Which Road Bike for 12-yr old daughter?

DmanSlam

I thought I'd post my question here.

I've been looking at an entry-level road bike for my daughter: 12.5yrs old, weighs about 95 pounds, and a height of 4ft, 8in.

A size 45 to 47cm seems to be her size; the 45cm fits her now, but may not fit for long.

My daughter (and I) liked the 2006 Giant OCR 3 WSD (not available yet). Really nice overall. She also liked the Trek 1000, but not the color.

My requirements:
- $500-$700 price range
- triple chainring
- aluminum frame
- 700c wheels
- bike must fit for a couple of years
- decent saddle

Her requirements:
- nice color theme (seems she likes the single color themes, but also the 2-tone color themes when the second color is an accent).

What do you gals (and guys) suggest, based on your experience?

Thanks.

gclark8

I have set up a couple of short ladies recnetly.

Firstly anyone under 5'7" will find 650c wheels easier to spin up to speed and climb hills.

Yes, an XS OCR W will fit, however my friend got a better fit on a Felt F100-47cm 650c. If has short cranks, narrow bars, adj reach STI levers and a second set of brake levers on the top of the bars.

Trek do something similar. Merida Kids Road 240 and Avanti Prima have 650c wheels and similar sizing to the Felt. The Giant OCR24 are a just too small.

EDIT: I see you are in the USA. Avanti is Aus/NZ only, see Specialised for a similar US model.

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Cheers,
George.

DmanSlam

I'm in the USA (Maryland). Thanks for your input. I haven't considered the Felt, but will check them out.

beatupoldvet

French sports superstore Decathlon which has branches in US (Massachusetts, I think) has a Decathlon 7.1 series which starts at 44cm and 48cm with 26" wheels and goes up to 700c size for 50cm and up.

In the UK, the price for that range is £250. Two of our kids club members have bought them and find them well proportioned.

Try www.decathloncycling. something or other or www.decathlon.com and then go to store location - they have an English language choice.

Little Jackie

I agree with everything George said as I am between 4' 11'' and 5'. However, as you said that the bike had to last 2 years, it is important to have some idea of how quickly your daughter is growing. If she is growing quickly, I feel that she would outgrow the Felt quicker than the Giant as the Giant is a little bigger across the top-tube. The Giant has bigger wheels and might be a little large initially, but usually children can adapt quite well. Now I have learned to ride my Felt, I don't believe I would have a problem riding a similar Giant. (Bearing in mind - I have only been riding just under 2 years and I am 52) My Felt is a 47

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Jackie

Road Bike: Felt F100

XS Ladies Giant Upland (modified)- see it go!
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t363004.html

DmanSlam

Thanks everyone. Your advice from across the pond has been very helpful. We have a felt dealer near our grandparents' home. I'll check out these bikes in more detail in the morning. It's 10:58pm EDT.