What bike to get an 11 yr old boy

[Fimbo]

My son has been riding progressively larger child size MTBs as he's grown up, as has my younger daughter. They aren't prolific users, they potter around where we live but I enjoy cycling so, of course, come the weekend if the sun is out we'll mooch along the tracks and lanes to a local pub and back. This activity influenced us towards buying MTBs rather than any other style of bike. My son has now outgrown his MTB and so we went to the bike shop to discuss a replacement. I just assumed it would be another MTB but my son is trying to persuade me to buy him a BMX. I dont think its suitable because it lacks pretty much everything he uses on his current bike (lightweight Alu frame, 21 gears and front sus.) but id rather he used whatever bike we get him than have something he doesn't really want (but I like) gathering dust. He's growing up and is of an age where appearance is important to him (without being vain) and I guess being seen on BMX with his mates and playing in the bike park is a part of that.

Anyone here been through something similar and any thoughts on what to do?

[wildoliver]

BMX without doubt, he will enjoy it a hell of a lot more.

[DrMekon]

BMX.

Don't get a cheap one. If you don't know what a good one is, ask on here.

[ChrisMCoupe]

Is 11 too young for the n+1 principle? Surely there is a time and a place for a BMW and mountain bike

In all seriousness, get him what he wants, he will ride it more.

[MrAdaam]

ChrisMCoupe said:

Is 11 too young for the n+1 principle? Surely there is a time and a place for a BMW and mountain bike

In all seriousness, get him what he wants, he will ride it more.

[ecsrobin]

If he wants the BMX I'd get him that, alternatively have a look at a 24" cruiser. Like a BMX but slightly bigger for those longer journeys. I regret ever selling mine.

[DMN]

Also try to get one a little bigger than the correct size for him now, it'll last longer.

[Engineer1]

Work on the assuption that a 21 speed MTB in the garage is less use than a BMX he will ride everywhere he can, my parents always tried to go better than I asked for and generally got it wrong meaing a well meant gift wasn't as usable as the originally requested item.

[Dixie]

I'd go with what he wants. BMXs are fairly cheap by MTB standards. Maybe even look at getting a second hand one to see how he gets on with it.

MTB wise. When I was 12 I bought a 17.5" Marin (a 91 Bear Valley SE) that fitted me. at 35 I'd still buy a 17.5

[Fimbo]

thanks all. I'll try and steer the debate away from an n+1 discussion as my own position is indefensible! I like the idea of a cheap one out of the paper to see if it's all that he hopes it will be before taking the plunge with a more expensive one. I'll take up the suggestion of looking on here for recommendations but if any of you can direct me to a relevant link on that topic (bearing in mind how the search functions dont tend to work anymore) please do so.

Cheers.

[IroningMan]

Is the MTB on 26" wheels? If so then you can get him a BMX and just find a bigger frame for the MTB.

[Mrs BlueCerbera]

Not sure what 'n+1' means but I'm guessing MTB and BMX. At age 11 I think this has to be the way to go I'm afraid ! I have a 12 and an 11 year old. BMXs are very popular amongst their friends and if either mine wanted one I would definitely go that route as I like them to want to ride their bikes. However, in my experience they are bloomin' hard work when you want to go for a decent ride as a family so they need the MTB as well

Easy for me to say of course, my kids aren't trendy so only want their mountain bikes, its just me that would like them to have BMXs too