Road bike for my 9 year old son

[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

[Loraura]

My son absolutely adores the bike. This means I adore the bike, because he wants to ride it, and he wants to ride with me!

He can keep a 10-12 mph pace on it. He has his own cateye and loves seeing the data.

They actually make it in one size smaller than the 650, called the Ace 24, i think. it must be tiny.

Really the only thing I would change is the small front chainring. It's a 42/52. That's quite a bit bigger than a compact, and he feels it. The 13/28 cassette in the back helps, but frankly, not enough for him. Seems really odd that they choose that. I know I'd be feeling it if I lost my 34 ring.

Also be aware that small frames like that can generally only accommodate one water bottle holder, so on long hot rides, it's a consideration.

[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.

[Mr. SR500]

Trek stopped making the KDR 1000 (24" kids road bike) last year, but Specialized, Felt, Fuji, and Pro-Lite still offer one. The Pro-Lite has downtube shifter that are supposed to be easier for kids, but it's pricey. There are lots of Treks out there, so might be worth trying to find a good used one on Craigslist or ebay.