What kind of mountain bike should i buy for my 13 year old son?

Question

what should i buy a $200 diamond bike or a $125 mongoose

he is real experinced

Answer 1

if your son really enjoys riding, then he deserves a real bike. hes only 13, so don't blow his college fund! take him to the local bike shop, and get him a bike like a specialized hardrock. they'll fit him to the frame, and make sure he's comfortable with the bike before he brings it home! you may pay a little more, but you'll pay less down the road when a cheaper bike starts falling apart. don't get the $125 mongoose. if he's really into trails, it wont hold up!

Answer 2

I agree with the first poster, if your son is experienced neither a diamondback nor a mongoose will do (those are department store brands, and designed mostly for young kids that never take their mountain bikes off the pavement).

There are inexpensive mountain bikes made by companies with great reputations; Giant, Raleigh, Cannondale, and Specialized all come to mind. My advice would be to do some research (for example, you should find out how you son plans on using his bike, bc different bikes are suited better to different types of trails), and to talk to your local bike shop, they should be willing to answer any questions you may have without pressuring you into a sale. Also, buy used, you are guaranteed to get a better deal, and a used specialized beats 5 brand new mongooses hands down!