What size is suitable for a 11yo ?

Wizard! · 11-03-2025 09:05AM #1

I am on the lookout for a new bike for my son. He is 11yo, but not tall, maybe the shortest in his class, about 1,40m

So, I was looking to get him a 26" bicycle, however, I cannot find one that I like (from certain brands).
I contacted few stores for availability, and indeed most are out of stock, with unknown return date.
Few of them, offered to sell me a 29" bike, saying that it is ok for him and it will last throughout his secondary school.
For example Cube AIM Pro:

Is this size suitable for him? I like the idea of getting something that will last, but I don't want him to ride something too tall, putting him at risk of having an accident.

CramCycle · 11-03-2025 01:26PM

The Cube Aim Pro in 29 starts in a Medium Frame and will be far too big. You also don't want a bike that "will do him" through is formative years. I am not sure what the sizing on the Cube Aim is at XS, but it is a 27.5 wheel but I still think you would be tight sizing wise for a year or two.

Wizard! · 11-03-2025 01:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123253562#Comment_123253562

On their EU site, they have a tool to get the correct size, but no-matter what I enter, I am getting an error.
In AIM Pro page though, there is this chart, which does not define wheel size (at least not 26", 27.5", 29") and I am not sure what to pick.
The XS looks ok, based on saddle height though.

magicbastarder · 11-03-2025 02:14PM

he's at an age now where his height could change rapidly, so just going to suggest not investing heavily in a bike which may not fit him in a couple of years.

would you consider secondhand? not ideal for an 11 year old who may be expecting a new bike, i understand…

CramCycle · 11-03-2025 08:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123253720#Comment_123253720

My son's second bike was a second hand one from the ads section here and he loves it, although he has outgrown it, he refuses to upgrade for the moment. Most kids if it looks in good nick won't even notice second hand IMO.

CramCycle · 11-03-2025 08:24PM

You won't get it there as looking at there sizing, the XS is for 150cm at the smallest. You can see with retailers sites that XS is a 27.5 wheel, as is there S.

magicbastarder · 11-03-2025 08:31PM

There's a probably mid 90s Cannondale aluminium mountain bike in the rediscovery centre in ballymun asking I think €175. 17" frame IIRC.

That'd be far cooler* than most things you could buy new.

*to a middle aged man like me, not necessarily to an 11 year old...

standardg60 · 11-03-2025 08:36PM

Surely this is unanswerable rather than bringing him to a BS and letting him try out a size in the flesh?

Quigs Snr · 12-03-2025 12:09AM

IMG_9369.jpeg

My Daughter was exactly 140cm on this size 26 Woom Off Air. So I think that is the ideal size right now. There are some smaller 27.5 e.g the XS treks that might be ok too.

CramCycle · 12-03-2025 12:18AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123254959#Comment_123254959

If he is not getting it second hand, then make sure it is a decent LBS considering by his OP a few appear to tell him that a 29inch would be grand over the phone.

Where is the OP based, maybe get recommendations of a decent LBS in his area here.

Large bottle small glass · 12-03-2025 12:22AM

https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/giant-arx-junior-bike-26-inch/39167880

I'd buy that

Wizard! · 12-03-2025 08:53AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123253720#Comment_123253720

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123254946#Comment_123254946

No issue at all buying second hand, as long as it is from a store, as that's my preference.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123254959#Comment_123254959

Most probably that. I have to take him to the store and get a proper bike. The reason I would like to avoid that, is because children tend to pick a bike based on looks, and not specs. Been there, done that.

What size is suitable for a 11yo ?

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