Kids 24" MTB

[Corbet]

I'm starting to look for a MTB for Bridger. He sat on a really nice Scott race bike today http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/241547043/SCOTT-Scale-RC-Junior-24-Bike. But a nearly a grand that is hard to justify.

Found this Cannondale online today. http://www.cannondale.com/en/USA/Bi...parentid=6740536d-8c36-4764-a735-97440bab95a0 I have some parts laying around that might make converting this to a single ring drivetrain pretty easy. So far I think it the top contender unless I can find something used.

Both are obviously full rigid bikes. I want to keep the overall weight down. I like the idea of discs. And generally all my shop experience with kids suspension forks is that they seize up quickly making them even more useless than when new.

What are your kids riding? Bridger will continue to race BMX so $600 is pretty much the ceiling price as I'll be upsizing race bikes regularly as he grows too.

 

[wesintl]

I need the same for wyatt. I've been looking at the trek superfly with v brakes as it's pretty inexpensive and by far the lightest i've looked at ~430. The other is the kona shred but it's like 750. good luck, post up what u find.

 

[Corbet]

The other two that make my maybe list are the Trek Precaliber 24 http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...kes/precaliber-24-7-speed-boys/p/1581600-2016

Islabike Beinn 24 http://www.islabikes.com/product/bikes/beinn-24-age-7/

Neither of which I can get very excited about. But the Trek is cheap leaving money for a set of custom wheels and other mods. The Islabike is claimed at sub 20lbs but looks so 80's with that raked fork?

 

[Corbet]

Then if I win Powerball there is always stuff like the Lilshredder Phenom. http://lilshredder.com/lil-shredder-phenom

 

[Corbet]

I'm starting to lean towards the Trek Precaliber now as its cheap but looks like a solid platform to upgrade. Keep the frame, fork, headset, brakes & tires. Replace the rest with lighter go fast stuff. It will be hard to keep in under $600 but I have a pretty good stash of stuff already I could use. And Durango is full of used parts floating around. The cranks and rear hub would probably be the hardest to source.

 

[Corbet]

Another local option for me. 23.9lbs as weighed today. $365. http://www.norco.com/bikes/youth/24-inch/storm-24-boys/storm-43-boys/

 

[Corbet]

So I pulled the trigger on the Norco. I picked up a used demo locally for $200. My plan is to get this under 20lbs and stay in the wife's defined budget of $600. Currently 23.69lb according to my scale.

 

[Firetacoma]

These have been catching my attention lately.

http://earlyrider.com/collections/all-bikes

 

[Corbet]

These have been catching my attention lately.

http://earlyrider.com/collections/all-bikes

Well with a FJ45 Troopie on the site they must be good. But looks like 20" max wheel size.

 

[Corbet]

Starting to acquire some go fast parts. Dug these out of the garage. So no cost to the cause.

New Sun Ringle Dirty Flea rear hub
Used XTR rear derailleur
Used LX rear shifter

Planning a 1x9 drivetrain. 30T front with a 12-36 cassette.

 

[Corbet]

Update. Picked up some used Answer 155mm BMX cranks $60 and Answer Titanium BB $45 These might through the budget off a little but I bet they save nearly a pound from the OEM parts. Also pictured is a NOS Hugi hub $60. Not pictured is a pair of Sun CR18 rims $64

Just need spokes, cassette, chain, and 30T ring now to get on the build.

 

[Corbet]

Some weights for the record. I'll compair them later to the OEM when I start pulling parts.

 

[Corbet]

In the mean time, his single speed race bike is coming together for the season.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Dang, that Podium is a sweet ride. I don't have carbon forks now, forget dreaming as a punk kid. He must be kicking ass then!

 

[Corbet]

Nearly everything on that bike was sourced used. Otherwise it would cost a fortune. He has 3 more races to win to move up to "intermediate". Then I promised him clipless pedals. Mose likely some ATAC MX's.

 

[Corbet]

Some old parts coming out. BB and Crank swap today. Total weight savings 204 grams or 7.2oz

 

[Corbet]

Getting back on this build. MTB camp starts on 10 days. DHL brought a box today. Just waiting on spokes now. Got some DT 2.0/1.8/2.0 on the way.

 

[Corbet]

Finished up the build tonight. I'm a little disappointed in the final weight. 21.91lbs. Not much more I can do on the cheap. The 1x9 worked out good. 30T front 11-34 rear, gained a gear on both ends from stock.

Pics

 

[Corbet]

Proof he is getting on it. Flow Trail at Purgatory Ski Area. The BMX racing has been paying off. Jumps, berms, drops don't rattle him. Just the loose rocks.

 

[LARGEONE]

I've ridden that area a few times. It was a lot of fun! Cool that he's getting into it so early!