I agree w/ going to a couple LBS if you have them. There is a lot of people who don't like bike direct and unless you are bike mechanically inclined I'd stay away from online bikes. CL is a great place to find quality bikes just make sure he fits the bike well. My personal pref would be a 10-14 speed Mt. Bike. Performance Bike tends to have decent starter bikes and pretty cheep. Some LBS will give you lifetime or at least a year of free tune-ups so that extra couple bucks makes it well worth it. I hope this helps and you enjoy your time riding w/ ya son.