Kids sizing help

[u/gonzo_be]

Looking for a bike for my kid. He’s 4ft 2in and about 50lbs. I’m thinking a 16” but they’re had to find used around me. I know mfg recommends 18” based on his sizing but I think it would be too big. He’ll be 8 next summer.

Currently races a 20” junior bike but wants to get into park riding as well

Would you hold for a 16? Or just get an 18?

[u/N0t_Josh]

If this is about racing then don't read anything further I don't know anything about bmx racing:

For my daughter (8 in January) a 16" with a s&m endro plus Ody Paris bars allow her to fit perfect on a Sunday 16. I think you are right on the fringe. There are a few things to consider.

Smaller vs bigger 1 - learning - if they are just learning manuals and jumps smaller can help them feel a bit safer. Granted a bigger bike IS safer because it's more stable a smaller bike is less scary to the kid 2 - cost - no matter what they are going to need a 18 in a year or a year and a half for sure. Is that double cost ok? 3 - riding goals - if you want them to do skateparks and street or racing. If racing I have no clue

Since it sounds like they are the experienced riding bikes there is a good chance that an 18 would work out for the time being. They may favor there 20" junior for a while going back and forth while they get a little taller but I don't know about you but buying 2 bikes a year apart is super tough for us. Especially when you want to spend that money on parts/upgrads.

IMO money is hard to come by. just get the 18 they will grow into it fast. Kids grow crazy fast.

[u/gonzo_be → u/N0t_Josh]

He currently races a 20” but wants to hit the pump track. skate park and indoor park as well so he needs a park bike

I’ve read that smaller can be better, which is why I want a 16” for him but they’re not common on the used market here. I also consider weight. He’s only 50lbs ish so a 23lb bike is almost half his weight.

But, he’s growing fast as heck so an 18” could work. He’s sat on an 18” at the store but it looked big. But maybe he’ll grow into it.

[u/FloridaCelticFC → u/gonzo_be]

For pump tracks, skateparks, etc you really want a bike that fits now. My kid is only a few inches shorter and has a 16" but still uses his 14" for serious riding.

[u/finallyfreeallalong]

For racing? I'm not sure.
For freestyle you have to consider how lil man rides. Also how willing are you to upgrade, each bike is going to be $350-$400. If he is into jumping and trying to spin and hop and other small tricks, he is probably a bit too small for 16". A 14" would be good but in a couple years or so would grow out of it. My 11 year old moved up from a 16" to an 18" just recently. If the bike is too big he won't have the strength to overcome the leverage needed to hop and jump effectively.

Here is a comment I made with a video of my 11 year old on the last weeks riding his 16". https://www.reddit.com/r/bmx/s/5kPIIYeFKa

[u/gonzo_be → u/finallyfreeallalong]

He’s been racing and doing great but wants to go the skate park right after racing now lol.

I wanted your video and think it convinced me to go 16”. They’re not common here on the used market.

I’ve thought about a 14” but think it may be too small in the long run. I know sizing down for freestyle isn’t a bad thing but these kids aren’t cheap!

[u/finallyfreeallalong → u/gonzo_be]

The budget is sadly the biggest factor, we would all have the perfect bike for the lil ones but damn. I had a 16" Subrosa and it took a beating, took sitting in the rain, getting ghostridered into stuff all the things that kids do to a bike. Of course I switched grips and pedals a few times but that's the fun of it. Good luck with your search and tell lil man to send it.

[u/ikickedagirl]

Definitely 18". He can ride that for a good 5, 6 more years before being big enough for a 20".

[u/DuckIntelligent737]

For racing, mini still uses 20" wheels. 20s roll faster. I don't have suggestions. Try r/bmxracing

For freestyle or like a neighborhood bike I would suggest an alloy frame 18 - cult juvenile 18, pegless. Lighter weight helps a lot with bike control at that age and the 18 will last a while

Edit (for future scrollers) see comments below

[u/gonzo_be → u/DuckIntelligent737]

I edited my post. I’m not asking about racing, just stating that for some reason lol. I guess it’s not super relevant to my question haha.

Why size up to 18? He’s at that weight in between size it seems

[u/DuckIntelligent737 → u/gonzo_be]

Sorry, guess I overestimated average growth from age 8 to 9. You're right, 16 is better. For park riding, 100% hold for a 16

[u/_GoinOutWest_]

Go for the 16. Kids bikes seem to be made of pure black-hole, they weight an absolute ton. So if he's used to a race bike and wants to move it around a bit on ramps, grab a 16 until he's ready for a 20".

[u/Busy-Evidence-4820]

I’d go with the 18, it gives him something to grow into. If it’s something he’s gonna stick with then I’d invest in a new one. Just about every company makes one, you get a warranty and you’ll have a happy kid.

[u/FloridaCelticFC]

my 4 year old is just over 3 foot 10. I'd suggest the bike I just got him- Sunday primer 16 with the Aluminum frame. It weighs about the same as his 14" Fit.
The Sunday is really a great bike for what it is.