Road bike for my 9 year old son

[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.

[Loraura]

We bought my small-for-his-age 11 year old the Fuji ACE 650. He loves it.

My only complaint is that it seems the crank is a little large for a child starting out. He has a tough go of it on hills and could use a smaller smallring. We live in Austin, and it's pretty hilly here.





Some other options are:

Giant makes an XXXS road frame with 650 wheels with better components than most bikes marketted for kids.

Cannondale makes a Six-13 in a 40cm in 08, you might still find one or see if there is an equivelent.

Blue makes a 2-four.

[sarahspins]

Giant makes an XXXS road frame with 650 wheels with better components than most bikes marketted for kids.

It's funny you mention that, there's been one listed on our local CL

Other than the crank issue, how are you liking the Fuji? My big kid needs to be a couple inches taller before we can really look at anything.. so I have a while to research

[Running Mommy]

W

Giant makes an XXXS road frame with 650 wheels with better components than most bikes marketted for kids.



.

Actually Giant no longer makes the XXXS. I wish they did, as I sold a few. I sold a felt 24 to a kid last year. Very cool bike. The Blue is also very cool, but I would imagine a bit spendy.
If the cranks are too long I'm wondering if some of the bmx racing cranks could be rigged to work. They have arm lengths down to 110!! I'll have to ask my mechanic tomorrow.