Originally Posted by
aboss3
We've been riding on trails we have here in Dallas area, but looking to go into more technical types of trails. Dallas is pretty flat, but we're fortunate to have a DORBA trail 7 miles away. He definitely doesn't need full suspension, and I was looking to start him at Trek Marlin. Seems that there's a good following of Marin bikes, so now I must check them out. We'll be doing upgrades, but with kids being kids, he does like to be a little rough on his bikes. His younger brother has inherited his 20" Precaliber which needed significant "tuneup" before he was able to ride it
. 10-year-old is pretty tall for his age, so we have the seat all the way up on his 24" Precal, and I think he'll benefit from the larger wheel size (27.5") and an XS frame. Thanks for the recommendations above. Now looking at Marin bikes.
I wouldn't buy a bike to upgrade, get the bike that makes the most sense. If they are rough with bikes, get them a decent bike rather than just price point. Teach them lessons on how to take care of it and maybe do it together or bring it to the shop together and ask if you can maybe watch a little of it. They will gain interest and take care of stuff better generally or at least if they are rougher the better components will be able to handle it a little more.
Nobody really needs full suspension but it is nice and if you are riding a bunch having a bike that can hang will be helpful. If you are riding something decent on the same trails with them, they need something at least somewhat decent beyond a price point bike. It is one thing if it was casual rail trail riding or paved paths once and while but mountain biking really is best with a proper mountain bike not tourney and cheap coil shocks.