Best resources for children's bike sizing?

[Xplora]

We've got a lot of people at our club trying to get their kids onto road bikes, and second hand is the winner here, but no one knows much about sizing. Is there a Sheldon Brown site for kids bikes?

[Jumma]

Not sure. But I'm in the same boat. Want to keep the price down in case she doesn't keep riding. Have 12 year old that is lanky with long legs. Not sure what size to put her on.

[sogood]

They will grow out of their 'ideal' size in no time, so unless one is willing to see a fitting specialist and update the frame every 6 months or less to be 'precisely' matched. It's a lost cause. Bear in mind that kids are highly adaptable and the old standover the frame test will be good enough until they are ready to take over their parents' bikes. Parents' bigger problem will be on sourcing kid's road bikes along with a mix of groupset that suits kids, let alone the choice for smaller wheelsets etc. Don't over do it.

[queequeg]

I just picked up an almost new 2nd hand Byk E-450 3i (20" wheels with SRAM internal geared hub) for my 6 year old (7 in Feb), as he's about outgrown the 2nd hand E-350 (18" wheels).

He's a few years off an actual road bike, so this is a good starting point.