Newbie Looking for a MTB for a 11yo

[daazzaa]

Hi Guys/Gals
Hopefully will not take up too much of your time. As the subject says, little riding to school, more riding back and forwards to mates places and some weekend dirt riding. No hardcore riding at this stage. So after a good simple MTB, don't need all the bells and whistles but not really after another Kmart special that falls to bits after a year.

Anyway still toying with the idea of new vs old. New will give some piece of mind, old will be much cheaper but may need work etc.

New ones I'm looking at
http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/2015/mtb-trail/whistler/whistler-27r-40.html#chapter-5
https://www.anacondastores.com/cycling/ ... n-bikes/...
http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/ ... l/whistl...
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/boulder
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/atx-2

or 2ndhand ones
2007 Avanti Atomic Disc, in real good condition, apparently just needs a new rear derailleur (Alivio). Supposedly around $150 (100 for parts and 50 for labour) to fix? Sound about right for that bike? Could I still get the derailleur for it considering it is nearly 10 years old?
2006 Giant Yukon once again old, but in real good knick by pictures, nothing needs to be done supposedly. How much should I be spending on these nearly 10 yo bikes in VGC?

Which way to go ??

Cheers

 

[pink poodle]

You have excellent literacy skills for an 11 year old Dazzler. Keep up the studies.

Also consider buying a nice dj bike. Something like a norco 125. Loads of fun.

 

[scblack]

My daughter is 11yo also. She has a Giant Boulder (W) and is going fine with it. For what you need it will be reliable, not too expensive and will last for a few years. You cannot go too wrong with a Giant.

At your age, I'd suggest unless someone you know has GOOD bike mechanic ability, stick with something new. Then you don't end up with a shagged bike that requires constant attention and costly replacements.

 

[cokeonspecialtwodollars]

...don't need all the bells and whistles...

If you're in NSW you will, it's the "law".

Also for new stuff check out the range from Apollo, Fuji and Haro. The have some good spec and well priced bikes at the moment.

 

[mooboyj]

My wife is 155cm and has a Giant Boulder Disk.

I replaced the mechanical disk brakes with hydraulics and converted it to 1x9 (my wife hated lots of gears).

She uses it for riding along the bike track on the weekend with me and has even gone on a blue trail social mtb ride.

 

[mooboyj]

Or is this for a boy?

 

[daazzaa]

You have excellent literacy skills for an 11 year old Dazzler. Keep up the studies.

Also consider buying a nice dj bike. Something like a norco 125. Loads of fun.

LOL, no I'm the grey, aging father, not an 11yo! After more of a MTB, arent the norco 125's more a jumps bike and too expensive!

 

[daazzaa]

Or is this for a boy?

Yes it is.

 

[daazzaa]

My daughter is 11yo also. She has a Giant Boulder (W) and is going fine with it. For what you need it will be reliable, not too expensive and will last for a few years. You cannot go too wrong with a Giant.

At your age, I'd suggest unless someone you know has GOOD bike mechanic ability, stick with something new. Then you don't end up with a shagged bike that requires constant attention and costly replacements.

Wish I was still 11 Haha

 

[scblack]

Wish I was still 11 Haha

Ditto.

Still, I would suggest a new bike unless someone has the skills to properly maintain his bike. Otherwise it can be a costly and frustrating exercise for a youngster not being able to ride properly.

 

[Pebble]

Giant bikes are usually pretty good value for money, although I have noticed value for money seems a little lower compared to a few years ago when we were shopping for bikes for our kids.

The ATX2 could be worth considering instead of the Boulder (depending on your budget) main reason being that it comes with disc brakes (so disc compatible wheels etc) and 100mm travel fork (compared to the Bouder which has shorter travel fork and v brakes). These things just make it easier if you did want to upgrade bits in the future, and it's not a huge amount of extra $$ to outlay.

Don't forget a good lock for him to use, don't want the pride and joy stolen!

 

[pink poodle]

LOL, no I'm the grey, aging father, not an 11yo! After more of a MTB, arent the norco 125's more a jumps bike and too expensive!

You'll pick up a second hand 125 (or similar) in good condition for around $500-800 depending. The 125 is quite light, and having only 1 speed and robust parts you should be in for a lot less breakdowns and maintenance. Also it isn't going to be long before the bike starts hucking gutters and stairs.

As SC says, buying new should buy you less head aches. There is a shop in my town that does excellent ongoing free servicing, which is perfect for family bike owners.

Bike exchange is an excellent way to see what is available new and the pricing.

 

[daazzaa]

Giant bikes are usually pretty good value for money, although I have noticed value for money seems a little lower compared to a few years ago when we were shopping for bikes for our kids.

The ATX2 could be worth considering instead of the Boulder (depending on your budget) main reason being that it comes with disc brakes (so disc compatible wheels etc) and 100mm travel fork (compared to the Bouder which has shorter travel fork and v brakes). These things just make it easier if you did want to upgrade bits in the future, and it's not a huge amount of extra $$ to outlay.

Don't forget a good lock for him to use, don't want the pride and joy stolen!

Thanks Pebble, appreciate explaining if I spend a bit more, less upgrades in the future, didn't even enter my mind,

Good lock? Never had a need for a 100 kmart special! Good point again.

 

[daazzaa]

You'll pick up a second hand 125 (or similar) in good condition for around $500-800 depending. The 125 is quite light, and having only 1 speed and robust parts you should be in for a lot less breakdowns and maintenance. Also it isn't going to be long before the bike starts hucking gutters and stairs.

As SC says, buying new should buy you less head aches. There is a shop in my town that does excellent ongoing free servicing, which is perfect for family bike owners.

Bike exchange is an excellent way to see what is available new and the pricing.

He already has a single speed half decent BMX thus the reason after a geared MTB, quite like the look of the 125's though.
Ongoing free servicing, now that's an awesome deal!

Can anyone recommend/comment on the Focus Whistler 4.0, looks a very smart bike with what I think is good specs.

 

[bennyp1]

My young fella has a specialised pitch in xs. Got it for his 9th bday. 3x8. 80 mm travel 27.5 wheels. He loves it. However I do feel that the 27.5 is a bit large. If I had my way again I would be looking for an extra small 26 in bike with air forks etc to get the weight as low as poss. Buuuut I can do some of my own work and have people and a helpful shop who will help me.

The main thing is to get the sizing correct. That is the best and worst thing about buying new. All the shops seem to want to put the kids on big bikes because they have 27.5s when 26 would prob be better.

My 2c which with the current conversion rate is probably only worth about .25c in reality.

He absolutely loves it by the way.

 

[daazzaa]

My young fella has a specialised pitch in xs. Got it for his 9th bday. 3x8. 80 mm travel 27.5 wheels. He loves it. However I do feel that the 27.5 is a bit large. If I had my way again I would be looking for an extra small 26 in bike with air forks etc to get the weight as low as poss. Buuuut I can do some of my own work and have people and a helpful shop who will help me.

The main thing is to get the sizing correct. That is the best and worst thing about buying new. All the shops seem to want to put the kids on big bikes because they have 27.5s when 26 would prob be better.

My 2c which with the current conversion rate is probably only worth about .25c in reality.

He absolutely loves it by the way.

Thanks Bennyp1,

In the end bit the bullet and bought brand new. Others suggested 2ndhand, just couldn't find one in the short timeframe that didn't need something done to it etc. Bought Focus Whistler 4.0. More than I was wanting pay for, but seems to be a nice bike. 27.5 wheels, Small frame (they tried to get him into a medium, but would be 6 months away from been confident on it due to been just a little to big), hydraulic brakes, deore rear etc. Hasn't been off it since he got it!

Anyone got a few suggestions for cleaning chain, gears, frame etc. Good products for cleaning, products not to use etc ? Do and donts? etc

Cheers

 

[fridgie]

I use muc off. Light spray to wet bike down, spray with muc off and use a brush on chain and cassette etc. Just use a rag on rest of bike. Then a light hose off to rinse, depending on time I either chamois dry or use the air compressor (or both).

2.5yrs later and bike looks like this

 

[pink poodle]

Thanks Bennyp1,

In the end bit the bullet and bought brand new. Others suggested 2ndhand, just couldn't find one in the short timeframe that didn't need something done to it etc. Bought Focus Whistler 4.0. More than I was wanting pay for, but seems to be a nice bike. 27.5 wheels, Small frame (they tried to get him into a medium, but would be 6 months away from been confident on it due to been just a little to big), hydraulic brakes, deore rear etc. Hasn't been off it since he got it!

Anyone got a few suggestions for cleaning chain, gears, frame etc. Good products for cleaning, products not to use etc ? Do and donts? etc

Cheers

Sounds like a win. Fine tuning can be worried about down the road, you have a solid starting point.

For cleaning I just use whatever I do the dishes with and a banister brush. Light hose, get the suds all over, light hose. Get the chain and cassette really sudsy. If the chain is particularly dirty I throw WD-40 (or similar) on it and leave it for a while, outside...it will make a mess! Clean off the WD-40 and apply lube of choice. For me that is either a silicone based spray on or some magical Pedros' goo I've had for years.

To give the frame a really sexy look...after.cleaning give it a coat of tyre shine, silicone spray, Mr sheen, cut n polish, bee's wax...whatever you have a liking for. Just don't get any on the brake rotors!!!

If you have really troublesome goo, try metho. But be careful. Very careful.

My young fella has a specialised pitch in xs. Got it for his 9th bday. 3x8. 80 mm travel 27.5 wheels. He loves it. However I do feel that the 27.5 is a bit large. If I had my way again I would be looking for an extra small 26 in bike with air forks etc to get the weight as low as poss. Buuuut I can do some of my own work and have people and a helpful shop who will help me.

The main thing is to get the sizing correct. That is the best and worst thing about buying new. All the shops seem to want to put the kids on big bikes because they have 27.5s when 26 would prob be better.

My 2c which with the current conversion rate is probably only worth about .25c in reality.

He absolutely loves it by the way.

Shorter stem and narrower bars would likely make a huge difference. He looks to be at maximum arms' reach. Good to see another happy mountain biker!

 

[daazzaa]

Thanks Pink Poodle
When you say clean with WD-40 is this just plain WD-40 or a WD-40 for bikes? Or a WD-40 degreaser?
I see Aldi soon are having WD-40 Bike specific products on sale $8 for a WD-40 Bike Chain Lube 150g or WD-40 Bike Degreaser 200g. Good price and products? Or better products around?

Sounds like a win. Fine tuning can be worried about down the road, you have a solid starting point.

For cleaning I just use whatever I do the dishes with and a banister brush. Light hose, get the suds all over, light hose. Get the chain and cassette really sudsy. If the chain is particularly dirty I throw WD-40 (or similar) on it and leave it for a while, outside...it will make a mess! Clean off the WD-40 and apply lube of choice. For me that is either a silicone based spray on or some magical Pedros' goo I've had for years.

To give the frame a really sexy look...after.cleaning give it a coat of tyre shine, silicone spray, Mr sheen, cut n polish, bee's wax...whatever you have a liking for. Just don't get any on the brake rotors!!!

If you have really troublesome goo, try metho. But be careful. Very careful.



Shorter stem and narrower bars would likely make a huge difference. He looks to be at maximum arms' reach. Good to see another happy mountain biker!

 

[pink poodle]

Thanks Pink Poodle
When you say clean with WD-40 is this just plain WD-40 or a WD-40 for bikes? Or a WD-40 degreaser?
I see Aldi soon are having WD-40 Bike specific products on sale $8 for a WD-40 Bike Chain Lube 150g or WD-40 Bike Degreaser 200g. Good price and products? Or better products around?

I just use the regular every day WD-40. I have never tried any of their other products, but of their texture is similar to the original I think it may be a little too icky for trail riding. Oily lubes can hold dirt and grit onto the chain really well. That is why I use the silicone spray. It does need replacing a bit more often though.