Fitting a Junior: Bike Options?

Im not really sure on particular bikes haveing never been in a similar situation, however I think your best bet might be contacting some of your loal triathlon clubs and seeking advice from people who are or have been in the same predicament also maybe seeing if there are any junior dvelopment squads around and see what there rideing

Getting an XS Giant would be the best choice. One of my teamates bought an XS Giant TCR with full tiagra when he was 12 and raced it for 1 1/4 seasons before he moved on to a full on race bike. One word of advice though, don't spend over $600.00 on a junior bike and stay on top of maintaining it because usually younger children won't think of that sort of thing.

There are 650c wheel 47-50cm bikes for junior and small riders. Avanti Prima and Merida 240 Kids Road are 2 that sell well here in Aus.

See: http://www.cyclingforums.com/t280840-.html

gclark8 said:

There are 650c wheel 47-50cm bikes for junior and small riders. Avanti Prima and Merida 240 Kids Road are 2 that sell well here in Aus.

See: cyclingforums.comt280840 .htmlOpen ↗

Don't forget "Women's" bikes too - they often come in very small sizes (mine is a 44cm - but has standard 700c wheels) with other modifications that might be good for kids too - like short reach levers and shorter top tubes

Serafino said:

Hi all,

New to these forums. Hopefully, someone can help. My son is a competitive triathlete who's won and achieved podiums overall while riding his Trek mountain bike :eek: Strong little cyclist who want to migrate to the road next year (he'll be 10 years of age).

We're having a lot of difficulty finding a suitable frame/bike given the issues top tube length and reach to the drops and young cyclists. The other issue is whether to go with 650c or 700c tires.

Most of the kid specific bikes we've seen (Felt, Bianchi, Trek, etc.) with good geometry have 24" tires (a non starter given he'll outgrow them in months).

Does anyone have any advise regarding suitable race bikes for 10 year - 12 year olds. He's at least average height for his age. We've looked at compact framed XS bikes (from Giant for example) but you still get adult specs on Cranks (rings, 165 mm arm length) and gearing.

Custom is an option but of course its a very expensive one 😄

Any ideas would be much appreciated. We are in Canada.

First of all, avoid any bike that uses a 700c front wheel. It's virtually impossible to build a really small frame with a 700c front that has a properly sized top tube and/or proper front end geometry.

That said, you might want to look for a used Terry (new ones are kinda pricey). These use, in the smaller sizes, either a 24" front wheel or 650c front and rear. Seat tubes as small as 16.5" (42cm) with properly short top tubes and good geometry. You will still need to fit a shorter crank and fiddle with the gearing. Also, the STI brake/shifters may be a bit large for small hands.

As an alternative, look at the Motobecane Mirage Sport from Bikes Direct:

bikesdirect.commiragesport.htmOpen ↗

This is available as small as 44cm with 650c wheels front and rear. At under US$400, this is a _very_ good value, but shipping into Canada might change that. A nice bike, but you will have to have it set up by a bike mechanic and will have the same crank length, gearing, brake/shift lever issues as with a Terry.

Ozark Bicycle said:

First of all, avoid any bike that uses a 700c front wheel. It's virtually impossible to build a really small frame with a 700c front that has a properly sized top tube and/or proper front end geometry.

I am by no means an expert on bike geometry, but from my own experience I beg to differ. My 44cm has standard 700c wheels (this was actually a surprise as I had to special order it and expected 650's from the specs) and it really works well for me. I don't have problems with my foot being in the way of the front wheel,and it does not have sketchy handling. It does give me the very short top tube that I need for my short arms, but still has a very good stand over height- I think it may have been a bit short for me if it had come with the 650's, but I really really needed the short top tube. Compared to the 48 cm with 650's that another woman that I know has my bike is actually taller. I'm sure that this can be quibbled all day long, but in the end what is important is to have a bike that fits your individual body properly and mine works very well for me, so don't automatically discount all small bikes with 700c wheels.

Eden said:

I am by no means an expert on bike geometry, but from my own experience I beg to differ. My 44cm has standard 700c wheels (this was actually a surprise as I had to special order it and expected 650's from the specs) and it really works well for me. I don't have problems with my foot being in the way of the front wheel,and it does not have sketchy handling. It does give me the very short top tube that I need for my short arms, but still has a very good stand over height- I think it may have been a bit short for me if it had come with the 650's, but I really really needed the short top tube. Compared to the 48 cm with 650's that another woman that I know has my bike is actually taller. I'm sure that this can be quibbled all day long, but in the end what is important is to have a bike that fits your individual body properly and mine works very well for me, so don't automatically discount all small bikes with 700c wheels.

How long is the top tube (if you have a "compact geometry" frame, what is "virtual" top tube length)?

Who made your bike? Can your refer me to a site that gives the measurments and geometry?

I disagree with Eden, though respect his opinion.

From my own experience in setting up bikes for friends, 650/26" wheels are far easier to ride with corresponding short (160mm) cranks for a 4'10" lady.

I have found for myself at 5'7" and over 55, I prefer a smaller wheel bike, hence the Wheeler project below. I will post my comparative impressions when the bike is completed. I do expect the 650 bike to be quicker over my normal training ride, 8 months back my MTB with rigid forks and slicks was faster. (I sold it to a girl for triathlons)

gclark8 said:

I disagree with Eden, though respect his opinion.

From my own experience in setting up bikes for friends, 650/26" wheels are far easier to ride with corresponding short (160mm) cranks for a 4'10" lady.

I have found for myself at 5'7" and over 55, I prefer a smaller wheel bike, hence the Wheeler project below. I will post my comparative impressions when the bike is completed. I do expect the 650 bike to be quicker over my normal training ride, 8 months back my MTB with rigid forks and slicks was faster. (I sold it to a girl for triathlons)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking 650's - I even thought my new bike would have them. I'm just saying 700's aren't necessarily inherently bad on a small bike either. (I happen to be a 5' tall lady by the way 😄 ) The important thing is to have a bike that you like and fits you properly and of course is safe and I think that this means not discounting any options before you explore them.

Oh, I am sorry, I thought you were a man... :o

I will leave you with this thought: http://www.triwa.org.au/discus//messages/8/3608.html?1130828968 When it's down to this, size doesn't matter... 😠

gclark8 said:

Oh, I am sorry, I thought you were a man... :o

I will leave you with this thought: triwa.org.au3608.htmlOpen ↗ When it's down to this, size doesn't matter... 😠

Sometimes people really suck don't they - stealing a little kids bike😠 😠

The Trek Women Specific Designed bikes also have a closer reach for the brake levers / shifters. Are you sure the TREK RD1000 kids bike won't work? Do you have a younger child who could use it later. I have one of the RD1000s for my 11 year old son, but he is short for his age. It fits him perfectly now, and when he outgrows it my 9 year old daughter will ride it.