Confirmation money

Clydes

My son is at me & at me & ... & he expects to get some handy cash shortly.

He wants a bike with drop bars and gears that he can ride like a boy racer. Hybrids are no good due to the bars. I don't think he will get value from Islabikes so this is the main contender that I've come up with

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=42598

He has an inside leg measurement of 27". On the understanding that the 26" wheel has a 16" frame my question is ...........after all these years would you spend your confirmation money on it or is there sometng else?

Home:Ballyhoura

What age and height is he? What size bike does he currently ride if he already has a MTB or something?

BostonB

Clydes wrote: »

... I don't think he will get value from Islabikes...

How so?

Vélo

Here you go

Clydes

@ Home:Ballyhoura
Justed turned 12 and 4'9"

@BostonB
Because of his age we expect a growth spurt and he could outgrow anything we buy now very quickly

@ Velo
I know that Dawes were once elite bikes but more recently a friend has had issues with them, so am reluctant for that reason

Bunnyhopper

I haven't any experience of buying bikes for kids, but I thought I'd mention anyway that Islabikes do operate a buy-back scheme, and their bikes have a reputation for good resale values.

BostonB

Clydes wrote: »

...
Because of his age we expect a growth spurt and he could outgrow anything we buy now very quickly...

I don't see how you are going to avoid that. Regardless of brand. You have to get a bike that fits him now. Well er now.

I've have no experience of islabikes. They just look like lighter bikes than the usual steel jobs that pass for kids bikes, and not very expensive either.

http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/luath700lrg.html

Caroline_ie

Clydes wrote: »

@ Home:Ballyhoura
Justed turned 12 and 4'9"

Hey -

If your son is 144cm tall, he might be able to cycle a giant sz 42 or Trek sz 43 and keep it for another 15cm worth of growth.

That's the size I take and I am 153 ... a bit taller, but your son will grow taller quicker than I do

Caroline_ie

BostonB wrote: »

http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/luath700lrg.html

the size chart shows ... I could cycle that bike... i am depressed now.

Clydes

@BostonB
I agree he will out grow .. it's a question of when. This is an important factor.

@Caroline
Tks for this hoever I am sold on the (marketing!) concept of smaller components on the junior bikes

Overall the decision seems to be between Isla & Dawes. I have more to do before we finalise.

Will let ye know and tks all for the input.