Bike for young girl

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We got our DS (11) a Redline Conquest 24 for Christmas...it's a scaled-down version of my cyclocross bike (which happens to be my favorite bike). It comes with knobby tires for taking on grass, gravel, and packed dirt, but we also got some slicker tires so that he can ride it on the road. It is a really awesome bike and a great do-anything bike for a kid. It's intended for kids 9-13, so he will be able to ride it for a couple of years, then we'll likely look at a small adult's CX bike for him.


AFAIK any shop can order from Redline...they don't have exclusive accounts, or anything. Our LBS actually stopped stocking Redline, because of this, but they still were able to order DS's bike.

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I should add that DS has already done one cyclocross race and some easy single-track on this bike...and he really ZOOMS on the road. We have fun exploring local backroads...about 1/3 of which are unpaved and a mix of sand and gravel. He also likes that there are brake levers in front of the drops, but also on the tops, so anywhere he has his hands he can access the brakes. He's getting better with shifting appropriately, too.

[Sylvia]

With a 23" inseam, you will most likely be looking at 24" wheels and/or a step through frame. In addition to craig's list you might also check ebay. I've definitely seen kids road and mountain bikes there with 24" wheels.

[velo]

Thought I'd post a little update. I ended up finding a REALLY great Diamondback hybrid that fits her perfectly. And I mean perfectly. I got it off of craigslist for a song. It's a steel frame, and has low-end shimano components with a well-fitting youth saddle. The guy I bought it off of is a bike mechanic, so he has it tuned up nicely. Really, it was luck that I found it and had the time right then to go test it out. Luckily, the weather broke yesterday afternoon for a few hours (like many of you, we're in a heat wave), so we were able to take it out last night. The daughter is very pleased. So am I. Thanks for all of the suggestions. Actually, in looking at the Felts, I fell it love with one for myself.