I am a mom of a very active 7 year old, and am looking for some advice on what to look for in a bike for my son. His bikes in the past have not been able to hold up to his abuse in the past so now it is time to step it up a bit a look into a higher quality one.
My son is very tough on his bikes... he will jump anything that he can run his tires over, will spend most all of the day tooling around on his bike and is not the most gentle when he gets off the bike either, yep a drop to the cement driveway is his style.. :)
Some of the issues that we have had with his bikes of the past are petals falling off, bent (really bent) rims, seats that won't stay tight in one position, and chains that fall off all the time.
If I could get some feedback from you BMX enthusiants out there as to what are important things that we should be looking for in a bike for him I would greatly appreciate it. Safety is a huge thing for me, I do not want to hinder my little guys enthusasim for pushing the limits on his bike so I would like to have a little piece of mind to know that his bike is built to hold up to his style. I am a novice when it comes to bike talk so please try to keep it fairly elementry for me if you don't mind.
Again, thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it! I will let you know what we end up purchasing for him and how it works out. I am really looking forward to your responses.
Thanks Again,
Mom of 3 ACTIVE kids :)
wethepeople
02-17-07, 12:54 PM
Go to you're LBS and check out what kind of BMX's are in your price range and get them to throw in the following things:
2 bolt seat post.
2 Chain tensioners.
3 piece cranks.
I have yet to break my 1664 post and cause my seat to move, I'd imagine any other post like an Odyssey Intact would be the same. Chain tensioners will prevent the chain from becoming loose and when it does it makes it a lot easier to be set up again. The cranks are so you can get pedals with a 9/16 threading, a lot harder to break then the 1/2" pedals your sons bikes most likely had, plus they're just a lot stronger.
minichamp31
02-17-07, 01:02 PM
What's your price range?
wethepeople
02-17-07, 01:12 PM
I don't think price range is important yet.
What is important is that she gets a bike that fits him, has 3 piece crans and she gets the two other things I suggested. He doesn't absolutely need a full 4130 frame like some of us do, after all, he's not doing roof gaps or anything.
FitRider 921
02-17-07, 01:19 PM
I do roofgaps... I wish anyways, just get a DK Six Pack... problem solved.
salesmom
02-17-07, 10:16 PM
First of all, Thanks guys for your feedback... just thought I would add that the price range is below $150. Is this possible or should I be looking to spend more than that...
Thanks again... :)
MadMan2k
02-17-07, 10:38 PM
You'll probably have to spend a little more than that. Bikes aren't toys, a lot of parents think they are and refuse to spend more than like 80 bucks on a bike for their kid, which might end up discouraging a lot of kids who would love riding and stick with it for a long time if they had a bike that would stay together.
wethepeople
02-18-07, 12:16 AM
Bump your budget to something around $200 or so and you will get something he will not destroy and he can use for years to come.
Akugluk
02-18-07, 02:35 AM
While I fully support active children, there is something to be said for having a basic respect for property. A good bike will stand up to a lot of use, but there will always be a limit to how much abuse a machine can take--even the best of machines. I'd suggest getting something on the low end of decent (from somewhere other than wall mart--you don't want a "toy", like MM2k said) and teaching him some basic maintenance. A kid can learn a lot from having to fix (or at least help fix) the problems he caused. chains do slip, things do come loose, and there are a lot of things that aren't too hard to adjust if you have a tool or two. The kid learns some life skills (like problem solving, and how to handle a screwdriver), discovers the value of preventative measures (like its easier to take care of it than fix unnecessary damage), and hopefully has a blast in the meantime.
salesmom
02-18-07, 07:54 AM
Your point is very well taken and I greatly appreciate it. You are absolutly right and we do entend on teaching him the basics of taking care of it. I do not mean to give off the impression that my son is a spoiled child and we just let him beat on things... We are going to go and price out some bikes today at some bike shops here in town and I will keep you posted on what we find out.
Again thanks for the great feedback.. You all are truly providing us with some unbiased information...
Punx
02-18-07, 08:25 AM
http://www.danscomp.com/101106.php?cat=BIKES'
That would be good its a 16 inch, since he is only 7 and $209.99. But how big is he?
mude
02-18-07, 08:30 AM
yea, that should be a pretty solid bike, except punx suggested it so stay away
FitRider 921
02-18-07, 09:49 AM
hahaha. so true. I found better... two Hoffman bikes, 16 inch and 18 inch, depending on how big he is, pick one of these and it will be great for him. http://www.danscomp.com/101319.php?cat=BIKES http://www.danscomp.com/101320.php?cat=BIKES
mude
02-18-07, 03:05 PM
i'd go wtih the 18 over the 16
FitRider 921
02-18-07, 10:02 PM
as would I, obi-wan.
eightdip
02-19-07, 05:09 AM
Will last him for longer
KinetikBiker
02-19-07, 06:26 AM
Are you an ACTIVE mom?!
Yeah.
Akward.
Go for the DK or Hoffman 18" complete. They make good complete bikes and the 18" like everyone else said will last him longer.
gnr rocker
02-19-07, 10:24 AM
Has anyone else noticed that when any other person comes in that we are all ass holes but when its a mom we are all perfect gentlemen?
mude
02-19-07, 07:12 PM
Has anyone else noticed that when any other person comes in that we are all ass holes but when its a mom we are all perfect gentlemen?
lets pick apart this post.
1. yes we've noticed. its not because she's a mother, its because:
a. she came in and used proper english and grammar
b. she was respectful and didnt say anything stupid or ask any stupid questions
2. lets go to the part where you said "we are all ass holes.."
a. who is the "we are" refering to? you've only posted a total of 35 times. i respect the fact
you've been a member for a year and havent been an ******* to you, i just think that you
dont desrve to be able to be part of the exclusive "we are" group.
3. i would hardly call kinetik asking if she is "active" being a 'perfect gentleman'
Punx
02-19-07, 07:21 PM
yea, that should be a pretty solid bike, except punx suggested it so stay away
Thats harsh...im going to go cut myself in a corner WAH WAH
wethepeople
02-19-07, 07:22 PM
Take a hot bath while doing it, it works better, and cut down towards your elbow not across your wrists.
Please and thank you.
mude
02-19-07, 07:22 PM
i'll tell you what.
you change your thing that says "nwebie bmxer" and i'll respect you
Punx
02-19-07, 08:05 PM
Ok, i forgot to change that, i've gotten alot better.
Rev.Chuck
02-19-07, 08:07 PM
Beware the 18" wheel bicycle, the tires and tubes can be hard to come by.
You will need to bump your budget if buy from the LBS, at least $160 and probably around $200 for a true BMX. But the bike wil be assembled,and there will be service after the sale.
AND
Is he looking for a BMX or do you just want a simple bike(one without gears)?
What is his inseam? This is a bigger factor for fit than his age.
My recommends:
for the money: Giant Frantic or Specialized Hotrock 20" $160ish These are really what you are looking for.
More money, tougher bike: Giant Modem or Rhythm, Specialized Fuse, or a Redline Raid
premiumbmx2005
02-19-07, 08:11 PM
Bikes aren't toys.
...my bikes a toy
just bustin your balls :)
no homo
eightdip
02-20-07, 03:18 AM
Beware the 18" wheel bicycle, the tires and tubes can be hard to come by.
You will need to bump your budget if buy from the LBS, at least $160 and probably around $200 for a true BMX. But the bike wil be assembled,and there will be service after the sale.
AND
Is he looking for a BMX or do you just want a simple bike(one without gears)?
What is his inseam? This is a bigger factor for fit than his age.
My recommends:
for the money: Giant Frantic or Specialized Hotrock 20" $160ish These are really what you are looking for.
More money, tougher bike: Giant Modem or Rhythm, Specialized Fuse, or a Redline Raid
Disagree!
Tubes are easy to find (well they are for me) and tires may be a problem but they'd last for ages anyway.
The bike recommendations = Poo, go for the Hoffman in my opinion
KinetikBiker
02-20-07, 07:45 AM
Beware the 18" wheel bicycle, the tires and tubes can be hard to come by.
You will need to bump your budget if buy from the LBS, at least $160 and probably around $200 for a true BMX. But the bike wil be assembled,and there will be service after the sale.
AND
Is he looking for a BMX or do you just want a simple bike(one without gears)?
What is his inseam? This is a bigger factor for fit than his age.
My recommends:
for the money: Giant Frantic or Specialized Hotrock 20" $160ish These are really what you are looking for.
More money, tougher bike: Giant Modem or Rhythm, Specialized Fuse, or a Redline Raid
Beware Giant sucks.
Stick with a Hoffman or DK 18". You'll be able to find tubes/tires.
salesmom
02-23-07, 07:44 AM
First of all, you guys crack me up! My boyfriend and I really enjoy the way you guys carry on about this topic and stray from it as well. I would have to say that you all have been perfect gentlemen... as for the question about me being an 'ACTIVE' mom... I did not take it in an offensive manner. Yes I am active and try to set a good example for my kids. I want them to know that it is important to get out and do something.
So back to the topic of discussion... I am looking for a brand carried at the local bike shops... I would like for my son to be able to try the bike out before we make the purchase.
To answer some of those questions floating out there... I think that a 16" will suit him fine, he is almost 4' tall. Yes I am looking for a basic bike for him, no gears.
salesmom
02-23-07, 07:52 AM
Just a quick add.... Here are a few of the bikes offered by the local bike shop... pick them apart to your discression...
1. Mirra CO Intro
2. Haro Nyquist R2
3. Haro Z1
Any one of these bikes better than the next?
Punx
02-23-07, 08:21 AM
The Haro Nyquist R2 would be a bit too big, because thats a 20 inch. Mirra Co is also 20 inch. The haro Z1 is still 20 inch, but a bit small since its made for smaller kids. Try to ask them if they have any 16 inch or 18 inches i bet they do, they could probably order some also.
Rev.Chuck
02-23-07, 10:05 AM
If he is near four feet, he will need a twenty, and would even fit some 24" bikes(small mountian bikes, but that is not what you are looking for)
KinetikBiker
02-23-07, 10:05 AM
Just a quick add.... Here are a few of the bikes offered by the local bike shop... pick them apart to your discression...
1. Mirra CO Intro
2. Haro Nyquist R2
3. Haro Z1
Any one of these bikes better than the next?
If he is pushing 4 feet you may just want to get him the 20"...
But i think at 4ft a 16" is too small. 18" or 20" for sure.
This is the bike i would go with..but you probly can't get it at your local shop but that mailorder is pretty good and they will get it too you pretty much fully assembled. The rest of the assembly you and your boyfriend could do. And if you don't feel comfortable you could take it to a shop and have them do it.
http://www.danscomp.com/101320.php?cat=BIKES
mude
02-23-07, 01:40 PM
as for the question about me being an 'ACTIVE' mom... I did not take it in an offensive manner. Yes I am active and try to set a good example for my kids. I want them to know that it is important to get out and do something.
most people prefer in doors
Ps. i agree with kinetik on the bike
FitRider 921
02-23-07, 05:20 PM
haha. it took me a while, but I got it mude. props.
Brian
02-23-07, 06:54 PM
Wow, you guys are almost behaving.
Buy local, not off the web. Your LBS will be interested in building a relationship with you, since they'll want your future business as well. And if he's tough on bikes, you're more likely to get better service on a bike you bought from them over one you bought online.
KinetikBiker
02-24-07, 07:35 AM
Wow, you guys are almost behaving.
Buy local, not off the web. Your LBS will be interested in building a relationship with you, since they'll want your future business as well. And if he's tough on bikes, you're more likely to get better service on a bike you bought from them over one you bought online.
This is true...but the Hoffman 18" would be alot better for him and i doubt his local bike shop can get Hoffman. I figure if they buy the bike online and take it in to be assembled they can kinda get the best of both worlds. You should definatley check to see if you can special order the Hoffman 18" from your local shop though.
Don't get me wrong supporting local shops is alot better then mailordering but if they can't get what you want...there's not really another choice.
MadMan2k
02-24-07, 08:20 AM
It's just one bike, if he sticks with riding he'll get more, and I doubt any decent bikes from a bike shop would be bad enough to make him give it up just based on the bike.
Punx
02-24-07, 08:55 AM
The hoffman rythmn is a nice bike. My little brothers friend has a 06, i rode it, it felt really nice. But you should talk to your lbs and see if they have a bikes, also ask your son what he would like too.
KinetikBiker
02-25-07, 07:28 AM
The hoffman rythmn is a nice bike. My little brothers friend has a 06, i rode it, it felt really nice. But you should talk to your lbs and see if they have a bikes, also ask your son what he would like too.
Not to offend her or her son but i'm sure he wont know/care enough for anything about the bike but it's color and maybe size.
Stick with the 18" Hoffman. And see if your local bike shop can get it.
Punx
02-25-07, 08:22 AM
Not to offend her or her son but i'm sure he wont know/care enough for anything about the bike but it's color and maybe size.
Stick with the 18" Hoffman. And see if your local bike shop can get it.
When i was a little kid, color would matter. But it wouldnt be everything. I agree with Kinetik try to get your LBS to order the 18' hoffman.
FitRider 921
02-25-07, 11:55 AM
This is true...but the Hoffman 18" would be alot better for him and i doubt his local bike shop can get Hoffman. I figure if they buy the bike online and take it in to be assembled they can kinda get the best of both worlds. You should definatley check to see if you can special order the Hoffman 18" from your local shop though.
Don't get me wrong supporting local shops is alot better then mailordering but if they can't get what you want...there's not really another choice.
fa sho.
gnr rocker
02-25-07, 03:53 PM
When i was a little kid, color would matter.
Your 13.
new_dharma
02-25-07, 03:59 PM
When i was a little kid, color would matter. But it wouldnt be everything. I agree with Kinetik try to get your LBS to order the 18' hoffman.
"littler kid" maybe
KinetikBiker
02-25-07, 04:16 PM
Your 13.
But he has plenty more posts then you. Leave him alone.
I can't belive i'm defending him but...he's less of a 'n00b' then you are.
mude
02-25-07, 05:03 PM
I can't belive i'm defending him but...he's less of a 'n00b' then you are.
actually gnr's been here about 9 months longer.
Brian
02-25-07, 05:16 PM
My kids are older than most of you.
mude
02-25-07, 05:20 PM
not the 14 year old, she's within 2 years of a good percentage of us
Rev.Chuck
02-25-07, 05:21 PM
My bikes are older than most of you.
Brian
02-25-07, 05:32 PM
My Ugg boots will be 20 this year. :)
Rev.Chuck
02-25-07, 06:11 PM
I gave my RedWing loggers, bought in 1984, to my brother. Resoled them three times.
Oldest regular use bike, '78 Trek 531 tubing, converted to fixed. Second oldest, '91 Yamaguchi track. I got a late 80s Haro MTB setup as a noslack single speed grocery getter but it mostly hangs.