We bought a hybrid for my 9yr old daughter last year and it works well. She rides on the road with me all summer the CCX in fall. I'm waiting for her to seriuosly commit before we buy her a roadie cuz she's growing so fast. She's almost 5ft and wears 6.5 shoes so I know she's gonna be taller soon. Her bike is sturdy but not too heavy and I figure if she can go 12-13mph on this she will be strong when we get her a roadie or cross bike.