DH Bike for kids

[iamkickstand]

So, Xander is getting a bit mad at me for riding boyne, snowshoe, and other mountain bike trails on the weekends he goes to his mom's house. This weekend at snowshoe i rode the lift with a 9 year old who had been racing since he was 6.

Xander is now 6. But the problem is he is super short.

I'm trying to figure out a way to piece together a 20" wheeled full suspension bike for him.

Front fork, bars, stem, pedals, seat posts, seat, wheels, tires, etc. easy enough.

the problem is finding a frame that can work.

I know of the scott spark, but it's impossible to find and $$$$$

The specialized grom hit and the kona 24" wheeled bikes would work in a few years (if he grows) but not currently.

Anyone know a custom frame builder who would be interested in taking on the task of building a 20" wheeled DH bike for a kid, with say 4" rear travel?

[300hp]

I'll ask when T gets back from interbike. Prob going to be pricy, but would be hella cool.

[iamkickstand]

I'll ask when T gets back from interbike. Prob going to be pricy, but would be hella cool.

I don't mind spending a few bucks, but I am not gonna go *beep* crazy.

The idea is to hopefully design a frame around some parts that can be carried over as he graduates into a 26" bike, which should help on the cost side.

[iamkickstand]

Found a bike to start from, it's not full suspension, but should get the "lil ute" started.

Kona Hula is the current mule.

Any old parts to donate for the cause are welcome. Will trade $$, beer, and handshakes for any spare parts to build this bike up into a little mini DH rig.

I think this is the current wishlist

1. Mechanical Disc brakes of any fashion, would like to do away with the rim brakes. I'll figure out a way to mount them.
2. Hubs - I have a disc compatible shimano hub I can mount up front, may need some wheel builder help to mount it up to the current rim, or a new rim and spokes.
3. Possibly a 7 speed 20" wheel to help lower standover.
4. Fork - current fork is 50 mm and too stiff, looking for 100-120 mm air fork disc compatible.

I think Ideally I'd like to find a 20" wheelset that I can make disc compatible, no idea how possible or impossible that is. That would lower the bike, and combined with a slightly taller fork may be just the ticket for now.

Also he doesn't have the leg strength to turn the third chainring, so a bashguard and some sort of chain guide may be in order up front as well.

[trail boss]

i know this is a older post but i have some old 4x frames that might work out really well if built with 24s. let me know if you're interested.

[iamkickstand]

i know this is a older post but i have some old 4x frames that might work out really well if built with 24s. let me know if you're interested.

Hmmmmm, I am interested. My interest is peaked.

I'd like to know more.

what say you.......

how much travel is the typical 4x bike?

I just picked up a 100mm air for to swap onto the current frame for him....

[trail boss]

i have a foes zig zag 3.5,4.5 and 5.5" adjustable travel, intense tazer 4-5" travel and a turner rail. as well as a bunch of parts. pm me if you want to check any of it out. all the frames are mid 2000s vintage.

[trail boss]

heres the pinkbike link for the foes. local pick up with cash will always get you a better price then paypal with a box and ship.

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/911829/

[300hp]

a fitting new home for the zigzag...I just hope it fits him!