You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Offspring #01 has a little Scandal/Reba?XT thing that is looking like it has got the point of being uneconomic. Going to need a rear wheel, rear mech and suspect the dropouts screws are beyond help. Not to mention XT front brake leaking somewhere in the caliper.
I suggested that the money might be better spent on a new bike. He said he would prefer something similar to the one he has and not a full suspension trail bike. Looked at the big brands and they seem only to have XC race bikes and leisure bikes.
Any suggestions for a 5'6'' kid with no mechanical sympathy and a Dad with short arms and deep pockets?
Nobody wanting to help spend my money? Maybe I should marry you lot.
Always thought the Voodo Nzumbi looked like a good kids bike
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-nzumbi-mountain-bike-26-wheel
What age is he? Is about to go through a massive growth spurt? I bought my at the time 5"3" 14 yr old son a decent 16" hardtail and he outgrew it in a year. Luckily I have 2 others who are happy with good quality hand me downs for the minute.
Going to need a rear wheel,
For a 29er, should be peanuts. New or second hand.
Rear Mech
Again, if 10 speed, should be able to get a new or very good deore or slx for a tenner.
Dropout screws
Droput screws must be non-one off? Take it to a DIY shop. Or ask On One?
Front Brake
Chain reaction were chucking our M395 for £20. Bike discount.de about the same.
I'd replace what you have. And if nothing else, you will sell that bike for more than the cost of fitting those.
https://www.sprocketscycles.com/saracen-mantra-pro-hardtail-mountain-bike-2018
Check that out good little bike for the money
or this
https://www.sprocketscycles.com/saracen-zenith-29er-hardtail-mountain-bike-2018
Thanks for the advice all. A quick update:
Rear wheel. Salvaged I think. Shimano WH-MT75 rear hub seems fine after a new set of balls and a fettle. Even the gear change seems to be OK after that. I wonder if the two were connected. It may even have been the fact that someone with some mechanical sympathy fitted the rear wheel.
Front brake is bollocks though. 100% leaking caliper. There was a thread on here where someone had split the caliper and fitted a new O ring with seeming success. Buggered if I can find it now though. As someone rightly said I can get a Deore one cheap enough or get myself a nice set of Hopes and pass a set of newer XT down.
Will now look into sorting out the dropout screws. Fairly sure they are just chainring bolts. This is non urgent as there is no movement/play in the dropout.
In all I think it will see him through till he outgrows it. He is due a growth spurt and will likely be in a large when it comes.