Boys bike - Mountain or BMX

[kellyjo]

My 9yo son wants a new bike for xmas cos hes outgrown his 20" mountain bike.

I was planning on getting a 24" mountain bike but last night he announced he wants a BMX. Problem is I dont know anything about them.

Most of the time he rides out in our cul-de-sac bumping it up and down the kerbs as boys do and he says he wants a bmx to learn tricks (sounds painful to me with a few a&e trips!!) However I was planning on getting a tow bar in the spring so I can chuck the kids bikes in the trailer and go for family rides out. Will he be able to do this on a bmx??

Im not sure which to get but I know theres plenty of cyclists on here so what do you guys reckon, MTB or BMX?? Also, if I opt for BMX are there any particular features that it should ideally have? Thanks, KJ xx

[pookie]

bmx is single speed and mtb has gears and suspension. Better for long runs up and down inclines that said my son keeps up on his single speed.


The bmx of old also had 20 in wheels. My personal preference of bikes are islabikes but they are a bit pricey but suited for little people.

[Bri w]

If you get what he doesn't want... equally, check what his mates have and buy the same type.

[Sally]

If you get what he doesn't want... equally, check what his mates have and buy the same type.

This. ^

Get 4 stunt pegs, means that if he doesn't want all on (people run with one side on sometimes) he can take them off, rather than him complaining there's only 2.

I had a GT, my mate had a Mongoose, not sure what else there is.

[fizzwheel]

Get him what he wants. i.e. a BMX. Especially as

Also Full Suspension MTB at the price you'll be wanting to pay will be sh*te. If he learns properly on the BMX he'll be jumping / bunny hoping over them thus rendering the need for suspension useless.

[xXBADGERXx]

Right , he wants a BMX , so that is what I would opt for , a cheap Mountain Bike will be a pile of old cack . Give us a ballpark figure of what you are willing to spend , in the meantime I will go and have a rummage for you .

[xXBADGERXx]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/heretic-2011-bmx-bike-ec024153

http://www.winstanleysbmx.com/product/30106/Norco_Rivet_BMX_Bike_2010

Slightly Cheaper

http://www.winstanleysbmx.com/product/34817/Ruption_Force_Bike_2011

Bargain

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/31264/Redemption-BMX-Bike---Black.html

[mattSV]

Get him what he wants or all his friends will point and laugh - and he will hate you forever.

[sv650k4]

for longer runs MTB far better imo, as for which bike it depends on your budget you can spend as much as you like personally if hes only 9 i wouldnt go mad as he could toss it to the side in no time, you will get a very good bmx for around £200

[maviczap]

Its a boy thing, my nephew went through the BMX stage, wanting all the stuff.

As the others have said get him what he wants, in fact set you budget and get him to choose what he wants within you budget.

I had mucho unhappiness last Christmas morning because the Eldest got a pile of cack she didn't want, I wasn't involved the purchases, but I was unhappy she was so unhappy. :(

Me I'm used to getting a pile of cack :p

[kellyjo]

BMX it is then. Im thinking about this one, looks like a good deal http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Toys-R-Us/Bikes-and-Rideons/Bikes/Boys/20-BMX-Atra-Bike%280083586%29

Thanks for your replies x

[maviczap]

Have a look in Halfrauds as well KJ, I was in our local today, and there's some deals on BMX's

Plus if you register your credit card (if you have one?) then you'll get 3% back with Quidco

https://www.quidco.com/join-quidco/