Wanted-road bike for 11 year old boy.

[Trek420]

I saw one at my LBS and thought about it for a certain petite woman I know. (she's also 5'1"

Awwwwww, 'zat me? I have 3 going on 4 bikes, hun

How about stopping his tears with this. I was at my LBS before x-mas, Chris Robinson of Robinson Wheelworks (Hi Chris!!!!!! ) was putting the finishing touches on a Salsa for his nephew. Seems the lucky kids Dad was in the shop and saw a little Salsa hardtail that would be perfect and dropped a hint.

Red, fast, light, climbs .... I was very tempted to get one too.

www.salsacycles.com/alacarteComp08.html

[Eden]

How much is too much?

Several manufacturers make a small road bike for kids, though at 5'1" he may fit on the smallest sizes of regular bikes too.
Trek makes the KDR
Redline the Conquest 24 (I'm 5'0" and I have one of these.... I did have to modify it a bit - longer stem because it is a little small, even for me)
Felt makes a 24" wheel kids road bike
REI has 24" kids cyclocross model too (cheaper than the others I think - maybe in the $400 range??)

new these are mostly in the $600 to $800 dollar range
They can be a bit hard to find used

oh! I think I found the perfect bike!!!
Fuji Ace 650 (its kid specific)
$380 mfg list (so Performance may sell it cheaper)
It has 650 wheels so it would be pretty suitable for a taller kid - there's also a 24" wheel version if that one is too big
http://fujibikes.com/2008/bikes.asp?id=512

[Running Mommy]

Measure him up...
Go on www.wrenchscience.com and get yourself a log in (it's free). Then you can go to the fit guide and enter all his measurements. This will give you an idea on size, reach, etc.
Once you have an idea of size for him I'd start cruising the classys. Ebay, craigslist etc.
That Fuji looks like a good bike. Perhaps you can find an online retailer.
I have a 44 inch specialized that I'd sell you, but it's been converted into my trainer bike...

[Flybye]

I found one!!!!!

Thanks so much for all of your help!

I ended up with a Dawes - not the *nicest* bike, but a GREAT beginner bike.

[tulip]

Great! Post a pic!