What bike for this?

[Chris2014]

I'm looking for a new 26inch bike for my 12 year old son, weighing less than 12Kg, with 16inch frame, straight bars, min of 21 gears, tyres would be 26 x 1.75. He does triathlons, road and cross country. Reasonably priced, up to £600. Any ideas please?

 

[Spiderweb]

How tall is your son?

 

[Chris2014]

Can't remember now, but do remember doing a proper measure up for him a couple of weeks ago in a local cycle shop (but they unfortunately couldn't help on the actual bike), and 16inch frame was the one to go for.

 

[S-Express]

I'm looking for a new 26inch bike for my 12 year old son, weighing less than 12Kg, with 16inch frame, straight bars, min of 21 gears, tyres would be 26 x 1.75. He does triathlons, road and cross country. Reasonably priced, up to £600. Any ideas please?

Whatever you buy will be unsuitable for at least two of the disciplines you mention.

 

[DCLane]

Whatever you buy will be unsuitable for at least two of the disciplines you mention.

+1 to that: why flat bar for triathlon?

If he's 12 then you're looking for a mountain bike (26" wheel) or a cross bike (700c wheel) - triathlons will be using a cross bike as a minimum. I'd suggest a Islabikes 700 or similar.

My 12yo uses a Formeula 700 (heavier than an Islabike) for commuting to school by road and cross.

 

[Chris2014]

Thanks, all ideas and input appreciated. He finds the straight bars more comfortable to use. I may even look at a hybrid / cc as well.

 

[Cycleops]

I should get down to Halfords in the first instance. They have some reasonably priced cyclocross bikes at the moment. I think you'll need to rethink the flat bar idea though.

 

[Chris2014]

The flat bars a stayer, but yep, I'll try them again. I did go in the shop, but will also try them online, as they usually have more to choose from there.

 

[Cycleops]

I don't think you'll find a flat bar triathlon/road bike, they tend to come with drop bars and 700c wheels. If you want 26" wheels and flat bars you're looking at a mountain bike, but good luck trying. You can convert to flat bars but it'll be expensive.

 

[Chris2014]

Thanks. I did think it may have to be customised, but in the end, it will be worth it.

 

[dim]

Surly Troll:
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll/geometry

or Surly Cross Check:
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/flat_bar_cross_check/geometry

 

[Spiderweb]

Surly Troll:
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll/geometry

or Surly Cross Check:
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/flat_bar_cross_check/geometry

Very nice bikes, the smallest frame may suit a 12 year old boy?
However the OP's max budget is £600 for a complete build.

 

[Cycleops]

Just wondering if @biggs682 might have something he could put together for you, maybe using a 90's MTB frame and 26" wheels or whatever.

 

[S-Express]

Those Surlys are completely unsuitable for a 12yo in my opinion. They are both astonishingly heavy and likely to put someone off riding for life, at that age.

 

[biggs682]

Thanks @Cycleops

At the moment I have nothing that comes close re size.

I would suggest you keep an eye out for a small cyclecross machine.