Redline Pitboss?

[e.myers]

Anybody know anything about this bike?
I'm considering it for a just turned 4 year old who has ridden at a BMX track twice now on a 12" specialized Hot Rock and needs something a little more "stable". He's short for his age too. I've looked at minis and micro minis and THINK at this point I'd rather go with a 16" bike to get a little more through the learning curve.... but I can be talked out of it. My thinking is that he'd grow out of a micro mini in a year or so, I might as well get him a 16" bike he can use in the sand/clay around the house.

If you could check out this link and let me know what you think it would help me out tremendously. http://www.redlinebicycles.com/ For whatever reason, I can't get you directly to the bike link but it's under the "bmx bikes", then "proline heading", then "pitboss".

It's the 05 redline pitboss with alminum frame. They are grouping it with the BMX race bikes so it's got me curious. Frame geometry of this bike (only have 03 specs so could be very different) is 25" vs 30" for the Haro Mirra and Nyquist..
For comparison purposes, his 12" hot rock has a 23.5" wheelbase.
The bike ain't cheap so I'm wondering what the deal is.
Would you consider it over the heavier Haro jumping bikes for a 4 year old if you had another boy that would grow into it when the older one was ready for a mini? Blah, Blah, Blah.
Interested in +'s and -'s of the bike recognizing that I'm pretty much bike illiterate.
Note. I'm gonna start a new thread just on this particular bike to see if I can get any comparisons/info.

Do you see any of the younger kids out there racing souped up 16" bikes and being competitive?

Thanks for any guidance because I'm new to BMX.
Eddie

[CMcMahon]

I figure that it would make more sense for him to ride a Micro or a Mini, since he's going to grow anyway. And a Haro Mirra or Nyquist wouldn't really be very good for racing (heavier, u-brakes...).

[BMXTRIX]

I would say that you should definitely be looking at a bmx mini bike. 16" bikes are fun, but not serious for racing - if racing is what you son wants to do, then a bmx mini is the only way to go. Those bikes are designed for the smallest riders out there and help them get comfortable on the bike and with control and riding while still providing a very fast bike.

Most 16" bikes are more bred towards all around bmx instead of racing and are not really suitable to take onto a bmx track other than to just mess around on. But, I would go to a race with your son, get in touch with the ABA/NBL and find out if they have any information that you can use.

If you son is on the track with kids on minis then he will be blown away - it just isn't competitive for him to be on a 16 incher.

[easternbikes]

i race, i have been racing for about 6 years. i have watched the little kids and have never noticed 16 inch bikes. you will see kids at races with a mini that looks a little to big but they do fine and still have fun. a mini will last him/her longer also

[e.myers]

Thanks guys for the input.
Sounds like everyone is of the opinion that he needs a mini and the pitbike/Freestyle bike won't cut it.
Well, since I've never even been to a race, I'm thinking it would be best to follow your feedback.
Eddie

[bmexican]

just get him a cheaper micro or mini. one you can easily afford. when he grows out of it buy him a decent one to fit him. if anything, its better to start racing on a bike that aint too good. that way when he gets a decent bike when he's slightly older, he'll do that much better because hes used to a bike that may weigh more or just not have fast parts on it. that's how i started racing.

[e.myers]

Makes sense to me.
Guess if you're pedaling ten pounds more than everyone else, you're bound to build up some stamina.
Eddie.

[e.myers]

Allright guys. I PROMISE I was listening and still am, BUT, it just so happened that a used Redline pitboss appeared out of no where and I purchased it today for 80 bucks. Bike is reasonably light with a standover height not drastically different in size from his current 12 incher.
Trying to get the bike set up for him so he can start riding it on the track comfortably. If Y'all could help me out with the gearing question in this forum I'd appreciate it. I certainly have my eye on a mini but for right now, he wanted this bike (which frankly suprised me because he's kinda freaked out over the 20" mini tires (I think) and rode it some today, but getting used to the hand brakes.
Thanks for the help... Again.
Eddie