During a recent trip to Aviemore I came to the conclusion that my daughter’s bike is too small. (Only seems like yesterday that I bought it.)
While I might go down the route of a totally new bike, I have a hardtail in the garage which has much better transmission, wheels and fork than I am likely to get within our budget. The possibility of transferring the serviceable kit from the hardtail to a new small frame to make a lightish bike appeals.
So, has anybody any thoughts on a frame that would be suitable. Probably looking at a 15” / xs 26” wheel frame. Budget up to around £150 – £200.
Had a quick look on On-One but not sure my wife would be keen on my daughter riding around on an In Bred 😯 , while the Scandal seems to have been discontinued.
Of course if our excellent sponsor Dales had anything suitable then that would be great 😉
Dunno about frames but have you looked at Isla Bikes? Web link below:
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn26lrg.html
Remember the on ones are quite long for the frame size to allow you to run with more standover.
Assuming this isn’t a problem for getting one to fit, I would wait for an alu one or even for the carbon ones to go on sale. The inbred is a nice frame but if weight is an issue you’ll save 1.5-2lbs going al or plastic.
Other than that I would have a look around to see if anyone has new old stock kicking about in the right size.
That should have read ‘or even wait for thr carbon ones to go on sale’
Thanks for the comment. Weight and sizing are obviously issues, especially when you’re talking kids bikes. As I understand, and as you say, the On-One bikes tend to be quite long. To be honest I don’t think that they would be suitable. I had thought overall that the choice of frames would be greater however, maybe I’m looking at the wrong time of year.
Have a look around pinkbike/gumtree maybe even put a wanted ad on STW, you’ll get a good frame for well within that budget, I’d even be tempted to get a tatty looking alu frame and get it powdercoated.
Chameleon in Renfrew did my soul frame for £40 and it was a great job, I believe ESP in Glasgow are also very good. Then she can get the colour she wants too!.
What about a ragley? Just a wee bit over budget, but decent deals on CRC.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-piglet-2-hardtail-frame-2014/rp-prod90795
Second hand is an option if I could find the right frame and I have looked into the powder coating option in the past. While you and I know that you end up with a better bike for the money, convincing the wee one of this is a little harder.
On the Ragley, nice looking frames but I think they will be too long for my daughter. Would prefer something a bit more conventional. Don’t want to scare her off riding after all.