]

Fuji makes one too... just to throw that at ya

http://www.fujibikes.com/Kids/Road/Ace24.aspx

[Reesha]

Pinarallo Kui is another one. Pricey ($1200), but looking sharp:

[Grog]

My husband, a passionate cyclist, got his first road bike when he was 9 or 10 years old. He rode quite long distances with his dad early on, visiting the grand parents (that would have been 60-70 km round trip) for brunch on Sundays.

He still speaks fondly of his first road bike, a small Bianchi. I know they still make small road bikes. Actually a lot of manufacturers do.

Maybe you can find something used as well, since other kids outgrow their bikes. Ask around in local bike clubs, especially those with more mature members that may have kids the age of yours.

Good luck!

[tulip]

Redline makes a nice 24" wheeled cyclocross bike that is also excellent for the road. My niece had one until she outgrew it. It was about $600 three years ago.