tks all. to err on safe side i got him a used 20. might need readjust the brakes. plan to get a nice 24" that lasts for his next bike.

btw his inseam is 23+ so a 24 would've worked.

Anonymous wrote:0735 here again:

This is basically what you need to know to size a bike:

-- Have him stand over the bike, feet flat on the ground. There should be about 1" of clearance between his crotch and the cross bar. He should NOT be a tippy-toes.

-- When he sits in the saddle and puts his feet on the pedals, the leg that's fully descended should have only the slightest bend at the knee. Similarly, the other leg at the upswing of the pedal should be comfortable and not in his chin or something.

-- You should be able to adjust the saddle to get him to a correct height (although if you're looking at cheap bikes, maybe not).

Here's a pretty good overview:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

One other thing, I presume you know how to fit a helmet? They need to fit square on the head, protecting the frontal lobe. They don't get worn back on the head.

This is the important part, the rest is adjustable

24" for sure. It will last him for years.

It will not be big on him now.
Go to a bike shop or Target/Walmart/Costco and try some... you'll see.

My 8 1/2 yo is still fine on her 20", which she's had for 2 years now.

I was at Toys R Us the other day, and I noticed that they had a chart on the wall that with bike sizes that you could measure your child's legs against.

0735 here again:

This is basically what you need to know to size a bike:

-- Have him stand over the bike, feet flat on the ground. There should be about 1" of clearance between his crotch and the cross bar. He should NOT be a tippy-toes.

-- When he sits in the saddle and puts his feet on the pedals, the leg that's fully descended should have only the slightest bend at the knee. Similarly, the other leg at the upswing of the pedal should be comfortable and not in his chin or something.

-- You should be able to adjust the saddle to get him to a correct height (although if you're looking at cheap bikes, maybe not).

Here's a pretty good overview:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

One other thing, I presume you know how to fit a helmet? They need to fit square on the head, protecting the frontal lobe. They don't get worn back on the head.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:20" or 24"? He bikes about twice a week on a 16" which has become ridiculously small for him. Tks!

Take to a bike store to get a fitting. You do not want to buy one that's too big with the rationale he'll grow into it. Very dangerous.

Well I'm not going to spend a lot of money and I can't consciously fit him at a bike shop then buy it elsewhere....

I'm leaning toward a 20" but with his height I worry he'd outgrow it in a year or two.

He will. But then you'll get him a bigger bike. Don't put a child on a bike that's too big for him. Period. If you're that price sensitive, just check your copay on an ER visit before you buy the larger bike thinking he'll grow into it.

At around 5'0, a small 26" wheeled bike will likely be fine. So yes, any smaller he will quickly outgrow. Get a cl 24".

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:20" or 24"? He bikes about twice a week on a 16" which has become ridiculously small for him. Tks!

Take to a bike store to get a fitting. You do not want to buy one that's too big with the rationale he'll grow into it. Very dangerous.

Well I'm not going to spend a lot of money and I can't consciously fit him at a bike shop then buy it elsewhere....

I'm leaning toward a 20" but with his height I worry he'd outgrow it in a year or two.

Anonymous wrote:20" or 24"? He bikes about twice a week on a 16" which has become ridiculously small for him. Tks!

Take to a bike store to get a fitting. You do not want to buy one that's too big with the rationale he'll grow into it. Very dangerous.

My almost 7 year-old has been on a 20 inch for a year and there is a big difference between that and his old 16 inch. Also, remember the seat goes up significantly so he will likely be on it for a long time. He is 51 inches and rides with the seat set at the lowest point.

20" or 24"? He bikes about twice a week on a 16" which has become ridiculously small for him. Tks!