Originally Posted by
inoshishi
Wow! So many replies and it's only 6:40 AM. Great forum. Thanks so much.
The hills are very challenging! Long and 45 degrees or steeper. Yes, he can walk the bike part of the way until he get's stronger. I would like to get him an aluminum frame, and the cool factor is big for him. I bought his last Trek new, but he's growing so fast, I'd like to save some money this time. Any thoughts on this bike?
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/bik/1924628468.html
Thanks to everyone for the help!
My 11 yo rides about 8 km with a few hundred ft of climbing to come home. He uses a Trek 1.2 road bike.
A mountain bike is fine - I echo the need to get a good fit.
Also echo the suggestion to get touring type tires - like Continental Contact or City Ride or Schwalbe Marathon.
Do a few trial runs to make sure he can safely ride in traffic.
I do question you description of the hills "long and 45 degrees or steeper" Come on this is a one mile commute ?
Also figure out how he is going to carry books and school stuff; backpack, messenger bag, pannier etc.
Also make sure there is a secure place to park his bike.