Best Bike Shop for selection of kids Full Susp Mt Bikes

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Any suggestions for a 125 lb 12 year old? More xc bike that is really good for downhill rather than the 40 lb parents gotta drive the bike to the top models. Not looking to spend a lot on a kid who keeps out growing bikes, and everything else.

Thanks,
Eric

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 291 Posts Obsessed

Higher price means lighter and better quality. There are plenty of brands with bikes that would work for your son. Go to the fat tire farm and look for an older model as those will be less expensive. Get the brand that fits his body best..... It's like kites, they are all good but some will work better for your style.

Best of luck.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

You might try camas bike shop. I love that place(and I live in Wilsonville). He does dome consignment sales for the locals. You might find a great deal on a slightly used specialized. He also has a few new bikes from past years that haven't sold yet that you might get a deal on.

River city bikes has similar offers. Both are great!

Then there's eBay and craigslist of course! :)

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Thanks much! I prefer a shop to get the fit right, over craigslist, etc. Used and "last years ancient crap" is preferred. I am in the "things fit for 6 months phase of parenthood, which equals $$$."

Eric

kiterbiker · Since 12 Jun 2010 65 Posts

Get a bike that is as big as possible but still able to fit him now. Dont be afraid to switch stems with a shorter stem to make it work. Stems are easy to swap out and can really help the bike to fit and grow with him. If you focus too much on a bike that fits just right right now, hes gonna out grow it in 2 weeks and it will be too small. Go with a bigger bike for him. Unlike someone who has stopped growing, where you get a bike frame and fit that you will use for years, even a pro fit job is gonna be useless in 6months, so big frame that he can use as he grows into it and starts to grow out of it is the way to go. Fat tire farm is definitely the mtb specialists in town and have a great selection.

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

I've had great luck recently with Sellwood Cycle too. They have some pretty awesome deals on consigned bikes as well as new (mostly) Konas. I was really surprised at the quality and value they had to offer.

PS--I heard really bad things about the attitudes/customer service there before I went in, but didn't experience anything of the sort myself.

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

Why not just get a dual slalom bike? It will fit him now and later and in my opinion better than full suspension, and they are good daily riders. I would have him test ride one back to back with a FS. I had three bikes and just gave the cross country FS to my niece and nephew, I just always ride the hard tail. Just an idea.

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Discover in Hood River is a great shop. Kurt owns it and one of their great mechanics is Keith, both are very good dudes.

trailboss · Since 08 Aug 2006 95 Posts HR

Are you thinking 24 inch wheels or is he big enough for 26 inch wheels? Not very many full suspension options in the 24" wheel size size. In the 24 inch size hard tail I don't think anyone makes a better XC type bike than Scott:

Super high end 22lbs
http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10066/56117/218024

More reasonable 26 lbs
http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10066/56125/218026

For real Full suspension DH bikes in the 24" wheel size I think that Kona is making the best one:
http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=stinky_2-4

At 26 inches there is every option in the world with all kinds of companies making great bikes. Probably women's bikes are what you want for someone his size. I think Giant makes the best one that comes in XS:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypher/7328/44141/

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster