My 11 year old needed a new bike (trust me-his was shot) so we found a used Mongoose in the neighborhood, it needed everything, for 40 bucks. He liked it, it's got a nice solid frame-no clue what model it is, but we need to put new brakes, a seat, and grip on it-the tires looked good and the gears and chain look ok. After everything it'll run us about 100 bucks.

Unfortunately, when we brought it into the bike shop, there were all those brand spanking new bikes, 300 bucks and up, that made him drool, and frankly, the way he beats on his bike, I would have been hesitant to buy a new one for him just yet. I know he's been hoping to get into BMX, and I explained that once he gets a grip on what he's doing in BMX, he could get a newer bike in a year or two.

Will a used Mongoose of unknown model work for a beginner at BMX? I want him to be happy with it, and I'm just sorry I took him into the bike shop with me!