My son needs a new bike. He will be riding a 20" wheel, as he is just seven. He wants some gears, and I would like him to have some, as friends have all told me that a few gears will help him ride farther with me. This makes sense to me, as a few gears helps me ride further. I want to buy something under $300, preferably under $200. I have found some at the usual big box places, but I'd love any recommendations for something you've liked.
He's not interested in a vintage bike, though if I thought I could find a cool one with gears, I'd be into that, especially if I could get cheap and paint it some color he'd like. Keep in mind I can't build-up a bike myself.
My son thinks this one is cool:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400122
I think this one is nice, but don't know if one is better than the other, given the intended user, and it's much more money:
http://www.greggscycles.com/CartGenie/prod-12347.htm
Thoughts?