My son is outgrowing his 24inch road bike - he's just about to turn ten and is pretty tall for his age. What is the usual next step for a junior road bike - 650c or 700 wheels?
If I could get him on a 700 that would be nice, draw a line under this incremental wheel-size expansion we've had going on since he was three. Don't know if that is feasible with the frame sizes typically available, though - is 650 the natural choice at this stage?
not age, it's size.
Check out the sizing on Islabikes - it's simply down to reach height and in particular reach as you need a particular frame size to cope with the bigger wheels and not have overlap etc - 51cm toptube is about as short as you can go.
Loved the 650c bike we had, but sadly it was stolen. Swapped for an XS Giant Avail. Aged about 11. Stand over is everything
Kids Racing do a 700c bike that'll do 'cross and road that fits kids from 125cm tall
Thks - anyone have an opinion on the Wiggins line at Halfords? Another similar-sized kid rides a 700 one in to his school and it looks decent. Might ask him if our kid can swing a leg over it.
Kids Racing do a 700c bike that’ll do ‘cross and road that fits kids from 125cm tall
Some smart-looking bikes there! The lad has actually announced his retirement from cross, at the age of nine. He said the whole race thing was stressful, which was quite sobering to hear. From our perspective we always emphasised it was just for fun, and were proud of him for taking part - but I guess from a little man's perspective when you put the number and transponder on, get a bit of a serious talking to from the comish, it must seem like a big deal.
700 is so old-hat these days. Stick him on some 650s in a disk frame and he'll have something much more relevant and flexible.