Road bike for my 9 year old son

[sarahspins]

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.

The 24 has a 36/44 up front, and the same 13/28 in the back.. which DOES make much more sense.

It is tiny, but so is my 8yo.. he's barely 4 feet tall.

[HappyTexasMom]

Hopefully this won't be too much of a thread drift, but when do you start teaching your kids how to ride geared bikes? My son is 8 and does just fine on his bike. His older bike had hand brakes, but we disconnected them (it was the first bike he rode without training wheels) so that he could only use the coaster brakes. His current bike just has coaster brakes. I'm starting to take him for rides, but it's already proving tough for him to make any kind of speed. He's fairly small...I think he's riding a 19" right now, *maybe* 20".

[Jo-n-NY]

Both Specialized and Trek also make smaller road bikes for kids.

JoAnn

[sarahspins]

Hopefully this won't be too much of a thread drift, but when do you start teaching your kids how to ride geared bikes?

When they can't keep up with you

[HappyTexasMom]

When they can't keep up with you

Haha...so I should have bought him a geared tricycle when he was three, then.

[sarahspins]

Haha...so I should have bought him a geared tricycle when he was three, then.

Of course.. wouldn't that be fun! My oldest was riding without training wheels at 3.. it should come as no surprise that he's interested in biking with me now that I'm back into it

I personally don't mind investing a bit more in a bike that is more suited to riding "with" me, as well as the fact that if well maintained, can eventually be used for all kids (younger two are 2 and 4.. 4yo isn't even riding with training wheels , but does love her balance bike)

[HappyTexasMom]

Of course.. wouldn't that be fun! My oldest was riding without training wheels at 3.. it should come as no surprise that he's interested in biking with me now that I'm back into it

I personally don't mind investing a bit more in a bike that is more suited to riding "with" me, as well as the fact that if well maintained, can eventually be used for all kids (younger two are 2 and 4.. 4yo isn't even riding with training wheels , but does love her balance bike)

Three years old...wow! Mine were both 6 (that being just a few days ago for my youngest).

I don't mind investing the money in theory...the reality part is just a little tougher to swallow (darn unstable job and crappy job market!).