Kid's bike

[Dan McClain]

Hey all. My son's 20" was stolen this week. A painful loss as we built it together this summer. Before I embark in another great search for the extremely rare suitable 20" frame, I thought I'd ask you all if you've had any luck with frames for kids. Recommendations are very welcome!!

Dan

[Philip Williamson]

I was happy with a Redline BMX "Junior." It's a race bike, very light, singlespeed. It worked for 5 years, and I sold it for half what I paid. 

[MontclairBobbyB]

Dan:

Sorry about your son's bike being stolen... I remember how I felt as a 12-year old kid when my first real bike (a used 10-speed Centaur Italian racer) was stolen.

If there's anything I recall about outfitting my kids with bikes, it was the rate at which my kids grew, and my overestimating what they look for in a bike.  So two quick recommendations:  Keep it cheap and simple (which doesn't necessarily mean junk), and size it for growth.  Have you looked into 24"-wheeled mountain bikes?  I've see a few on eBay that make me wish I still were 12  years old.

Good luck.

BB

[Daniel McClain]

Thanks, Bobby!

Good news! We scored a cheap Pacific 20" rigid fork mtn. bike at the Baltimore bike coop yesterday for $5.

Dan