General Cycling Discussion - help with bike type/style for an 8 yr old

my son is turning 8 on jan 28th. it is time to get him into a quality bike he will use for a while. i went to some bike shops and saw the MN220 trek, 21 speed shimano. for $249 it is a lot of bike.

Then i saw the BMX single speeds.

What do most 8,9,10,11 year olds ride these days?

What does he want? If I was 8 I would want the BMX.

Let him decide. When I frist saw the multi geared bikes as a kid I wanted one. But then I grew up (well almost anyway) to be an engineer. Other kids might like the BMX better. And don't forget how fast 8 yr olds grow.

Good luck
Joe

Luis Garneau Full suspension mtb for kids :D

kidding, Bmx is the best first bike to start with. He can ride it for quite a few years, they are durable and he will learn more skills on it than any other bike. :)

If he wants to ride with you, get a bike with gears. You can tell him when to change gears by watching his legs. When hes riding by himself he doesnt have to change gears.

If you dont want him riding too fast, you can adjust the gearshift limit screws so he cant get into a high gear.

The most important thing is that he must be happy with the bike.

Most 8-year-olds ride whatever they are given. They also take lousy care of their machines, and regularly forget to lock them, or even bring them inside.
Just get the kid a decent, serviceable single-speed. I've yet to see a kid that age able to understand the concept of a derailleur. Besides, he will outgrow any bike you buy him in less than 2 years. Also, since their is a 50% chance he's either going to lose it or destroy it, that means you will be out for less $$ when it does happen.
Unless you live in the mountains, 1 gear is adequate.

Originally posted by AndrewP


The most important thing is that he must be happy with the bike.

That's why i would let him pick it out. The BMX or other rugged single speed has it's appeal, but he must like it. You can wourk on teaching him to take care of it. I'm sure in a couple of years he will need gears (or you will want him to have gears) to keep up with you. In the mean time ride at his rate. Gears or not you will be rifing at his rate for a while.

Joe
:beer:

Originally posted by D*Alex
Most 8-year-olds ride whatever they are given. They also take lousy care of their machines, and regularly forget to lock them, or even bring them inside.
Just get the kid a decent, serviceable single-speed. I've yet to see a kid that age able to understand the concept of a derailleur. Besides, he will outgrow any bike you buy him in less than 2 years. Also, since their is a 50% chance he's either going to lose it or destroy it, that means you will be out for less $$ when it does happen.
Unless you live in the mountains, 1 gear is adequate.

I agree wholeheartadly with D*Alex. My 7 year old is just like that. Bike thrown down at the side of the house or on the driveway. Thats a bent derailleur waiting to happen. Also at the rate I have to adjust the seat post he'll need a new one in a year or so.

We bought him a Storm Ambush 18" which will do him for a while. When he grows out of it his little brother can then have it.

Hey - that's my birthday too! :D

get him a wheel size 24 a mounted on a BMX, he will love the ride.....

when i was 8 i could certainly appreciate derailleurs even though i had no front only a rear. The concept of gears really isn't that hard to explain particularly if you have a technics lego set. I had a wickid raleigh extreme rigid MTB with crazy paintscheme at that age and it had black plastic discs covering all the spokes so i could imagine i was just like chris boardman

Personally I would reckon on a BMX, they're harder to grow out of too as well as easier to maintain. Whatever it is though I wouldn't spend too much on it because it'll be most likely outgrown/stolen/trashed or just a different type wanted soon

If this is just a right around the neighborhood type bike, I'd spend a bit more money and get a freestyle bike. Why? Durability. As mentioned, most 6-10 year olds, are not careful with their bikes. A freestyle bike will be built stronger, although heavier, it'll take more abuse. The wheels are built with 48 spokes as opposed to 36, again, stronger. The bikes usually come standard with pegs, which the kids use to double ride with their friends. (No matter how many times you tell them not to!).

As mentioned above, unless you live in an area with a lot of hills, a single speed is the way to go.

Now, if this bike is going to be used for BMX racing, you want to think lightweight, and more $$$$.

Brands.....Haro, DK, Nirve, Redline, Profile, S&M, Standard.....Trek's and Gary Fishers aren't consider "Great".

Ask this same question in the BMX forum, just be prepared to get inundated by "Brand Loyal" younger cyclist.

L8R