True, New is usually better than used. particularily in bikes IF you don't know what to look for in the wear and tear of the used ones.
However, there are a lot of good, NEW, QUALITY bikes at the bike shops for under three hundred dollars. ones that would last you well into your college years and beyond. soon there will be 2007 model year closeout sales going on, as bike shops roll in the 2008 models.
but one word of advice on the lock- no cable lock is a good lock. whatever type of bike you get, also get a U-lock.
To Dad, your son should spend more than a hundred bucks to get a quality new bike. spending only a hundred bucks at a discount store is just throwing the money away.
Last edited by Bekologist; 07-16-07 at 09:30 AM.