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max3333
I have a 8 year old son who wants a "mountain bike" for his birthday. I would like to purchase a pair of bikes for myself and him to use. I have 15 acres of property that I would like to use these bikes on. It is mostly flat grassland but there is rough terrain and some 10 to 15-foot hills to ride over. These bikes will not be used on the street. Any suggestions on what type and brand of bikes for beginners(adult and kid)that can be purchased reasonably? For occasional use that can take a beating? Thanks for any suggestions.
Answer
For this terrain, one would suggest a "Double Boinger" or in other words, a full suspension mountain bike.
These can be quite expensive, so one may substitute a "regular" mountain bike, also called a hardtail. These have front shocks and no rear suspension, and they cost a lot less.
Make up the difference by using a springer saddle or a suspension seatpost. Either seatpost or springer saddle will cost about $20 each bike, so this method is far less expensive than a "Double Boinger" style.
At the $20 price range, the springer saddle is more reliable technology, and they were once considered a "required" part of the enjoyment of cycling. Bike shops have quite a variety and so does www.bikepartsusa.com and amazon.com. Avoid the "Web Spring" or "Mattress" variety and just go with the easy and simple two steel spring or two rubber spring sort to get some very enjoyable results.
While it is best to purchase your bikes from a real bike store, Schwinn and Diamondback will always give you usable quality bikes with name brand components at every price point. So, if you get a very cheap bike, do make sure it is one of those two brands. These can be found at Target in a limited selection of size ranges, but if you're taller than 5'10" then its off to the bike store with you. ;)
Lower priced options exist, but will cost you a great deal in repairs and lost enjoyment.
IMPORTANT: The point of sizing is to get a bike that makes you WANT to go cycling. Don't settle for less than that.
IMPORTANT: In any case, make certain that the rear derailer has the name "Shimano" or the name "SRAM" printed directly on it.
For your son. Get him as large a bike as he can stand over with at least an inch "clearance" to the top tube. It is not important if he can reach the ground from the seat, as that's not correct seat adjustment anyway--legs need to straighten fully when pedaling. Just make sure that he can stand over it and that it doesn't look like a toy.
For you, the same sizing applies, but for a different reason. Make sure that the bike is large enough to give you a comfortable reach for the handlebars.
While it is possible to re-size (UP) the $139 Schwinn mountain bike, the cost of the stem riser adapter and stronger seat post, plus installation, may inflate the price of the bike up to a bike-store-bike price, and you might as well just get the right size to start with. That's why I said that if you're over 5'10" then you really do need to go to the bike store. A Diamondback, Raliegh, or Schwinn dealer can still get you a good price.
For this terrain, one would suggest a "Double Boinger" or in other words, a full suspension mountain bike.
These can be quite expensive, so one may substitute a "regular" mountain bike, also called a hardtail. These have front shocks and no rear suspension, and they cost a lot less.
Make up the difference by using a springer saddle or a suspension seatpost. Either seatpost or springer saddle will cost about $20 each bike, so this method is far less expensive than a "Double Boinger" style.
At the $20 price range, the springer saddle is more reliable technology, and they were once considered a "required" part of the enjoyment of cycling. Bike shops have quite a variety and so does www.bikepartsusa.com and amazon.com. Avoid the "Web Spring" or "Mattress" variety and just go with the easy and simple two steel spring or two rubber spring sort to get some very enjoyable results.
While it is best to purchase your bikes from a real bike store, Schwinn and Diamondback will always give you usable quality bikes with name brand components at every price point. So, if you get a very cheap bike, do make sure it is one of those two brands. These can be found at Target in a limited selection of size ranges, but if you're taller than 5'10" then its off to the bike store with you. ;)
Lower priced options exist, but will cost you a great deal in repairs and lost enjoyment.
IMPORTANT: The point of sizing is to get a bike that makes you WANT to go cycling. Don't settle for less than that.
IMPORTANT: In any case, make certain that the rear derailer has the name "Shimano" or the name "SRAM" printed directly on it.
For your son. Get him as large a bike as he can stand over with at least an inch "clearance" to the top tube. It is not important if he can reach the ground from the seat, as that's not correct seat adjustment anyway--legs need to straighten fully when pedaling. Just make sure that he can stand over it and that it doesn't look like a toy.
For you, the same sizing applies, but for a different reason. Make sure that the bike is large enough to give you a comfortable reach for the handlebars.
While it is possible to re-size (UP) the $139 Schwinn mountain bike, the cost of the stem riser adapter and stronger seat post, plus installation, may inflate the price of the bike up to a bike-store-bike price, and you might as well just get the right size to start with. That's why I said that if you're over 5'10" then you really do need to go to the bike store. A Diamondback, Raliegh, or Schwinn dealer can still get you a good price.
what kind of dirt bike should I get my son?
Allison B
Looking for a decent beginners bike for my 4 year old son. Any advice on what kind to get him? I know nothing about the different brands of dirt bikes, and I don't want to end up with a piece of crap... Any advice would be appreciated!
Answer
Yes the Honda CRF 50 aka XR 50 is the most reliable bike out there. It will last for many years. The Yamaha PW 50 also works very well for smaller kids. Both have training wheel kits etc. just buy the newest bike you can afford. Do not by imported stuff from China. Make sure if buying used that to CRF 50 was not owned by a teen, many riders use the CRF 50 for a pit / play bike. My son has both of these bikes he loves his PW the best,it is a little smaller. The PW is a Two stroke oil injection, the CRF is a four stroke straight gas. The PW is one speed the CRF is a three speed. Both have automatic type clutches.
Yes the Honda CRF 50 aka XR 50 is the most reliable bike out there. It will last for many years. The Yamaha PW 50 also works very well for smaller kids. Both have training wheel kits etc. just buy the newest bike you can afford. Do not by imported stuff from China. Make sure if buying used that to CRF 50 was not owned by a teen, many riders use the CRF 50 for a pit / play bike. My son has both of these bikes he loves his PW the best,it is a little smaller. The PW is a Two stroke oil injection, the CRF is a four stroke straight gas. The PW is one speed the CRF is a three speed. Both have automatic type clutches.
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