road bike for a grandson

[pawl]

I started my son off on a nice used Bianchi with 24” wheels but sadly he grew out of it really quickly. However I sold it on for more than we paid for it.

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I replaced it with a really nice carbon fibre Ribble with a 2x9 Sora group set, it’s got a 48cms frame so when he first had it, it was just a touch on the large side but perfect now (he’s 15) it should last for quite some time especially as we’re a small family. (The seat stem is raised as I was riding it)

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So my advice is never buy new for kids, unless you’re sure it will be a bike which will last through to their 20’s, firstly they don’t tend to look after them and secondly they grow so bloody quickly!

Do you remember when a block of wood was screwed to the pedals so that your feet could reach the pedals. What was dad said you will grow into if.

 

[DCLane]

Can't thank you enough for the extensive and helpful reply - you're a star. Given me much to ponder. I'll keep posting - and reading - here.

You're welcome. Basically, if you can get a decent bike on a budget to start him off with that's usually more helpful than a cheap new one.

Fantastic photos @DCLane you must be very proud of him.

He's found something he loves doing: racing hard, preferably up the nastiest hillclimbs in the country or on a velodrome somewhere. Yes, I'm proud but more so of his attitude and commitment to both training and racing fairly.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I have my eye on one of these:

https://www.biketart.com/bikes-c1/kids-bikes-c37/genesis-beta-cx-26-2017-p21169

When my daughter outgrows this:

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/genesis-alpha-2017-24-inch-kids-road-bike_329283

Shame Genesis has given up on kids' bikes now.

 

[Brads]

I'm local to Edinburgh and am selling a 24" wheeled Carrera road bike.

Perfect condition as the bugger outgrew it rapido.

PM me if you want to know more.

 

[JPBoothy]

Hi - I made a rash promise to my daughter that I'd buy her 12-year old a bike for his birthday... in the middle of a lockdown... as a surprise. Am I mad? Think it can be done? I do at least have his measurements: Height 144cm, inside leg 74, arm length 45. Looking for a road bike or hybrid rather than city or mountain. He turns 12 on the 12th of May. This Frog from Edinburghbicycle cooperative is a good deal beyond my budget... frog-road-70-kids-bike But could it be in the right ballpark? Thanks for your suggestions.

I've always wondered about the reach to the STI shifters on kids/junior road bikes. Are the levers smaller to suit their smaller hands?

 

[Reynard]

I've always wondered about the reach to the STI shifters on kids/junior road bikes. Are the levers smaller to suit their smaller hands?

Microshift shifters!

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I've always wondered about the reach to the STI shifters on kids/junior road bikes. Are the levers smaller to suit their smaller hands?

We bought the 8 year old Grandson a Wild bike, one of the reasons was that it was fitted with child size brake levers & gear change mechanism.

 

[JPBoothy]

Microshift shifters!

Is that the size or the brand. I know I said smaller hands but the kids are not Borrowers surely?

 

[Reynard]

Is that the size or the brand. I know I said smaller hands but the kids are not Borrowers surely?

That's the brand.

I have them on my roadie - they're just right for my small hands.

 

[DCLane]

@NotaJock - did you get something?

This Felt F95 has popped up on my Facebook feed for £200 in the "Triathlon & Time Trialling UK" FB group and the seller will post it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/106942906459763/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf

 

[NotaJock]

Hi. Yes thanks. Brads offered me a nice Carrera road bike. I just hope the kid doesn't decide he really wanted some mock up mountain bike / urban grifter or whatever they ride on the streets these days. Don't think he will. Anyway, thanks for thinking of me.