jwilds1-  I recently posted a similar question in the 29er thread. I came across a 14" 29er.  Not sure it is the best option but it got some conversation started.  There are in fact a lot of 14" chiners out there. If you look on Alibaba they are all over.  Not sure which is the best one to buy, but they are there.  Have you by chance researched any of them?

Thanks MTB.  I appreciate the recommendation.  Wow!  I've been riding and racing bikes for 25 yrs and I feel like I should get some lessons from your son!  Good for him.  Your points are well taken.  The only thing I would disagree with is that we aren't really in the same situation.  The fact that my son is 12 yrs old and wants to be part of a casual club team plays into my decision.  His age certainly doesn't make him better on a bike (very unlikely from the sounds of it), but since I can't turn back the hands of time, I am interested in getting him going on something that he will enjoy and be motivated by its performance.  I ride a big name top of the line carbon mtb.  My experience on this bike has absolutely changed mountain biking for me.  Handling and efficiency have opened up a new world of riding for me. I want to give him a little of that same sensation.

A little bit of devils advocate:  In regards to your recommendation, why do you feel the 26er would be better at this stage than the 29er?  Is it a question of agility and handling?  Its true that the 29er lets us all get away with being a little more sloppy when we ride.  But, is there a downside to him having a bike that has the characteristics of the bike he'll likely be riding in the future anyway? Is there a problem with him having the speed advantages of the 29?  Maybe the speed isn't worth the trade off for handling at this point. Maybe the handling of 29 inch wheels on a 14" frame would be really weird.  There are a lot of 26" chiners out there to get him started on!

 Thanks for the input.

My goal is to get him in something that is somewhat light especially since he weighs so little.  Why would you go for a used 26er instead of a chiner build?  Seems like for the same cost for a descent used 26er I could build a nicer, lighter chiner.  He has a brother a couple years behind to pass it on to as well.  Admittedly, I also think it sounds fun to do a build. 

I have come across a ton of 14" 26er frames.  That would be great for him and still give him room to grow.  He is 4'8" tall. 

I even came a cross a 14" 29er. Could this be for real?

http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Cheap-and-factory-directly-selling-29ER_60037954481.html

A couple of general questions about the china carbons:

1.  I have found a lot of differnt "brands" ie Falcon, Everflow, dashine, Aster, Huantan and some that just say OEM.  How does one navigate the brands? Many of them have the exact same photos and specs.  Are they all the same?

2.  Are there things I should specifically avoid as I wade through the options?

Thanks again.

Any updates to this thread?  I want to build one for my sub 5' son.  Need to find the smallest frame possible.  Even if it is big at first, he's a growing boy.  Any suggestions?