[kaw550]

My son was outgrowing his 20" mountain bike. I could not extend the seat enough (probably should have just picked up a longer seat post). He wasnt complaing but I thought we could ride a little further/faster with a larger bike.

I took a look on craigslist and found a 24" Giant 225. No pic but I went to the giant website to check it out.

When I got there it was an older model with no suspension fork. It was like new and a good price so we purchased it, not to mention he loved it.

Should I leave it alone or find a 24" fork? I did see a few posts about modifying a 26" fork but I am not sure I want to go that far.

 

[SasquatchSC]

I'd leave it alone... He'll be a better rider learning on a rigid bike.

 

[IAmHolland]

ditto, rigid.

 

[TigWorld]

Just see how he goes to begin with, but if he starts complaining about sore hands then a good fork is a great investment particularly if you convert a 26" fork to 24" (there's almost nothing decent in 24"). I've got my eldest daughter on a full suspension 24" bike and she is riding further and faster than she ever has. Her confidence over technical terrain has really been boosted by having some good suspension.

 

[EBasil]

To start off, put the bike on a weight diet (check out the oem seatpost for boat-anchorage) and then try airing down for old-school suspension. That works pretty well and will allow him to learn the essential skills before you invest again...kids grow, eh?!

 

[Captain Cobb]

Depends on were your sons skill level is. I feel that my 7&9 year old boys are both ready for full suspension but they are railing singletrack and making 1'+ drops.