Mr. Stone;
Thank you for your advice and also to everyone else that has given their experiences.
On your advice, I did some more local research. The second-hand market is non-existent, spoke to clubs and bike shops all around Sydney(I would love for someone to prove me wrong on this). I can get a new bikes with the low end being a Merida TIG-welded aluminum at around $600AU to having a framebuilder make one with a price tag that is way out of my budget. I have about $500AU to spend, that is all I can realistically I can afford, I may be able to stretch to buy a Merida but that is all.
So $500AU is about 200GBP or $350US, so while I am keeping a weather eye out on the local offerings, if I can find a bike that fits the bill and fit into that price including shipping cost, I am open to buying a bike from outside Australia. I really wanted find nice lugged frame(OK, maybe I am a romantic) and since it will be used more for touring purposes than racing that may broaden the selection a bit. It only needs 10 speeds, and even if it is just a frame set, I can live with buying the parts and pieces to building the bike. I would like something based on 20" wheels, since I have a second son whose 3 years younger who will want his turn on the bike when he gets bigger.
I am in no rush, even if I cannot find something for 6 months or more, that is fine. Any leads to anything eBay would be great or private offerings would be appreciated. Any advice on sizing, geometry and etc, would also be welcomed.
Thank you
P. Lynn Miller
Sydney, Australia
> No these are very common in England and I am sure can be found in
Australia
> too. You would be very much better off looking locally for something
similar
> or being slightly patient and waiting for something of quality - there are
> some good Italian children's racers out there. My son who is now 13 had a
> 24in wheel Benotto at 8 which was not especially good quality but did have
> good frame geometry - it was good enough for him to win the National
Circuit
> race Championship on. The Raleighs do not have very good geometry but are
a
> good stand-in until they grow sufficiently for a nice 19in 700C wheel
frame.
> Email me if you have any further questions about kids racers - there
is
> a thriving kids racing scene here in Britain and we have built up plenty
of
> experience - for example correct crank length is important on kids bikes -
> cranks should be about 20-22% of the full inside leg length, crotch to
> floor.
>
> regards
>
> Hilary Stone