does the trek 1000 have stright-gauge tubing? I was looking at the trek catalog, and it doesn't say anything about any type of butting at all. I don't mean to spread any meaningless slander, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

If this is the case, I wouldn't go for the 1000, I'd go for the 1200, because that frame is more upgradable, in case your son ends up gettin into biking.