MTB for a 12yr old?
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] MTB for a 12yr old?

12 Posts
11 Users
0 Reactions
70 Views
Posts: 14410
Free Member
Topic starter
 

My nephew needs a new bike, he's 12, just over 5ft and obviously still growing. I was thinking Isla Bikes Beinn 26 size large but it'll only last him a year or so at his age.
Any ideas which bike to get with "growing room"?

I think he wants a new bike but I reckon 2nd hand is better, as it'll only last a few years at best
thanks


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 11:53 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

My eldest is 12 and I have recently bought him a second hand commencal (26" wheels, small frame). Should last him a couple of years and only cost £200.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 11:56 am
Posts: 14410
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks eskay

Anyone got an XS or S 26" full bike for sale near West Yorkshire??


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 12:06 pm
 nbt
Posts: 12381
Full Member
 

I'd consider a 14" or even 16" on-one inbred - or scandal if you can get your hands on one


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 12:10 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

My son is now 11, and I've just got him an XS Rockhopper (from eBay) which is a good size with a shorter lower stem and some narrower and completely flat bars. I also looked at Mykas as they seem very nicely proportioned in XS. The XS Rockhopper as now set up is very similar in size to his Islabikes Beinn 26 S - reach and seat height - but the front end is still a fair bit higher. Hopefully it will last him a while with a few tweaks to bars and stem as he grows.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 12:11 pm
Posts: 17209
Full Member
 

14" Kona Blast was our choice. Heavy forks but otherwise excellent. See if you can fins something used. These are small frames and often discounted or slow to sell.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 12:20 pm
Posts: 14410
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Any more ideas gratefully received ......


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 4:45 pm
Posts: 412
Free Member
 

I picked up a 2008 xs kona shred from crc for £300. My 5'3 wife loves it.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 4:54 pm
Posts: 3588
Full Member
 

My not quite 11 year old (medium height for his age) is easily riding a 14" Inbred off road with short susp fork and short stem. If your nephew can fit a 16" then that should last a while.

It is a bit of a lump with fairly hefty frame tubes (presumably so it passes fatigue tests for heavier riders than just kids). So maybe just be careful what parts you fit to avoid it getting too heavy.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 5:16 pm
 br
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i]I think he wants a new bike but I reckon 2nd hand is better, as it'll only last a few years at best
thanks [/i]

Which is at least a year longer than a lot of adults on here keep a bike...

Don't assume he'll grow that quick, and you can always just stick a longer seat post in and wider bars on. Or buy 24" wheels too and run them first.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 5:18 pm
Posts: 45504
Free Member
 

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/what-bike-for-5-foot-tall-12-year-old

See the pics in my post in that thread...


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 7:36 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

13" or 14" Cube (Acid) for my now 11 year old. When I was looking the cubes had the most compact geometry I could find, particularly TT and standover. He's had it for ~2 years and aside from trimming the bars and fitting a shorter stem, it's been great (forks are a bit crap - recon coil, air is much better for kids). He's 1 M 55 ish now and still has lots of growing room.


 
Posted : 08/05/2013 7:55 pm
Posts: 188
Full Member
 

My 11 year old, who is tall, is riding an XS Giant Trance, has had it for a few years now. Really good weight.
My 13 year old is on a small stuntjumper fsr, also had it for a few years.

Both secondhand and both have been to the alps on them.


 
Posted : 09/05/2013 12:24 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!