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Kids mountain bikes - need some advice


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My son has outgrown his BMX style bike.  He's just a little too short (24.5" inseam) for a 26er, I tried on a small frame we have.  

He'd like a mtb style bike, though trails will be more gravel, probably peddlers and lower picnic at the most.  A lot of gravel, paved, and sidewalks.  

Could use some suggestions where to start, I'm thinking a 24" bike, would prefer disc brakes though, I've looked at the scott roxter online and that seems to stick all the boxes, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.  I'm ok getting a bike he'll outgrow in 18 months, he has a younger brother, and I want his bike to fit him now.

Thanks!

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My brother has got his two kids on the Woom bike progression.    I'd say Woom Off5 is the perfect one.  The great thing about them is how light they are compared to other kids' bikes.  You can get a traditional kids 24" then use some old light parts to lighten it up (easy to take 5lbs off a 24" or 26" bike).  But this one is ready to go:

They are based in Austin and have a showroom and can pick up locally on Rundberg Ln.

https://us.woombikes.com/products/off5

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1 hour ago, SuperSlow said:

My son has outgrown his BMX style bike.  He's just a little too short (24.5" inseam) for a 26er, I tried on a small frame we have.  

He'd like a mtb style bike, though trails will be more gravel, probably peddlers and lower picnic at the most.  A lot of gravel, paved, and sidewalks.  

Could use some suggestions where to start, I'm thinking a 24" bike, would prefer disc brakes though, I've looked at the scott roxter online and that seems to stick all the boxes, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.  I'm ok getting a bike he'll outgrow in 18 months, he has a younger brother, and I want his bike to fit him now.

Thanks!

Have two daughters that are 3 years apart and both concurrently raced NICA for a season when they were in 6th and 9th grades. At first my youngest was on a specialized hotrock 24" with a suspension fork and our oldest was riding my wifes full suspension 27.5. We eventually built them both 29er hardtails. My youngest who was probably 4' 9" (ish) at the time went from placing 12-13th at her races to podium the first time on the 29. She was able to handle to tight switchback and off camber stuff way better than I expected, especially considering she was riding clipped in. The wheels were larger than her inseam but it really didnt seem to matter.

If it were me, i'd give a small or xs 26" another look. Kids can adapt way better than you and i can. I'd also do everything possible to avoid buying new.

My 2c

 

IMG_20160501_094831~2.jpg

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41 minutes ago, SuperSlow said:

Budget I'd like to stay under $500.

Thanks for the suggestions. The 26er(s) I have are both pretty old, and have fairly high standovers even being somewhat cramped cockpits...a smaller frame is a good place to look there too.

NP

On that budget you should definitely go used. New bikes in that range are overpriced junk that you spend all your money upgrading. Ask how i know Lol.

https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/austin-scott-spark-jr-24/7078055272.html

 

Also, I have a small kona fire mountain that you're welcome to borrow and see if a modern bike works for him . I bought it for my youngest and she wasn't interested in riding it, so ive been using it as a pseudo jump bike.

 

Edited by ATXZJ
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1 hour ago, ATXZJ said:

Have two daughters that are 3 years apart and both concurrently raced NICA for a season when they were in 6th and 9th grades. At first my youngest was on a specialized hotrock 24" with a suspension fork and our oldest was riding my wifes full suspension 27.5. We eventually built them both 29er hardtails. My youngest who was probably 4' 9" (ish) at the time went from placing 12-13th at her races to podium the first time on the 29. She was able to handle to tight switchback and off camber stuff way better than I expected, especially considering she was riding clipped in. The wheels were larger than her inseam but it really didnt seem to matter.

If it were me, i'd give a small or xs 26" another look. Kids can adapt way better than you and i can. I'd also do everything possible to avoid buying new.

My 2c

 

IMG_20160501_094831~2.jpg

That's awesome!

I'd add one caveat.  Bigger wheels are better as long as the weight is reasonable.  My son went from the Hardrock XS 26" that I lightened down to ~25lbs to a medium Trek Superfly 29er that is also at ~25lbs.  His 24" Hotrock was ~30lbs (same weight as my oldest's Hardrock 26") and he absolutely hated it because of the weight.  He rides better than me in his Superfly and now I don't have to upgrade him for a long time.  He was right under or right around 5' tall when I got him the used superfly.

I also second that you shouldn't buy a new $500 kids bike (at least Specialized).  We're talking thin stamped steel and riveted chainrings that are basically disposable...sure you can get a replacement drive crank with rings for $24 but they are junk.  Look for a used one someone already spent the time lightening.

Edited by AntonioGG
Added height details
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2 minutes ago, SuperSlow said:

I just rechecked my wife's old 26er and it is a 16" frame, an XS 26er may be a solid choice.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions and advice. 

This.

My youngest son just turned 11 and is bit undersized for his age.  He's for sure under 5' (maybe 4'10"?).  This summer I built him up an XS 26" wheel Giant XTC.  Its been a great bike for him both fit-wise and parts spec.  Here's a photo showing him and his bike setup from our South Boundary trip this summer.  I think his bike measures out to be a 13"?

 

IMG-1789.jpgforensic science technician salary 2016

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Full disclosure - I work for woom Bikes. Or maybe you have figured that out from my Screen name.

The woom Off is a great value, and very light. Out woom OFF 6 (26") wheels is right at 20 lbs. It currently has a carbon fork, but we will be offering the bike with a front shock beginning later this month. Come and check out the woom OFF at our Demo Ride with the Austin Ridge Riders at Walnut Creek this Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/events/845834059192525/

https://us.woombikes.com/

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At least among the Dirt Jumper dads, the Norco Ryde 24" https://www.norco.com/bikes/2019/mountain/dirt-jump/ryde-steel/ryde-24/ is most recommended for young DJ riders.    Note how short the chainstays are--the rear 24" wheel comes up close to the seat tube. The chainstays (rear-center length) are only 367mm or 14.4 inches.  For a little kid to learn a bunnyhop or manual (or even just to lift the front wheel off the ground), short chainstays make a big difference.  Compare with a 26" hardtail that has closer to 16" chainstays,  With a 29" hardtail, the shortest chainstays you normally get are around 430mm (16.9"). https://www.konaworld.com/unit.cfm 

 

The NS Clash JR. is similar, but is intended for gears. https://nsbikes.com/clash-jr,119,pl.html   

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/ns-bikes-clash-jr-hardtail-bike-2020/rp-prod187090

The Specialized P.Grom was also popular, but hard to find these days. https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2703757/

Something like the Specialized Hotrock https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2713986/ does not have short chainstays.  https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/austin-specialized-hot-rock-bike-24/7075302188.html

 

 

 

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