Bike for 12 yr old boy, choices . . . Fuji, G.F.?

[CT-CT-CT]

Looking to ditch my future stepson's Dept. Store Special for an entry level hardtail . . . .

Yearly tune-up and maintainence at N/C is key!!


Here are the choices . . .

Fuji Odessa 2.0 from LBS of choice
http://fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=316&subcat=2

Gary Fisher Tarpon from different LBS
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/tarpon

Raleigh Mojave 2.0 from different LBS
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/mojave-20/

The price point is $300.00 out-the-door, so far the Fuji has the edge there. Anyone have expericnce with any of these??

Dave

[Ripp]

I'd say the choice is somewhat obvious by the info you posted. Bike shop of choice.

My 10 yr old nephew (who I took riding today!) has a Jamis Ranger 24" bike that seems to be a decent starter bike, even though it weighs more than my f/s Stumpjumper. But since that isn't one of your choices I can't really recommend it.

The spec is of little difference to a first time rider, so as long as the brakes stop the bike, and the gears shift there is little practical difference. I say buy from the shop you prefer.

[singletrackmind]

those fuji forks are junk.

Consider the upgrade-ability of each bike. How into biking is he. Do you think he will really get into it or do you just want to get the kid a bike?

[dirtworshipper]

Get him whichever he thinks most awesomest. It doesn't really matter which one you like, if he's not excited about it he won't ride it...

[Old Wrench]

Agreed! At that price point, there is not much difference. If he picks it, he'll want to ride it.

[CT-CT-CT]

those fuji forks are junk.

Consider the upgrade-ability of each bike. How into biking is he. Do you think he will really get into it or do you just want to get the kid a bike?

he wants to hit the dirt jump trails across the street. he has only been riding about 2yrs (learned when he was 10), so for now I see the bike mostly at ground level. lets learn to ride first. jump later. he can get into it - we do short trail rides and he takes my old Mongoose. problems are #1) low budget of $300 and #2) the fact that he is growing fast......dont want to stretch the budget so he can grow out of the bike in a year. #3) I dont want him to inherit my old bike,planning a winter project for it, and would like him to have front suspension. He may actually be happier with a BMX bike ...we will see. may hit the LBS on friday.

[gti2k2000]

Go with the LBS and get a bike that fits him. If he's not comfortable on it, he won't ride it. Components should be OK for a while and you'll likely have to get another bike within a couple years anyway.

[rockhound]

I wish they would go back to selling lower end bikes without front suspension...to get a little better components.

Then you could always add your older fork to it if you wanted...

[CT-CT-CT]

Go with the LBS and get a bike that fits him. If he's not comfortable on it, he won't ride it. Components should be OK for a while and you'll likely have to get another bike within a couple years anyway.

went to LBS and he picked out a 2008 Fuji Odessa hardtail, black and red with a basic suspension fork. Special order job, will have within two weeks.

While we were there, his 8 yr old sister stated that she wanted to ride trails also. She picked out a used Specialized 24" mtn bike , black and red flames,because her pink and purple girl bike is too "girly". lol....

now all I need is for my son to learn-he is almost there! balance problems..

[RacerK]

he wants to hit the dirt jump trails across the street. he has only been riding about 2yrs (learned when he was 10), so for now I see the bike mostly at ground level. lets learn to ride first. jump later. he can get into it - we do short trail rides and he takes my old Mongoose.

You might want to let him check out the jumps right away, even just to roll around... to keep him inspired.

Already you get the future-stepdad of the year award!