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Hi
I am looking to get my Son’s next bike, he will be 8 soon after Xmas so starting to have a look now.
He has always had the Islabike range, currently Beinn 20” Large, with Continental Explorer 20 inch Tyres
I was looking at getting him either of the below
Frog 62 - https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/frog-62-kids-bike £340 24”wheels 12” Frame
Isla Beinn 26 - https://www.islabikes.co.uk/product/bikes/beinn/ £439 26” wheels, 13.5” frame (There is Beinn 24 but this is for 7+) 24” Wheels 11.5” Frame
Whyte 303 - https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/whyte-303-2020-kids-mountain-bike £499 24”wheels 12” Frame
However I am wondering if its worth while getting one with front suspension forks as this next bike should do next couple years?
Frog 62 MTB https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/frog-mtb-62 £630 24” wheels, 12.5” frame
Isla Creig 24 https://www.islabikes.co.uk/product/bikes/creig/ £699 24” wheels, 12” frame
The first Whyte with forks states age 10+ so would most likely rule this out
Whyte 403 https://whyte.bike/products/403-petrol £599 26” Wheels 13” Frame although this is same as the Isla Beinn which is for 8+ wheel and frame size
IMHO it would partly depend on how heavy he is (lighter children benefit less from suspension) and the type of riding he does.
We went for a T403 about then, my lad was reasonably tall for his age, but not massive. Excellent bike it was.
He is probably average for 8 years old, he is slightly taller for his age, he is defiantly not small and light
@weeksy The Whyte 403 does look great and good price just concerned it might be to big a jump from what he has now
Not sure how well this shows the sizing...
Unless he's really shredding, I wouldn't bother with suspension.
Surely the STW thing to do is to buy a Carrera Blast from eBay that should be in the tip for £50 and rebuild it using all the 'spare' parts you have in the garage. If you're interested I'll be selling a 24" Blast frame (in original battered green), carbon forks, and Islabike Creig wheels shortly.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/1855/30283105158_ca00ccd815_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/1855/30283105158_ca00ccd815_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/N91Q7J ]2018-08-20_10-03-39[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr
Maybe this shows better...
Just bought a Voodoo Nzumbi for my 8 year old, slightly on the large side but he can get his feet down and it'll do him a good few years.
Was going to to hold off until Christmas but Halfords were doing 20% off when you traded in any working scooter or bike. Used the online code for a click and collect, went down to the store with a skip bound scooter in the boot and ended coming away with the scooter still in the boot!
Lovely bike, reasonably light and plenty of option to upgrade.
@ rossburton not really looking to buy 2nd hand and build
@weeksy thanks, looks fine for the bike hard to tell fully, any idea what height he was when you got the 403?
There is no rush to get him off his Beinn 20 so I guess if 403 is better option and would maybe last him another year or 2 on top could be an option.
Honestly no idea mate sorry, not measured him. We don't do the marks on the wall type thing that some parents do... Sorry i can't be more help.
got my lad an Orbea MX24, lots of build options from steel fork, ally fork, suspension fork and disc brake options, depending on what they will use.
As he is a small 8 year old i went lightest ally fork vee brakes.. and it is a light bike, his first real ride ever and he did something like 13 miles no major issues
@weeksy no worries, I dont have my son's height either. Thanks for your replies tho all helpful 🙂
@steve_b77 and @jamesy01 @alan1977 I will take a look at those, I narrowed it down to the list I had but worth a 2nd look over
I'd rule out the Voodoo one for him at his age as the weight is 16.4kg compared to the Whyte 403 at 12.7kg, however is a good deal with 20% off
Obrea MX24 Trail looks good but cant find the weight
Saracen Mantra 24 also looks good
I guess the first question is do I go for the first options on the list that are cheaper and all rounders, or go for a more MTB style with front forks, think once I can figure that out can look further.
my bike weighs ~14kg, and his is significantly lighter, i picked up the 2018 model for 275 brand new, so its priced well
@alan1977 thanks for that, which MX24 model did you pick?
i went with the ally fork, i think that's the team model? lightest and simplest for him, as he wouldn't be hitting anything that the forks would help with and his weight and size (he is on the seat all the time still) and i had read that disc brakes could be a little overwhelming due to their power.
I figured it will do him between now and maybe 12.. and the bike is worth upgrading going forwards
@alan1977 thanks for info
Yeah that is my main consideration just now with the list I have, go for suspension forks or not.
Timely! Any thoughts on plus sized bikes? I thought it was a good way to improve grip, and soften ride without weight of not very effective forks:
I'm struggling a bit here as it's a ton of cash to spend on a bike that will only last a year or so before we're into building quality s/h 26" wheeled bike, but our soon-to-be 8 year old is really into his riding, something we naturally want to support!
Canyon Al 24 kids bike worth a look as well. Not the cheapest but good spec and nice and light.
that's why we went with the T403 as it had better residual value that many. People who know bikes, know it's a good bike and are prepared to pay more.
We got our eldest a Early Rider T24 for his eight birthday. Pricey, but light and we'll get good use out of it, as it'll get passed down to his younger brother, just as the Belter 20" has.
Our boys are both 91st centile on the growth chart, so tall for their age but even so at 8 years old the eldest was only just big enough to ride the 24" wheel bike even though he was 135cm tall when he got it. I think 26" wheels are too big for their age.
Depends what you/his mates ride ....
No reason they won't ride the same places as you if they have a decent bike.
Mine's just gone 10 and moving off his 24 onto an adult XS but him and his mates (girls and boys) just ride the same as the parents (except for a few parents who won't ride the tech)
He got his 1st 24 at 6 (very small framed HT) and onto a FS 24 at 7 going on 8...
All he/we ever did was just ride stuff though and I stopped having to think about kid friendly years ago, now he ruins my exercise by refusing to ride flat boring places.
Added to my list and some more details
No Suspension Forks -
Frog 62 https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/frog-62-kids-bike
£340
24”wheels
12” Frame
10.1kg
No Discs
No Suspension Forks
Isla Beinn 26 https://www.islabikes.co.uk/product/bikes/beinn/
£439
26” wheels
13.5” frame
9.4KG
No Discs
No Suspension Forks
No Suspension Forks but discs
Whyte 303
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/whyte-303-2020-kids-mountain-bike
£499
24”wheels
12” Frame
10.3kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
No Suspension Forks
Suspension Forks and Discs
Frog 62 MTB
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/frog-mtb-62
£630
24” wheels
12.5” frame
11.3kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 140mm
Suspension Forks
Isla Creig 24
https://www.islabikes.co.uk/product/bikes/creig/
£699
24” wheels
12” frame
11kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 140mm
Suspension Forks
Saracen Mantra 24
https://www.saracen.co.uk/bike/mantra-24
£580
24" Wheels
?? Frame
11.2kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
Suspension Forks
Orbea MX 24 (various choices with/without suspension forks, discs)
https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/kids/mx-kids
Suspension Forks and Discs Maybe too big for 8 years old but good value
Whyte 403
https://whyte.bike/products/403-petrol
£599
26” Wheels
13” Frame
12.7kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
Suspension Forks
Worth looking at the Hoy Bonaly 24", weighing in at 9kg. That's what my daughter has and she loves it.
@stevextc tbh all his mates have had a mix of bikes for under 8s, Hoy, Isla Frog, Wiggins etc this is the stage I am at carry on with an all rounder until age 10 then step into suspension forks and discs or make that step now.
The Whyte 403 would be my choice but need to check out his size against the specs as feel its too big a jump up
My son was on a Frog 69 MTB when he was about 8 1/2, although he is one of the tallest in his class. I was a little resistant at first to getting him a bike with suspension, let alone a 26" wheeled one, until he was older, but having tried one of the Frog 69 MTB bikes at his bike skills session it fitted okay, he could ride it easily, and he was markedly quicker on it than the 24" Isla bike he'd been riding before, and also significantly more confident on anything technical.
When we bought the bike we did try him on the 62 MTB (the 24" wheeled one) and it fitted him perfectly at that point, but he'd have been outgrowing it by now and we just can't afford a 'new' bike for him every year... as it is I've still got a year to go before this one is paid off!
The next worry is how long he'll be on the Frog for... he's already able to ride my bike about with the saddle dropped!!
Overall it's quite a tricky decision to make I think, and it's really easy to spend a lot of money changing bikes as the kids are growing up trying to get the perfect size all the time.
@natrix meant to drop that one in, same as Whyte 303 no suspension forks but brakes however better priced
Hoy Bonaly 24
https://www.evanscycles.com/hoy-bonaly-24-inch-wheel-disc-2020-kids-bike-EV306434
£435
24” wheels
?? frame
10kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
Suspension Forks
We have a voodoo Bakkor for my 7 year old which i managed to get new during the Halfords trade-in for £275. I've added a First Air fork, a 30t N/W chainring, and a 40t cassette. I also had some 24 Rocket rons (which saved a ton of weight) and some deore hydros which i fitted. It's a great bike now.
He's done Cannock, llandegla and Cannock Reds on it no bother. He had a Bienn 24 before and on some of the harder routes he was getting knocked around a bit.
@funkynick I think I'll take him along to local bike shop and try out the Frog 62 MTB and 69 MTB as a guide
Whats the main thoughts on going for a bike just now with front Suspension forks and disc, or just stick to an all rounder for couple years until aged 10, alternatively go for the Hoy or Whyte 303 with discs and if forks are needs look at an upgrade?
I've just got my 9 year old a Whyte 403. It really is an awesome bike but he's on the smallest end of it (there is a sizing guide on the Whyte website). He looks tiny on it, but he's handling it really well and the big wheels seem to help him get over stuff. I had him on 20" wheel bike all last year which was way too small but I didn't want to buy a bike which wouldn't last that long. 24" wheels are the more usual way to go though, but I'm super impressed with the Whyte.
I do love the look of the 403 and price is great, will last him a god few years, he is on no hurry to get off his Beinn 20 so could always run them both until the time is right, the beinn 20 will be passed down to his brother anyway.
I think when I am up testing him on the Frogs and look at the Whytes too for a guide. Just seems a big jump 20 - 26 wheels and obviously bigger frame.
I'll see what he is like on all 4 at the shop Frog 62, 69 MTB and Whyte 303, 403.
Still interested to see opinions on the below
Whats the main thoughts on going for a bike just now with front Suspension forks and disc, or just stick to an all rounder for couple years until aged 10, alternatively go for the Hoy or Whyte 303 with discs and if forks are needs look at an upgrade?
I think it’s been covered but my 9 year old has been on his MX24 for about 9 months. He’s 10 in Jan, pretty average height, and will be on 13” 27.5 BY Feb/March. He’s about at the limit of the MX24.
We went rigid and cantis, MX team I think. I’d factor in some decent levers if you go that route (Avid Speed Dials here) and he’s on a clutch Deore 10sp drivetrain now with a N/W chainring as we were forever dropping the chain off-road.
The biggest one-off cost was a set of Chromag Radar Youth, but they’ll stay with him for a few years and they are a great pedal. Couldn’t find another of similar size/quality, must be one though.
He regularly does Kielder/Glentress/Hamsterley red (well, with a couple of chicken runs when he’s not feeling it) as well as lots of local loops. The Orbea has been spot on and is a nice (short) length.
ry33... on discs and forks, I think it really depends what sort of things he is riding and how often.
I relented as he was following me down all sorts of off-piste stuff on Cannock Chase... stuff that I could have ridden on a rigid, but would be no fun which is why I ride a hardtail... it seemed a bit mean to not let him have them too when we were getting getting him a new bike.
One thing I have noticed is that he is far more 'jumpy' now on the hardtail than he was on the rigid... he's trying to pop off everything!!
Pretty much that. My lad went xc racing, Swinley, bpw, morzine once he got the T403 it gave him massive confidence.
He's just turned 11 now and is doing gap jumps etc and reds. Along with making his own jumps and drops
Imo the better the bike, the more fun he'll have. I do understand it's not always financially viable to think like that too.
He's not doing anything very challenging, usually just local loops, trails through local forests and usually when I am out running with the dog, my youngest is usually with us too so it nothing major.
When he gets to age 10 the HT are all suspension forks and discs so just wondered if it was worth while making that step now and paying the extra to get HT over Rigid.
I'll take him up to the bike shop and try him on the Frog 62, 69 MTB, Whyte 303, 403, to gauge size.
I think I'll rule out the all rounders in the Frog 62 and Beinn 62, and focus on the others in my list as they are more MTB focused.
The Isla creig 24 I think I will also rule out based on the price alone at £699 the others will be as good for less money.
Had a look at the Whyte sizing and 303 is 120-140cm and 403 min is 135cm.
Measured my boy yesterday and he was 130cm, will see how he gets in when trying them in the shop.
He won’t get the bike until Christmas and my youngest won’t be ready for his Beinn 20 until spring so might work out for the 403.
He’s not doing anything very challenging, usually just local loops, trails through local forests and usually when I am out running with the dog, my youngest is usually with us too so it nothing major.
That's a bit self fullfilling though. Just pointing that out... if that's what the bike is 'capable' of (within reason and being fun) then that's what you'll do?
Mine just turned 10 but we ride stuff I couldn't imagine myself riding just a few years ago.
I ended up getting my almost 8 year old a Scott Roxter 24. He had a Benin small previously that he'd outgrown. I figured the plus size wheels were a better bet than the coil suspension available in the same and higher price range. The air fork bikes seemed very expensive. He absolutely loves it, the level of grip is tremendous which (with the cable discs) gives him so much confidence going down stuff,and the added weight over the Isla doesn't seem to cause him any problems. I had anticipated making it tubeless to save a pound or so, but the 2.6 tyres were just too loose for it to work. For less than £350 i'm very pleased.
If you’re interested I’ll be selling a 24″ Blast frame (in original battered green), carbon forks, and Islabike Creig wheels shortly.
Have sent you a DM about this.
Hi
This was my list below.
I went to try the bikes out and the Whyte 403 and frog 69 were too big.
Got this down to Whyte 303 or Frog 62 MTB. The Frog is £130 more expensive but come with forks where are the 303 doesn’t. They are both pretty much the same apart from that.
My son liked them both.
The Isla I can rule out as new range is out an is up to £899!!
Any advice on the 62MTB and 303 welcomed.
No Suspension Forks or Discs –
Frog 62 https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/frog-62-kids-bike £340
24”wheels
12” Frame
10.1kg
No Discs
No Suspension Forks
Isla Beinn 26
£439
26” wheels
13.5” frame
9.4KG
No Discs
No Forks
No Suspension Forks but discs
Hoy Bonaly 24
https://www.evanscycles.com/hoy-bonaly-24-inch-wheel-disc-2020-kids-bike-EV306434
£435
24” wheels
?? frame
10kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
No Suspension Forks
Whyte 303
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/whyte-303-2020-kids-mountain-bike
£499
24”wheels
12” Frame
10.3kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
No Suspension Forks
Suspension Forks and Discs
Frog 62 MTB
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/frog-mtb-62
£630
24” wheels
12.5” frame
11.3kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 140mm
Suspension Forks
Isla Creig 24
£899
24” wheels
12” frame
11kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 140mm
Suspension Forks
Saracen Mantra 24
https://www.saracen.co.uk/bike/mantra-24
£580
24″ Wheels
?? Frame
11.2kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
Suspension Forks
Orbea MX 24 (various choices with/without suspension forks, discs)
https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/kids/mx-kids
Suspension Forks and Discs Maybe too big for 8 years old but good value
Whyte 403
403 PETROL
£599
26” Wheels
13” Frame
12.7kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
Suspension Forks
Frog 69 MTB
Frog 62 MTB (24 Inch) Kids Mountain Bike
£640
26” wheels
12.5” frame
11.4kg
Front Discs 160mm
Rear Discs 160mm
Suspension forks
The Whyte 403 is a lovely bike... if you are going to step up from a rigid bike to a hardtail then it's a great choice. The Islabikes hardtails are awesome, but very pricey indeed (£899 now). They have just added a Creig 20 to the 24, 26 and 27. If you want a cheaper air-fork hardtail then the Vitus 24 (and Vitus 26) are much more affordable.
For Info:
(1) I work for Wiggle - and the Vitus bikes are 'ours'... but I do think they are excellent, and I've had many conversations with the designers about what makes a great kids bike.
(2) I run a kids MTB Club with 50 riders 7-15, so I've seen the Creig, Whyte and the Vitus 26 in action (but not yet a Vitus 24).
I got my wee lad (7) a Cannondale Cujo 24+ bike in April after he knackered the rear derailier on his old 20" job riding in Aviemore over the easter hols.
Its a little beast and he loves it. Chunky plus size tyres, mechanical disc brakes and no added weight up front from a cheap suspension fork (he's as light they don't work anyway). Big shout out to Dom at the Bike Bothy in Forres for getting me it.
and no added weight up front from a cheap suspension fork (he’s as light they don’t work anyway)
That's pretty light then as mine was using a cheap RST F1rst Air from before his 6th birthday.
this next bike should do next couple years?
I thought that when I bought mine a 24incher for her 7th Birthday. 1 year later it's looking pretty small on her. (FWIW Rigid Orbea MX Dirt - https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/kids/mx-kids/cat/mx-24-dirt)
I must confess I've avoided any suspension on kids bikes. Rightly or wrongly I think the extra weight/pedal effort for a youngster is far too big a sacrifice for a small bit of downhill speed.
Incidentally will be selling this once I rip off the forks, brakes, drivechain and hope headset and put the originals back on...(Assuming this embed works)
Would have a brand new spare shock for £375
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Or with the SID forks / wheels / drivechain (still less than a Creig)
the last bike he had was fitted with Suntour XCM (i think) forks and they did absolutely nothing, all they did was add weight he didn't need up front. The plus size tyres help to absorb some of the smaller bumps anyway.
My boys both had Saracen Mantra 24s for a couple of years and we were pretty happy with them for the money.
Suspension forks were basic but actually worked, the disc brakes were OK and 30.9 post so you can fit a dropper (we fitted Brand X externally routed posts).
We also fitted some Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres which were lighter and much more suitable to the UK Slope and Grime than Kenda Small Black 8s
Sold them now but their riding came on in leaps and bounds with them, by the end they were riding laps of Monkey and Follow the Dog at Cannock on them.
I assessed most of th above mentioned bikes and it ultimately came down to the Creig 24 and an Earlyrider Trail Mx24.
Settled on the earlyrider in the end after great experience with a Belter Trail 3 and poor experience of a Beinn 20.
Also was able to get the Trail 24 at a decent discount from France.
It’s a beautiful thing! A proper MTB!
Cant wait till his 8th birthday in november.
Hey
Thanks for all the comments, the Earlyrider Trail Mx24 looks great but more than I want to pay out, but looks great.
I think I have pretty much settled on the Whyte 303, the 403 is about 18 months off in size.
The Cannondale Cujo 24+ looks good similar to the whyte 303