Moving on up – graduation from a 16″ coaster

Hi All,

My son will be turning 6 this year and due to the not-winter we’re having in BC we’ve been out riding. He’s almost outgrown his bike by size, but he’s also not able to keep up with some bigger friends because he has 1 speed, which is great for level ground, but we have hills, and he can’t do much with them. He’s currently riding a Giant Animator, which has been great. He’s able to use both brakes and understands that he can coast too.

Yesterday’s ride led me to the conclusion he needs an upgrade sooner than later. He’s about 45″ tall and 65lbs. He’s very strong and solid. I haven’t brought him out to see anything, but I think he needs a 20, maybe a 24 would work – depending on the ergonomics? He’s the kid who outgrows everything. Carseat that will last for 10 years – nope. The old harness that’s not needed anymore has tethers that cut into his thighs. Need the booster seat only model. It’s identical, but no anchors in the seat. I’m hoping to find him something that will last at least a couple years.

The local MEC has a few bikes on clearance. There’s an MEC Dash model. It has disc brakes, Shimano Altus shifter/derailer, and an RST Capa T20 front shock. They also have a Cannondale Trail. This has V-brakes, Shimano Tourney, and a SR SunTour XCT-JR-20 shock.

Used stuff is available, but the Specialized Riprock is the same price, or more than either new bike. There’s a 24″ Norco Storm, but it looks to be an older model with the V-brakes and they’re still the same as the new bikes. There’s a Seven Peaks X1

We live in a hilly area so gears could be really nice. [Similar to this one](https://sevenpeaksgear.com/product/x1-smoch-junior-20-fat-bikes-junior/). No suspension, but is that bad? Fattires = more weight and more rotational mass = less efficient? They look cool, but I don’t know much beyond that.

We have some trails behind our house and more in the area. It would be nice for him to be able to keep up a little better, but I understand there will be limitations. If he can touch on a 24, should that be where I’m looking? Anything to look for? Avoid? Are there any models that stand out above the rest? Is front suspension of any real benefit? I looked through the FAQ and guide, but didn’t see anything about kids bikes. When searching for the Shimano components I found they’re bottom tier for adults, but again nothing for kids. Seems like Tourney is about as good as it gets for kids? There’s so many models and names and it’s not like I can really test them. I mean I’ve done the dad thing on the Animator, but his experience is a little different than my own.

by xNOOPSx