[DSFA]

Curious what frames/bikes would be good for an 11yr old who only weighs about 70lb. He is riding an Eastern 9-volt BMX and his mtn bike is an older GT Backwoods I built up.
Was thinking about a DMR Drone or something else with 24" wheels but don't want a 30-35lb bike (like I said he only weighs about 70lb, doesn't need a bike that is half his weight).
So any young skinny kids out there...whatcha riding?

 

[Crimson]

D,

I am thinking either a light weight 24" Dj frame or a 24" Bmx race frame with Mtb stuff put on it would be best. Then do Bmx race wheels with light weight tires. Most of the rest of the parts will be standard stuff. If you choose the right parts you can save weight there as well. You also might want to look at Dobermann frames. I know they make a frame that is exactly like what you are looking for. I have heard good things about them. I unfortunately don't have any personal experience with them.

Stephen

 

[DSFA]

Thanks for the input.

I've been scoping mailorder places for frames on sale. It's just I don't want to build a thousand dollar bike up, it's just not in the budget, not that he'll outgrow it as we have other kids to pass it down to.

Have thought about a BMX cruiser but most of those are made for bigger riders so am thinking 24" DJer.

 

[cmc4130]

. . .

Have thought about a BMX cruiser but most of those are made for bigger riders so am thinking 24" DJer.

there are 24" BMX race cruisers out there that are small. they are called "junior cruisers." for bmx track racing, sometimes even younger kids ride cruisers so they can earn points in two categories etc. etc.

https://www.jrbicycles.com/storefront/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=3126

what kind of terrain will he be riding?

 

[Crimson]

Redline and Free Agent both make very good complete bikes. This would be the best rout IMHO as long as you want to go with 110 mm rear spacing and V brakes. You might not even need to change the bars depending on the rise. You can then later upgrade to a sus fork if you want. Hit up a local bike shop with a good bmx line up and do your research.

Stephen

 

[joon64]

Thanks for the input.

I've been scoping mailorder places for frames on sale. It's just I don't want to build a thousand dollar bike up, it's just not in the budget, not that he'll outgrow it as we have other kids to pass it down to.

Have thought about a BMX cruiser but most of those are made for bigger riders so am thinking 24" DJer.

Here's something to consider.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FR284A00-Khs+Dj200+Frame+2005.aspx
You can build it up with existing parts and you can't go wrong with an $80 frame.

 

[DSFA]

I used to race BMX and managed a bike shop (albeit ten years ago) so I am confident in my knowledge of BMX bikes that a cruiser is not the direction we want to go.
I was hoping I guess for info from people that have 24" DJ'ers and trying to figure out a decent lighter weight frame/bike. I have a line on a DMR Drone that hopefully I can get to before it sells. Only issue there is it's in a box not built so he can't really try it out.

 

[hardtailkid]

Well I'm 15 and weigh 100#. I don't do DJs, but I saw your thread when scrolling down the forums page. I ride an Iron Horse Quantum II (Warrior sold at Sports Authority under the Quantum name. The frame is STRONG. Are you looking to build a whole new bike or buy a frame and transfer components? Jenson USA has some sweet deals on frames and price point has great deals on build kits.

 

[hardtailkid]

If you want to look at a HECK of a lot of bikes, go on http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1986

I'll edit this reply and give you some links to a few bikes....
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33043
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=48604

So are you looking to go....
Geared?
Single speed?
V-brake front disc rear?
Disc rear only?
Front and rear disc?
24" wheels only?
or would you consider a small 26"?
Will he actually be doing DJs?
or Are you looking in to getting just a DJ style bike?
Describe the type of ridding he'll be doing please.

-Andy

 

[DSFA]

Hey Andy, thanks for the input. I was just hunting thru CRC.
Here's what I'd prefer:
Steel frame, ~5lb-ish max, 20-21" TT
24" wheels
Susp fork
Disc brake rear only
SS

My son is just getting to where he's dropping in on the 5ft tabletops and catching some air off them but not clearing anything yet. He hasn't really figured out whether he likes his BMX or mtn bike better (from my POV he has better control on his BMX but likes the stability of the MTB).

 

[hardtailkid]

Sounds like he needs a small 26" so that he still has the stability of the MTB and the ability to flick it around like the BMX. Once he hits 13 or so years old, he will grow like a weed so a 24" won't really be the greatest bet. Once he gets stronger, a light 24" bike will be too easy to flick around and he could hurt himself on it. Also, with a 26" bike he will have more options in components to upgrade. There is a pretty limited selection of 24" parts. If you are thinking 24" because of the geometry, then it won't be the best route. As I said, once he hits 13 or so, he'll out grow it. Just my $.02. I'll find some more bikes that you would want based on your preferences. And I'll also look for some 26" bikes that might be reasonable options.

 

[clewttu]

seems like a lot of adults around here love 24", not sure where you are getting the idea he might grow out of it?

 

[hardtailkid]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29833
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29114
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30270 (a bit heavy, but specifically designed for 24")
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23227
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=34125
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20287
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32946
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20242
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29325

Maybe that is overkill

 

[hardtailkid]

seems like a lot of adults around here love 24", not sure where you are getting the idea he might grow out of it?

Oh. Well I'm no expert on the DJ scene, I just figured the geometry would be different than most 26's. Maybe it's not.

 

[ducktape]

I'm not expert either but my take on it would have been that geometry should be similar no matter the wheel size. That is if the bikes are all built with the same purpose in mind of course (and a company hasn't just taken a 26" frame and thrown 24" wheels on it just to sell it because 24" is now more popular or something).

 

[hardtailkid]

But geometry on ALL levels wouldn't be the same for a 26" bike and a 24" bike designed for the exact same thing:

Angles may be the same, so from that aspect you are correct.
Lengths may NOT be though; top tube length, seat tube height/length (whatever you want to call it), chain stay length, down tube length, standover height, etc...

 

[Dobmaster]

Just to let you know...Dobermann just got a short 24'' Molosse on clear out, its new, but was return/exchange from a dealer.

Send me a email for more details [email protected]

Cheers!

Alain

 

[cmc4130]

yeah 24" Molosse is sick for sure.

Also look around for a used Union Street Molly Maguire.

LIke this one for $700. (The original retail on the frame only was $550) :

http://www.ridemonkey.com/classifieds/cat-3/ad-14809/

and this one for $1000.
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/673141/

this might sound like a lot. consider the re-sale value though. if your son rides it for two years then you can re-sell it for $250 less, that's the same "price" as a $500 bike you later re-sell for 250.

 

[DSFA]

Just to let you know...Dobermann just got a short 24'' Molosse on clear out, its new, but was return/exchange from a dealer.

Send me a email for more details [email protected]

Cheers!

Alain

Email sent.