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[Closed] What's Hot In Kids Bikes Right Now?

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Upgrading from a Isla Bike that's got too small for a 7-8 year old. Do I stick with Isla Bike, or are there better options out there now that the bikes are getting a bit bigger?


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 9:39 pm
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What size wheels are you thinking of? Below 24" I'd stilk with Isla, 24" and up there are lots of choice, though Isla still offer a good option or two.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 9:49 pm
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Ridgeback.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 9:50 pm
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Pinnacle, Hoy, Marin, Merida are some of the 24" bikes I've liked the look of recently. Just got my boy a Marin Bayview Disc.

Not keen on Frog, a couple of kids at the club I coach at have them and they seem to put the kids in a strange riding position, look uncomfortable and stretched.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 9:57 pm
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Forgot Genesis. THe Core bikes look great.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 9:59 pm
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I have to be honest paul, The Spec Hotrocks are very good with a very low stand over height.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 10:02 pm
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Got a frog on the way for my little one the very latest model was perfect for my little one new ones have shorter stems and cranks. Very nice bikes ive had 4 isla bikes previously and the new frog looked nicer to me and more importantly my little lady


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 10:29 pm
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I'm not sure about wheel size, I looked at Isla's size chart and he falls within the bounds of their largest 20" bike and their smallest 24" bike. I'd imagine 24" would be less fun now, but a better long-term proposition.

Keep the suggestions coming, so long as I know what's good I can price them all up and find the right balance between cool and price.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 10:30 pm
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My lads mate had a 24" Frog bike for his birthday yesterday.
Had a good look over it today & I'd recommend one over the Islabike (too expensive) & the Spesh Hotrock (too heavy).
A really nice bike.


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 10:38 pm
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These look ace from Lil Shredder, but no idea if you can buy them in the UK
[url= http://lilshredder.com/bikes ]http://lilshredder.com/bikes[/url]

Commencal do a reasonable range as well
[url= http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCCatalog.asp?ActionID=67174912&PBCATID=2353594 ]http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCCatalog.asp?ActionID=67174912&PBCATID=2353594[/url]


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 10:55 pm
 wors
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I got a spesh hard rock xs for my lad, 26" wheels. But he's pretty tall for his age, the 24" looked daft!!


 
Posted : 03/12/2014 11:00 pm
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[url= http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/Mobile/MBSCProduct.asp?pdtid=14495046 ]Commencal[/url]


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 9:37 am
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Focus do a good looking 24" bike.

Carrera Blasts/Lunas are good value.

We've tended to go with whatever is cheap and local on eBay.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 10:06 am
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Ha ha, that Commencal looks epic. I was told the budget was 'unlimited'.....

Those Genesis mini fat bikes look great too, anyone know what they sell for and what they weigh?


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 10:28 am
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I'm not sure about wheel size, I looked at Isla's size chart and he falls within the bounds of their largest 20" bike and their smallest 24" bike. I'd imagine 24" would be less fun now, but a better long-term proposition.

That's where the lower stand over / design of some of the Specialized and Ridgeback is of real benefit.

We've had a mix of ridgeback and hot rocks over the years. It's hard to fault any of them TBH.

The youngest (average sized 8 year old) is currently on a Ridgeback Serenity - great bike.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 10:29 am
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Orbea and Dawes also do decent weight bikes.

Islabikes prices now seem to be at the lower end of the higher quality market when you look about.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 10:35 am
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Homemade...

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Unfortunately, all the bits are from a Ridgeback MX14 with the solid steel cranks, so although the steel frame is way lighter than the original ally one, it weighs a ton.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 12:38 pm
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You're after light & posh?

[url= http://www.supurb.de/ ]Supurb[/url]: The German Islabike

[img] [/img]

Saw them at Eurobike and was so impressed I just ordered one for the nipper's first pedal bike.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 2:09 pm
 TomB
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My now nearly 7 year old has been on a beinn 24 since the summer, and the bigger wheel size is great, and hasn't inhibited his fun off road (in fact, the ease he covers distance and hills is a big plus). Wouldn't be surprised if an 8 year old will be getting on for too big for beinn 24, but will suit 24" wheeled bike from other manufacturers.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 3:28 pm
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Unfortunately, all the bits are from a Ridgeback MX14 with the solid steel cranks, so although the steel frame is way lighter than the original ally one, it weighs a ton

phutphutend - get yourself on to Spawn Cycles and order some cranks! Cost me about £35 delivered for some 89mm alloy ones.
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 3:31 pm
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Spawn cycles, many thanks. I've been looking for lightweight kids cranks everywhere.

I was looking at chopping down a pair of bmx cranks for my next build.

Cheers...


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 7:25 pm
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You're welcome 🙂 Also [url=

Racing on Facebook[/url]. More expensive though, and they don't go as small.

PS I am envious of your ability to make your own frame! If I could I would make an aluminium frame with sliding drop outs to convert from 16" to 20" wheels...


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 7:31 pm
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Those German ones look great, though I think they're too much cash unfortunately. Maybe the next bike though.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 9:42 pm
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All of a sudden Islabikes look incredibly cheap.


 
Posted : 04/12/2014 10:34 pm
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Oh indeed Islabikes are cheap [url= http://www.propain-bikes.com/en/shop/Kinderbikes+aber+richtig+FrechDax+-46/ ]Propain FrechDax[/url]


 
Posted : 05/12/2014 11:55 am
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Or even [url= http://www.trailcraftcycles.com/products/aluminum-bike/complete-bike ]Trailcraft cycles[/url]

edit - oooh they do cranks too!


 
Posted : 06/12/2014 10:52 am

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