BMX for Kid

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My 10 yr old wants a slick BMX for Xmas - He likes the Haro F2 but he doesn't know anything about bikes. The 2 things he wants are 1) freewheeling back hub and 2) handlebars that can do full spin - like the f2.

I want 1) brakes and 2) Under $250 if possible.

Can some of you more experienced guys give me some other options that meet the above criteria?

Thanks!

[squirtdad]

I am not a BMX guy exactly...but as a dad I bought my 9 year old a HARO X2 last year....it has been a great bike. He rides on the street, has done a BMX race, and is jumping at the a local bxm dirt course.

It is totally durable, has the gyro so the front wheel can do a 360 and a rear brake. The one we got has a sealed BB cartridge. So far it has been a few tubes, replace the rear tire (the brake can lock up enough to do skid marks on the driveway)

As it is owned and ridden by an almost 10 year old and his buddies it has had a lot of abuse...and it is handling it all.

so I think this is a good choice

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Anyone else have some input for me?

[fuzzbox]

Probably should get what he wants so he doesn't make a big deal over it, but if he rides hard it wouldn't be a great bike in my mind.

[Lancerob2]

I can help you with some ideas for BMX racing bikes but the bars won't spin.

[Brian]

The big question is how much potential abuse will this bike see. My son is something of a geek, so his bike doesn't cop it too bad. I went big and broke a few things when I was a kid, so that's what you need to consider. And do not get him an X-Mart bike. Also, make sure he respects that you spent money on it. I hate seeing bikes out in the rain.

[andymac]

I am no expert with respect to freestyle bikes but know a bit as I have purchased a few BMX bikes for my son.

Take a look at some of the online stores like Dans Comp and JR Bicycles, this will let you compare specs a bit. The Haro F2 and other bikes in this price range (DK General Lee, FIT AM, KINK LAUNCH, GT Zone, We THe People Nova etc) all tend to be pretty similarily spec'ed although I think that the Haro is one of the heavier ones. The components will all be lower level quality but most likely up to the task of putting up with the riding most kids do.

Make sure that you actually have your son sit on or ride a bike at a shop so you can get an idea of what fits him, if he is a tall 10 year old then you could buy almost any one of the stock bikes but if he is shorter you have to give some consideration to what will fit. Kids that are good riders can make do with whatever you gve them but weaker riders will struggle as the stock bikes tend to be spec'ed for teens/adults.
The most important sizes on a BMX for a kid are top tube length, bar height and crank arm length. Most kids need a top tube length of 20" or less, obviously depending on their height. My son is a tall 8 year old and rides a race bike with an 18.75 inch top tube and a dirt jump style BMX with a 19 inch top tube. You want your weight to be back over the cranks and be able to get your butt back when you need to. When you put a kid on a full size BMX you can see that they have their weight too far forward, parents often compensate for this by leaning the bars way back but this then takes away their leverage so they can't pull the front wheel up. You also do not want them to be reaching for the sky so you usually would want a lower rise bar than what normally comes on a full size BMX, something in the 6 - 7 rise range rather than 8.
Crank arms are typically 175mm on a stock bike, most 10 year old kids should probably be on 165's. You can tell if the cranks are too long if the kid has to wobble side to side while pedaling. The other thing you may find is that the gearing is too hard for him to accelerate, if that is the case you can change the chainring or freewheel easily enough, they may do that at the store if you bought from a local shop.
Other than the top tube length, the other parts can be changed but the cost adds up really quickly.

[Lancerob2]

Also remember that you can probably lower your overall costs by getting a used bike on eBay. The smaller bikes for younger riders tend to not get abused so much. If you search for bikes based on your zip code you may even be able to avoid S&H charges by driving to pick up the bike.

[HotDoc]

I think size is going to be the most important factor. Take him to a shop and let him try a few out. We thought a 19" top tube for our kid would be small enough, not so. Ended up getting an 18" bike.

Most anything will do as long as it's not a department/toy store bike. If he really gets into it, then you'll need to be selective.

[castanagajt]

First determine size of son, like everyone said. Use this.
http://www.danscomp.com/serve.php?serve=products/charts&html=riderchart.htm

Concentrate only on rider height and top tube length
www.hoffmanbikes.com

look at only the hoffman scarab16/18

the crank arm length equipped for these bikes should be fine but if you really want to get the correct size your budget will already has been exceeded.


you said you want the fork to spin buy these two (possibly three) components and have your local bike shop install these:
GYRO19.99
http://www.danscomp.com/510003.php

poverty freestyle lever(pair)9.99
http://www.danscomp.com/486024.php

If they can't salvage the grips then buy something like this:

Lizardskins charger grips:7.99
http://www.danscomp.com/367071.php?cat=PARTS

If you want just a thought in case the company puts a cheap "Dicta" freewheel have the bike shop change this out to an ACS claw (trust me it will be safer for him.) extra 15-20.00 but well spent for safety.

with all this information and your local bike shop you both will be able to fit your son better according for his needs.