First BMX Bike for My Grandson

[fthomas]

Ok guys! I know nothing about BMX bikes other than I can identify the look.

My grandson is turning 6, but is quite big for his age - 4'-2 at 5 years old.

Papa is going to buy him his first BMX bike. I do not live close by and asked my son-in-law to take him over to a LBS to look at BMX bikes. They came away thinking the Red Line Raid as a good bike for him. Looking at Red Line's web site I can't tell if it has 16" or 20" wheels.

What would make an all around good starter bike for my grandson up to $ 250.00.

[fthomas]

If you guys have any suggestions, please let me know. I honestly would appreciate your suggestions

[Rockstarex2]

Redline is a good bike. It looks to be a 20" wheel. Try and stick with something that has a coaster brake (pedel backwards). My kids are 6.5 right now, my son has a 16" bike with a coaster brake and i know that in a panic situation he looks for the coaster brake not his hand brake. My daughter has a 20", it's a little big but she can ride. She's about 49" inches but this gives growing room. My son has not wanted to goto a 20" yet.

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=995

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/Products/BMX/Kids/#2652

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bmxracing/bikes/tandt-raid.html

The redline raid is a coaster brake bike i saw it on another website.
Hope this helps

[fthomas]

Thank you for the recommendations! It helps a ton!

[FuzzyRyder]

coasters are death teach him to use a hand brake it will help in the long run. the redline will be fine for getting started. it's a little more race oriented but it will still do if he is interested in hitting up a park.

[Rockstarex2]

Coasters are death for what you do. Keep in mind he is 6 years old

[Street rider]

Coasters are death for what you do. Keep in mind he is 6 years old

but sometimes its better to get them learning young, so that they develop good habits. that way, in the future, when he needs to learn how to use a handbrake-only type bike, then he'll be better prepared.

[Live Wire]

The Redline is a good choice for an all around kids bike- a bit big right now, but your grandson will grow into it fast (4'2" at 5 is huge!). He's way too big for a bike with 16" wheels.
With this bike he can practice using a hand brake while having the coaster brake that (I'm assuming) he's used to. Better to be safe, don't ya think?

[Rockstarex2]

The Redline is a good choice for an all around kids bike- a bit big right now, but your grandson will grow into it fast (4'2" at 5 is huge!). He's way too big for a bike with 16" wheels.
With this bike he can practice using a hand brake while having the coaster brake that (I'm assuming) he's used to. Better to be safe, don't ya think?

Exactly. All 3 of the bikes i listed have a hand brake and the coaster brake.

[fthomas]

Guys! Thanks so much for your input. He ended up with the Redline Raid in Black. For any of you in the Memphis, Tn area; I purchased the bike via phone from Steve, one of the owners of BikesPlus. Excellent customer service, great attitude and a very nice person to deal with. So, we will have to see how well he takes to the BMX vs. a Sponge Bob Skate Board - his choice. Now if I can just keep him from getting Tat's Papa will be real happy!

Thanks again for your input. Hopefully, I can post a picture of Tanner winning Nationals next year. You gotta know how proud grand pa's are.

Thanks Steve!

Thanks again guys for your input!