Frame size for 4’8″ dude?

I need some help. My 11 year old son wants a new bike. He’s been saving his money and I pay half, so we are looking at bikes in the $1000 to $1500 range. The big question is what size to get?

He’s about 4’8″ tall and currently riding an old barricuda 15″ frame bike. He handles this bike very well and does ok on the downhill with it.

So we were in the bike shop looking at a medium fuel 17.5 frame size. If we cut the seat tube and put a tiny free ride type stem on it, it looks pretty good, or should i get him a small? I know that he will grow out of a small, but i don’t know if it will thrashed by then.

also what bikes do you recomend in this price range? my big S dealer said they were all prety much gone so don’t expect to find one.

Thanks for the help
Jim

Hi Jim,

First, how very cool that you’re subsidizing your dude’s new bike — but making him work for it too. So many kids get stuff for nothing, and they develop a sense of entitlement.

A medium is too long. Rock a small frame. It’ll serve him for a few years. An extra-small would feel great today, but would feel cramped by, like, next week.

At this price range, you can’t go wrong with any of the big manufacturers. Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc. Buy from your local shop. Make sure they include a short stem and set up the suspension.

Braaap!

— Lee