I just stumbled on this thread and had to comment. I have been buying and selling bikes pretty regularly for the past few years and I am a big advocate of a bike store quality bike even for young riders. I have had dozens of kids bikes and all have been sold on Craigslist for a fraction of new price. In fact, I have 4 Trek Mystic's in the garage now plus a Hotrock and they will all be priced less than $100 as compared to $179+ new from the bike shop. I have never paid more than $20 for any of them myself - and I usually can find at least 1 per week at the thrift store or garage sales. They sometimes needs some minor work but mostly they are ready to ride and in very usable condition so I think this is the way to go. Good luck.