In parallel to looking for a decent 24" kids bike, does anyone know which manufacturers make really small frame 26" bikes that might be suitable for kids?
Are there any disadvantages to having bid wheels on a small frame? Gary Fischer thought that 29" on a standard frame was a good idea - but nobody else seemed to

Spesh do some very small frames as do Scott.

14 inch inbred?

Any jump frame, they're between 2.5 and 3+ kgs though.

For just riding along the big wheels won't be a problem but your kid will have more trouble picking up the front or back wheel on a longer bike. When I get on my MTB after my BMX I crash into obstacles because it takes so much more effort to pull up the front.

Bought my daughter a Trek 4300 13" frame when she was about 10 - it has been a great success for her. It rides much better than any 'childs' bike we tried.

My 12 year old rides a 14inch Orange P7

It's worth changing the cranks though. 10% of the childs height gives the right length.

try a saracen X-ile there a 14in frame decent forks n cheap @ £350 the seat can be as low as she needs it ma mate will be selling a X-ile frame on eBay in the nxt few weeks. if you are interested in it e-mail me: spacepig_uk@hotmail.com

i ride a 14in monoc frame with 26in wheels n and 8year old can ride it also, this is because i jump and i have a low seat.

Glad to be of help Anna

My eight yr old did fine on his Grandmother 16" Giant (very basic model)even although his Mum's 16" Scott is far too big. THe Scott 24" wheeled bike are good for the money although more expensive than a Halfords bike of the same size.

Done my sums properly and got a 24" bike, if it lasts 3-4 years it will be an ideal hand-down to the next eldest :-)