First proper bike for my 11 year old.

[djdarren]

Hi, I wonder if any of you guys can help?

I'm about to buy my kid his first bike, and am unsure which direction to take. I want (obviously) to get as much for my money as possible, and have found a cracking deal on a Diamond Back (reduced from £600 to £350). The spec is great (Rock Shox instead of Suntour for a start), the frame is 16", which is fine for his height, but it has 29" wheels.

When I last bought a bike, 29" was reserved for a few Gary Fishers, and that was it, so I have no experience with them. Will the increased size be an impediment to my son, even if the frame size is appropriate? I can't find anything to offer any assistance.

 

[Citius]

You may have issues with stand-over height, and realistically, a 29er is probably nor suitable for an 11yo. Look for a 26, or even a 650b..

 

[Saluki]

Is there an option for your lad to test ride it to see if the stand-over height is OK for him?

 

[cyberknight]

All depends on the lads height and bike , my wife is 5 foot4 and can only ride 24 " wheeled bike.

 

[djdarren]

All depends on the lads height and bike , my wife is 5 foot4 and can only ride 24 " wheeled bike.

Well, he sat on a 16" earlier and the size was fine, I just don't know how those wheels will be.

I'll probably get it anyway because it's a great price. If it's too big then I'll find him another and sell it on.

 

[Jimidh]

Depends how tall he is.

'My lad got a trek Xcaliber 29er when he was 11 but he is tall for his age.

We did take get him fitted for it properly though and made sure it fitted properly - he is pretty swift on it but can't beat his old dad yet!

 

[Jimidh]

You may have issues with stand-over height, and realistically, a 29er is probably nor suitable for an 11yo. Look for a 26, or even a 650b..

My now 12 year old son would strongly disagree with you and if you seen him flying down the trails you would too.

 

[djdarren]

What's twisting my melon though, is that surely a 16" frame should be suitable for someone who needs a 16" bike, regardless of how big the wheels are?

 

[Citius]

My now 12 year old son would strongly disagree with you and if you seen him flying down the trails you would too.

He may do - but that doesn't mean a 29er is the right choice for a 11 year old.

 

[Jimidh]

He may do - but that doesn't mean a 29er is the right choice for a 11 year old.

Depends on the 11 year old

 

[Citius]

Depends on the 11 year old

From a physical size perspective maybe, but that's not what I meant. I remember reading some BC guidance a while ago which suggested keeping youth riders on 26" wheels for a long as possible, in order to aid bike handling and skills development..

 

[Jimidh]

I

From a physical size perspective maybe, but that's not what I meant. I remember reading some BC guidance a while ago which suggested keeping youth riders on 26" wheels for a long as possible, in order to aid bike handling and skills development..

I'm not arguing in principle but kids are all different - my lad is a strong physical boy who is very skilful on his bike - he has already out grown his 26 inch, he's comfortable on red runs and is ready to move up. He's certainly going to be a much better MTB biker than I am. The purchase of a 29er for him was taken after advice from others more knowledgeable about MTBs than a roadie like myself.

I think the key is getting the right bike not necessarily for their age but for their ability and physicality.

 

[Citius]

What's twisting my melon though, is that surely a 16" frame should be suitable for someone who needs a 16" bike, regardless of how big the wheels are?

Except the bigger wheel size effectively increases the stand-over height of the equivalent 16" bike on 26" wheels.

 

[djdarren]

Well, finally presented The Boy with his new bike today. He couldn't believe it (because I'd not told him I was getting it). He's been bombing up and down the road all day, like it's the only bike he's ever ridden

It *is* a big bike, but it's not too big for him. However, there's plenty of growing room, so I'm happy with him riding it. All told, lots of happiness here, and a future of plenty of weekend treks with my boy.