My quickly growing 10 year-old is due for another bike. He has outgrown his Gary Fisher 20" wheel, coaster bike rig and doesn't want a geared bike or a drop bar bike. He also doesn't need the knobbies that come with most 24" wheeled bikes. We ride around town and on fire roads/paved bike trails.

I would love to set him up with a 24" or 650-wheeled singlespeed that would take 32-38 mm tires, but can't seeme to find one. I guess it's such a narrow slice of the market that it doesn't make sense to offer such a ride. I wish OSO made smaller bikes than 52cm. I fear that building one up from a scratch would cost too much since he'll outgrow it in a year or so.

Any thoughts? He's about 57-58" tall.

My quickly growing 10 year-old is due for another bike. He has outgrown his Gary Fisher 20" wheel, coaster bike rig and doesn't want a geared bike or a drop bar bike. He also doesn't need the knobbies that come with most 24" wheeled bikes. We ride around town and on fire roads/paved bike trails.

I would love to set him up with a 24" or 650-wheeled singlespeed that would take 32-38 mm tires, but can't seeme to find one. I guess it's such a narrow slice of the market that it doesn't make sense to offer such a ride. I wish OSO made smaller bikes than 52cm. I fear that building one up from a scratch would cost too much since he'll outgrow it in a year or so.

Any thoughts? He's about 57-58" tall.

Tony at IRO sells a 650 wheeled bike(Heidi) that sounds perfect.He can build to your specs or you can build yourself

http://www.irofixedgear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=105

brakeless fixed gear all the way :idea:

I was cruising by a shop a while ago and saw on old close out on a Louis Garneau with 650c wheels. I was pretty sure they called it the Montreal 76. I am sure the IRO would be easier to get but keep you eyes open.

at almost 5' and "quickly growing", you might consider something with 700c wheels if you can find it, then you can just change the frame when he outgrows it

I hear that - he outgrows stuff faster than he wears it out.

I actually picked up a 24" Dump Special (Specialized Hardrock) last weekend that I think I will refurbish to serve as his ride for a year or two. He is a bit intimidated by the gears, but I'm sure after a few rides, he'll be OK with them.

He'll be in a 700c soon enough and our options will be greatly expanded.

Thanks to all for your ideas!