Building a 'New' Bike for a 10-Year-Old

[Heavy]

My son is out-growing of his 20" wheel Specialized Hotrock, and if I continue as before I will ask Santa to bring him the 24" wheel version.

These bikes are quite expensive at £270 (will probably be more when new model comes out) but I do sell the used one on and get a good price.

Anyhoo, I have been thinking about building him a 'new' 26" wheel bike using an old frame. (Powder coating at my local place is only £35)

Does anyone have any thoughts on this, and ideas of what frames may be small enough to fit. The only thing I can think of is a modern jump frame.

The build would need to come in at less than £215 which is the price I can get a 2010 Hotrock now, to put away.

Is this a good idea, or should I put it to bed and get the cash out?

 

[Tad]

I'd say do it.

Instead of building it up for him, present him with a box of bits then do a bit of father and son bonding building it up.

Have a look at the Orange Clockworkgaz built up for Gaz Jr it was stunning. There's a few others here too.

 

[Heavy]

We are doing that with the MF Courier at the minute.

I'm not sure Santa brings boxes of bits, but thats a good idea, and we could do that for his birthday in November.

edit, just tried to imagine the wifes face when I suggest giving the boy a box of dirty old bike bits for Christmas. :?

 

[jonnymcenroe]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KONA-CINDERCO ... 5690674905

 

[clockworkgazz]

I used a 15 inch frame for my son and he was only 8 at the time, i would recommend it wholeheartedly was the best build i have ever done.

 

[Anthony]

I built my son this size 15 Orange when he was 9 and 4-8. Bomber Z2 Light, STX-RC parts, Merlin 221/Deore wheels etc.

Points in favour:

1. it was way lighter and faster than any of his friends' bikes, so both he and I got much more fun out of riding together than we would otherwise

2. it lasted him several years because I just needed to fit a longer stem and seat post - he would have had at least two shop bikes in that time otherwise

3. I got £200 for it when I sold it, whereas any kids bike would have struggled to raise £50

 

[mike_eb]

One I built for my God daughter on 24 inch wheels. An old Diamond Back outlook.

 

[juice]

You could search for a Scott Windriver (steel) or a Scott Superlite (aluminium). Both fun to drive and won't cost more than a crate of beer.
The Superlite in my signature was bought for 13,50€.

 

[dbmtb]

Indeed. Go for it.

If he does grow out of the frame, then all you have to change is the frame...

It's a no-brainer.

 

[CAPIN]

What you need is some retro trials stock frame. Old Monty, Pashley,Giant.
BITD they were basically just shorter mtb frames with slightly shorter chainstays. and a bit shorter seat tube that comparable "normal" small sized mtb frames.
..so exactly what you need.

check this post:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=142697

swanseajack sells an old Giant trials frame. Dont know if its still availible, but I bet your son would have a lot of fun on it.