Birthday is coming up, and there's a pretty sweet deal on these frames. I know steel can be heavy, but the XS size is supposed to fit those 5'0 to 5'4, so my hope is, it's not crazy he'll grow a little before June, plus I'll probably run the recommended 650bs on here (standover with 700c is ~28", which is where he's at anyway), so he should be even lower to the ground. I've got most of the parts from other bikes that I can build it up reasonably affordably, so just shorter cranks (want those myself!), and maybe some swept back bars to start? Not sure how he, or I, feels about drops just yet.
Or am I pushing it? Part of me thinks a more modern profile with slanted top tube could solve the standover problem… What about the rest of the geo? He'll be turning 9, loves riding, and is lanky like his dad, so I think his reach exceeds his height.
Thanks in advance for the help! Specs here: https://www.campfirecycling.com/product/surly-preamble-frameset-650b.html
by MC_NYC
2 Comments
It’s a really nice bike for someone who’s not going to really be able to ride it for more than a couple years.
Idk if you’re rich and can waste money go for it.
I always think it’s best to involve kids in the decision. Get them to think about what colour they want, what they think looks cool, what different types of riding they could do with mountain bikes versus more road oriented bikes. That way they’re invested and more likely to ride it and take care of it.
Steel bikes look cool and classy to us, but do they look dated to kids compared to more modern designs their friends might have? Idk.