Doing a build for the kids

[IDB1]

Wanted to get something half-decent together for the kids to pootle around on with us at weekends.. if I get this right and they like it, I'll go on the hunt for another small frame and go again 'til all 3 of them have a 'nice bike'..

Going to be built around the little red frame I got off here a couple of months back - which is getting painted/powder-coated soon as I can arrange it

It's being built single ring up front and 7 at the back (maybe with XT cranks, rear mech and V brakes. Probably DMR pedals (or similar).
Seatpost, stem and bars will all start off being Titec, for their comfort I'm thinking a 'jump' style seat.. they seem to look quite small with decent padding.
I think you get the idea :roll:

What I need to think about are headset and forks (bouncy)...

Any suggestions?

 

[hamster]

What I would suggest is getting the cranks shortened. So often you see kids trying to paddle 175's around - it's like us pushing 250's - they bend their knees to much and cannot get leverage at the top of the stroke.

Highpath Engineering did a set for me for around £40

 

[IDB1]

I'm not having my XT cranks shortened.. would have to get something else in... see where you're coming from though..

Will get Shimano bb..

They've not decided on colour yet.. #1 wants blue, #2 doesn't have a clue what she wants and the boy is a few years off a 26" wheel...

Up to 100mm travel fork should be a pretty safe bet??

 

[magas]

whats the weight of the frame ?

 

[IDB1]

Will try to weigh it later. . . it's aluminium so quite light

 

[IDB1]

Frame (with bb) weighs a couple of ounces under 6lb

 

[cyfa2809]

yes 100mm travel fork should be fine for that frame, maybe get something a bit harder so theyre not losing too much energy through the forks. also, have enough parts to change around i.e get them to test it on every part change until they are comfy with it (shorter/longer stem, different bars, seatpost height)

edit: also, i reckon if your doing a 1x7 setup the ring should be about a 32t, get some nice fast rolling tyres (unless doing a lot of off road) and just generally try and make the bike as enjoyable as possible

 

[IDB1]

They'll only be doing the same as me.. not mad fast, road and nice singletrack, for the foreseeable..

On crank arms, does someone make a short set for the stumpier folk?

Or is there a set that would lend itself to being shortened?

Tallest sprog is 4'7" (and she's 9-years old).

 

[The Ken]

I got a set of basic suntours for my son from my LBS, 155s and £22, not the best ring sizes but they are better than having too long cranks, the rings are fixed too.

I think halfords also do them instore (my local does), along with kid size seats.

 

[The Ken]

this is them - cheap but not pretty...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=44234

they need a Square 112.5mm Axel