[Closed] Youth 26" wheel bikes?

Both my kids - and me as well! - are still on 26" wheels.

I wouldn't dismiss second hand 26ers though - less initial outlay and as you've seen for yourself, still demand for kids that age/size, so it gets a bit bangernomics at times but you shouldn't lose much. And a cheap frame in good condition can be resprayed to whatever colour they want, relatively cheaply.

Quality parts are getting a bit harder to find. 3-4 years ago I built up my daughters Commencal at around the time a lot of kind folk on here were clearing out old sized kit as they'd upgraded, and there's less around now, but it's still doable.

If you change your mind and want second hand then I'm selling my kids Trek EX Junior....

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/trek-fuel-ex-jnr/1413153131

@thegeneralist thanks for the offer but I'll stick with the original plan.

My 11 year old is on a 27.5 wheel bike. Small frame. no difference between 26/27.5 other than a slight bump in stand over height. My 16 year old is on a 26 inch bike because the frame fits him. Don't worry about the 26 or 27.5 and get the frame that is suitable. You can run 26 wheels in a 27.5 frame as well. There is very little difference in frame size between a 26 or 27.5 inch frame so if he isn't big enough for a small adult frame the wheel size isn't going to matter.

Hardtails from: scott, spawn, vpace, cleary, vitus, saracen, giant, woom, trailcraft, cube, ghost, GT to name a few
Chinese carbon if you wanted to custom something.

You're right though that its a great wheelsize in this age application and most brands are seeing this and catering to the market.

My 10 year old is on my wife’s old Orange Five Diva (repainted in a lovely Orange) - effectively a Five XS.

About 14 years old I think, one of the original limited edition - frame shock and forks are original and that’s about it.

I really would look secondhand.

Thanks for the feed back team STW 😁

I bought my tall 7 year old the Vitus 26 Kids bike. It's spot on.

Frog make a hybrid and a mountain bike with 26" wheels. Looking at one for my lad who is now too big for 24" wheeled bike. He would like another Frog hybrid and there seems very little choice in small adult sizes that is significantly better value or any chance of getting hold of.
Frog have a sizing app to help decide whether you need the 68 or 73 cm leg size one. Mountain bike is similar size but with front suspension. They had one in the shop at Sutton Bank when we were there last week. Looked good but over £700 so not cheap.
Islabikes do XS adults bikes with 27.5 wheels for 10+ year olds.

Check out the Hoy Bonaly, my kids got on really well with them, very light, fully rigid.

My two boys (11 and 12) have just gone from 24" to 27.5". I was the same as you initially as I've always made sure they have the right size bike rather than something to grow into, however while there is a fair bit of choice out there for new 26" bikes availability was limited (6 months ago). Also, since these bikes will potentially do them for 2-3 years I opted to go for something more "standard".

I got them a Spesh Rockhopper 27.5 each, small frame rather than XS. Paid a bit more for the elite so which has an air sprung fork. Thank goodness for cycle to work!

Anyway, if they haven't sat on a 27.5 yet I wouldn't rule them out. Neither of my boys look silly on them, in fact they look just about right.

I did simplar to you...
My lad has crept up from 16 -> 20 -> 24 -> 26 -> 27.5...

I was considering just getting a bigger 26er frame for him, but he seems to get on REALLY well with his new 27.5 bike.
I've got his 26" whyte hard tail i need to stick up for sale now; will stick an advert in the classifieds when it's cleaned etc etc..

You seem set on a new bike, so have a look at scott, trek, whyte...

DrP

I bought my almost 10year old a Vitus 26" nucleus 26" which overall is extremely good value for the specification (almost half the price of the nukeproof cub scout and orbea which where also on our watch list).

Islabikes Creig 26 is a lovely bike. and teh fork is airspring Rockshox with a custom tune for lighter weight.
Hold their value for resale as well.

My nephew loves his From MTB, it’s 26” wheeled and a massive upgrade from his previous 24” Halfords BSA, much lighter.

Thank goodness for cycle to work!

You make them cycle to work before a hard day down t'pit or up chimneys?

You make them cycle to work before a hard day down t’pit or up chimneys?

Not at all, they can walk if they prefer. I did add their cycle to work vouchers to mine though, so I could buy myself a full suss carbon missile.

i saw a chromag minor threat a couple of weeks ago. that is a killer of a kids bike. expensive, unfortunately.

Have discovered that Forme and Squish do 26 inch wheeled bikes for this age group, both hybrid and hardtail MTB. Bit cheaper the Isla or Frog (and inevitably lower spec components).
Adds to the options and both look more than functional.

My 10 year old is quite tall, we went for a Marin Wildcat hardtail with 27 wheels, its a X's women's bike with a dropped top tube but has normal colours.

jameswilliams54

That's where we've gone... Looks like a great spec for the money and he's bang on in the sizing.

Whyte 403 or 405 would fit the bill

I recently managed to get hold of a new 405, limited availability at present and no discounts so quite pricey. Good bike though. Below second hand offer would be worth checking out...

I’ve got his 26″ whyte hard tail i need to stick up for sale now; will stick an advert in the classifieds when it’s cleaned etc etc..

Samuel (11) has gone 20 - 24 - 27.5
Lewis (16) has gone 20 - 24 - 27.5 - 26