My 12 year old found a Redline BMX bike (purple, including wheels). He hasn't shown an interest in bicycles before, but loves this bike. It's $450 so I am a thinking he wants it to show off to his friends and not really ride it. He needs a mountain bike for Boy Scouts but still wants to spend his money on the purple one. Can anyone help me out with the best brands of bikes. I have no idea. I thought I could get a mountain bike for my 9 year old and they could share...then we would have all the wheels covered...any suggestions.
What to buy?
- Thread starter Medi Mom
- Start date
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I do not have a great knowledge on BMX bikes, hopefully someone will be along to assist soon. Certainly Redline appear to be higher end and would therefore would be a decent purchase. As regards cycling Brands generally you will not go far wrong with the well known names Cannondale, Specialised, Trek, Giant, Orbea, Bianchi, Willier, Colnago ....Pinarello etc etc. If I was 12 again I would love a BMX. I never had one. Come to think of I wouldn't mind one now and I am 40 but that would be a bit silly.
xpc316e
Veteran
- Location
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK
BMX bikes are fine for one single purpose - stunting. As bikes for general everyday use they are pretty hopeless. You can't ride any distance on them, because they are hideously uncomfortable. They have no gears, so hills are out. Having said that, kids will put up with a dreadful bike merely because it is what they wanted. A mountain bike is going to be better as a multi-purpose bike, but it will not be much use at the skate park. It is your choice.
Thanks, this helps a bunch. And, you should buy a BMX for yourself. The guy working at the local bike shop said he could ride it well into college. I was skeptical since it's so small, but my son informed me that was way it was a BMX and 'beast'.
Well I have very mixed feelings on bmx's - though one possibly saved my daughter's life, but as someone who always wanted a racer and got a heavy Raleigh wayfarer there is a lot to be said for giving children what they want, regardless of how practical it is. Otherwise they will hold it against you forever!
rollinstok
Well-Known Member
- Location
- morecambe
I,d have loved a bmx but I was the wrong generation, its a treat watching how talented some of those kids are.
If you get your son what he wants there is a much better chance of him actually using it.
I agree that a hybrid or mountain bike will be far more versatile, but a bmx could bring a lot of fun to a 12 yr old.
Most people on here have road bikes that are fit for one purpose only and tend not to see past their blinkers !!
If you get your son what he wants there is a much better chance of him actually using it.
I agree that a hybrid or mountain bike will be far more versatile, but a bmx could bring a lot of fun to a 12 yr old.
Most people on here have road bikes that are fit for one purpose only and tend not to see past their blinkers !!
