MOOKS: Bikes?

[redheadk]

DD is asking for a new bike for her 10th birthday. She's outgrown her 20" pink Trek.

Our local bike shop recently closed and is moving but is not yet open. We haven't shopped for a bike in several years and, even then, the bike shop had the used trek that ticked all the boxes on the floor so we snapped that up for $100 right away.

Any recommendations for a quality all-purpose bike? I'd like to stay around $400 if at all possible. 

I've looked at Trek but want some more options as color is important to her. She'd prefer purple (1st choice) or teal/aqua (2nd choice).

[Susie]

Maybe look at Giant/Liv and any area shops that carry that brand.  Liv is Giant's girls/women's side, and they tend to have pretty colors while also being a similar level bike as Trek.

[ilikedonuts]

How tall is she?

My 10 year old just actually got a purple Trek with teal detail on the wheels. It’s a 26 inch though bc she outgrew her 24.

Check out REI’s house brand. Not sure on their color options though.

My 8 year old is on a 24 inch Cannondale. I think they make a pink 24 inch one. She previously had a pink 20 inch Specialized.

Purple is hard to find in a 24. I remember not having luck before we found the 24 inch cannondale that was a custom design but a shop was selling it used.

[af1212]

I’m glad you asked this as my 12 yo also needs a new bike. I was shocked at the cost.

Is there nothing more like $100-$200? We have gotten mostly hand-me-down bikes so far so I’m not used to pricing out bikes.

They are a common thing to get stolen where I live so I would hate to spend a lot!

[waverly]

What type of bike? DS learned on a cruiser, and I think that is a great one for neighborhoods. I liked it so much that I got one for myself with gears.

A road bike will have them leaning over more than a cruiser. And a mountain bike would be good if they ultimately want to go in that direction. Gears or no gears?

If you are just getting a simple bike then I would go with something used. If you are going new, we have had good luck with REI for the cruisers and Dick's Sporting Goods for road bikes. Her road bike is a Schwinn, but she is outgrowing it now.

[waverly]

Jun 16, 2022 13:39:06 GMT -5 af1212 said:

I’m glad you asked this as my 12 yo also needs a new bike. I was shocked at the cost.

Is there nothing more like $100-$200? We have gotten mostly hand-me-down bikes so far so I’m not used to pricing out bikes.

They are a common thing to get stolen where I live so I would hate to spend a lot!

I think this might be possible at big box stores like Walmart/ Target, but probably not at specialty bike shops unless they are selling used bikes.  

[charlatti]

af1212 , do you have a local buy/sell Facebook group? I see bikes for this age group there pretty frequently— that’s where we found my DD’s bike. Excellent condition from someone whose older (college aged) teen had outgrown it and we paid less than $100.

[secretagent]

I have an REI housebrand bike that was $500 ish in adult size. I'm old and will likely never buy another. My kids' bikes are all REI house brand under $200. My oldest outgrew theirs and a neighbor gave us a hand me down, which we will hang onto for a couple of years and likely get an adult REI when it fits. All of our REI bikes are a shade of blue.

[af1212]

Jun 16, 2022 13:51:33 GMT -5 charlatti said:

af1212 , do you have a local buy/sell Facebook group? I see bikes for this age group there pretty frequently— that’s where we found my DD’s bike. Excellent condition from someone whose older (college aged) teen had outgrown it and we paid less than $100.

Yes we have tons and I have been keeping my eye out but Mostly see little kid bikes or very expensive bikes.

[redheadk]

Jun 16, 2022 13:16:58 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

How tall is she?

4' 5"

Unfortunately, she won't have anything to do with pink anymore 

I think we might go with a Retrospec Cruiser. It's right at $300 so not too crazy since she will most likely need another bike at some point.

[imojoebunny]

Look for used ones on exchange groups, especially groups for biking/adventure enthusiast. My spouse spends an insane amount of money on our kids bikes because he has dreams of long distance bike touring with them, when they are older. They both just outgrew there "middle school" bikes, and they are sitting in our basement because my spouse says he will sell them, but they just sit there.

[ilikedonuts]

Jun 16, 2022 20:03:43 GMT -5 imojoebunny said:

Look for used ones on exchange groups, especially groups for biking/adventure enthusiast. My spouse spends an insane amount of money on our kids bikes because he has dreams of long distance bike touring with them, when they are older. They both just outgrew there "middle school" bikes, and they are sitting in our basement because my spouse says he will sell them, but they just sit there.

He should take my kid on long distance trips. 😂 I tap out at 20 miles. My husband can do 40 before he’s done and but my 10 year old always wants to keep going.

[sparty04]

I was pretty shocked to see how much bikes are even at Walmart these days. I scoured Facebook marketplace and ended up with a $95 26in Giant bike for DS recently (he's 10 but super tall). I don't think I could justify buying a kids bike new because I am kind of a brand snob. I usually look for Trek, Giant, Specialized and Jamis and eventually can find something for under $100. Usually Trek is the easiest to find.

[YahYahs]

My girls (11.5 and 10) have this 24" bike from Dick's. Got it for $250 last year but it's cheaper now. Comes in multiple colors.



www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nishiki-girls-pueblo-24-mountain-bike-16nisynshkpbl15gxgjm/16nisynshkpbl15gxgjm?camp=EML:DSG_TRN:06022021_DSG_Bopis_Ready:LINK_1&customerkey=3028524732

[isabel]

This is more aqua, but she might like it. I've been really happy with the Guardian bike we have have. It's held up really well through two kids. It's right at your price point.

guardianbikes.com/products/24-inch-bike?variant=32988825452637

[Poppy]

Jun 16, 2022 20:03:43 GMT -5 imojoebunny said:

Look for used ones on exchange groups, especially groups for biking/adventure enthusiast. My spouse spends an insane amount of money on our kids bikes because he has dreams of long distance bike touring with them, when they are older. They both just outgrew there "middle school" bikes, and they are sitting in our basement because my spouse says he will sell them, but they just sit there.

OMG just throw them on craigslist, imojoebunny H. I listed several items this spring and the bike stuff was the only stuff that sold and it was all pretty painless. It was great.

If only our old oven would sell...

[Poppy]

To the OP, we have had pretty good luck with buying used kids bikes. We did just go for an rei bike for my son thanks to an insider deal, and it's pretty nice.