boys' bikes

doodles · Post by **doodles** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:19 pm

Did I say something

Amber · Post by **Amber** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:38 pm

No, I was just recommending a local bike shop and make of bike!

Rose petal · Post by **Rose petal** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 7:29 pm

Milla,

The thing to avoid when looking at "cheap" bikes is suspension, especially rear suspension. It looks good, but the energy your DC puts into pedalling instead of propelling the bike forward is used up bobbling up and down because of the suspension. So the simplier the better and the price you pay is spent on bits you need not what you don't need.

Weight is also an issue with childrens bikes. Pick up what ever you are considering to get an idea of what I mean by this.

You may find that DC would fit onto a small framed (13"/14") adult sized bike (26" wheels) rather than a childs bike. My DD has been riding a 13" frame bike since just past her 10th birthday and she now has rather a lot of seat post showing. Do you have any other DC you could pass the bike onto to get your moneys worth out of it.

The BMX type bikes don't have gears and are designed for stunts, so seem to be pedalled stood up. This is great for doing stunts in the BMX park but not so good for going on a bike ride. Horses for Courses as they say.

For discussions of all things cycling have a look at the forum on this website.

http://www.bikeradar.com/

I have just found this recent thread discussing buying a bike for Â£150.00
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12690760

I know you said you didn't want to spend a lot of money, just in case you change your mind, in cycling circles these are considered great. The resale value tends to be quite high (around 2/3rd or so of the new cost).

http://www.islabikes.co.uk/#

Also carrera bikes in halfords are considered good and some of them have got 20% off at the moment.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... _langId_-1

Last weekend we seriously considered buying this for DD - didn't go for it in the end as thought it wouldn't last that long. It will give you and idea thought of what is around on the 2nd hand market.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Hope that helps.

Rose Petal

Milla · Post by **Milla** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 7:49 pm

thank you so much - esp rose petal for such an in-depth report! - feel slightly more confident about facing the bike shops / on line.

surreymum · Post by **surreymum** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:36 pm

Just remember if you are technically challenged (like me) you may struggle to assemble a bike bought online. (often cheap ones come unmade) and your local independent bike shop will do it for you, but charge.

I am a huge fan of local bike shops as they will help you out with all kind of stuff if you have problems and are genuinely passionate about bikes and their advice is far superior to H*****ds.

Amber · Post by **Amber** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:41 pm

and your local independent bike shop will do it for you, but charge.

The shop I told you about does not charge - it only sells fully assembled bikes, and they don't cost more than they would anywhere else. I agree - small independent shops are best!

yoyo123 · Post by **yoyo123** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:46 pm

Milla, I am a great fan of Williams, they sold me my first 'real' bike and were fantastic..

Rose petal · Post by **Rose petal** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:59 pm

Hi there,

I second what is being said about local bike shops (LBSs). However, they do not sell "cheap" bikes but they do sell "good" bikes. At a LBS you will get a quality bike that is fit for its job.

RP

doodles · Post by **doodles** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 9:03 pm

Last summer we bought both boys new bikes at local independent store - could have got them a little cheaper at H.......ds but wouldn't have got the service or the choice. Local shop was fantastic and then we took them back six weeks later for a free service. Our local ind shop also does really good second hand bikes too. Worth a look.

katel · Post by **katel** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:11 pm

And if he doesn't enjoy riding a bike he doesn't have to do the cycling proficiency you know - it's not compulsory!