Bike for my daughter

[wingnut]

I'm looking for some recommendations on a newc bike for my 12 yr old daughter. She currently has a 4 year old MTB ($79 sporting goods store special).

I'm looking for something better than another low end bike that will give her some enjoyment if she wants to go for a ride with me, but will not cost me a fortune.

I have to consider the responsibilty factor of a 12 yr old...

[RonH]

What kind of bike does your daughter want? Mtn, road, hybrid? Visit a few bike shops and look for a good used bike or a new entry level bike so you don't break the bank.

[Albino_Litigato]

I think you have to make a realistic assessment as to how long she will be riding a new bike. She's 12, which means that I assume she is still growing, perhaps rapidly. By the time she is 14, she may have outgrown the frame of any bike you have now. An entry-level Trek hybrid may be a good choice for you. It will clearly be a better bike than what you got at the sporting goods store. Also, because it will be lighter and have thinner tires than the MTB you have now, she may enjoy riding it more. Does she have a sibling (or cousin) who will be able to ride it once she reaches full height and wants to get a new bike?

I am partial to Trek, but any good company's entry-level hybrid should do. Also, use your local bike shop, as you are less likely to make a bad choice there.

Lastly, I have read stories of kids who reject their parents' fancy derailleurs and prefer single speed cruisers. What kind of riding are you doing with her? If it is of the 10-minute ride to the ice cream shop variety (and your neighborhood is flat), she (and your bankbook) may prefer this type of bike. Use your local bike shop for this type of bike as well, however, as it will stock a higher-quality bike.

[wingnut]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll take a trip to my LBS and have a talk with them. Most of my riding with her has been on paved bike trails. I would like her to come out with me once a week or so and get some additional excercise from what she gets playing soccer.

[AndrewP]

Find out what she wants - she is old enough to know what sort of riding she will do. Visits to several bike shops will help her see what is available. I would avoid the weight of suspension, but as she is likely to want something that can be hopped up and down curbs, I wouldnt go for very skinny tires. Will she want to be able to carry things (books, food, games or swimming things) - this might put racks and panniers into consideration.

[khuon]

Also, it might be a good idea to take a look at what the LBS has in terms of used bikes since as another poster said, she will probably outgrow the bike physically in a few (if not sooner) years.

[Eurastus]

Also, it might be a good idea to take a look at what the LBS has in terms of used bikes since as another poster said, she will probably outgrow the bike physically in a few (if not sooner) years.

If it turns out that you want a true road bike, check out the Ibex JayVee (http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/2004/VTG-JV-Details.html) . It's one killer price for what you get, though it may be too small for her depending on how tall she is. The gearing might be a little steep if you live near any decent hills, as I do.

Another option, at a slightly higher price is the Fuji Finest (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=22&yr=2004) . It's made with women's specific frame sizing and is also a great deal for the money. Besides that, it looks very cool, in my opinion.