Best place to get a mtb for my growing 6 year old son

philstanbridge · 30 Dec 2016 at 11:21

I've promised a new bike to my son. But in reality I don't really know how best to do this. There are so many online shops. I need to get him measured ideally. Is it just a matter of taking his inside leg and then making sure his new bike has adjustable seat/handle bars or what? Where would you recommend getting one from? Is it best to see one in person, or risking one online? What about helmets etc? We don't want to spend a fortune either. So any advice would be welcome.

philstanbridge · 30 Dec 2016 at 12:41

Thanks to both of you. I'm in Troon. There was a shop here until very recently and apparently it has shut down. The competition must be insane. There is a reputable bike shop in Prestwick, and this is where i was thinking of taking him. But as my wife pointed out, they are probably more expensive than most other 'generic' bike sellers. I would rather he go see a specialist personally but we haven't got a huge budget, and at the end of the day money talks.

philstanbridge · 31 Dec 2016 at 18:58

Thanks. He's a very tall lad for his age which is another reason I want to get him measured properly. But I think I will give Halfords a shot.

philstanbridge · 5 Jan 2017 at 20:16

Popped into Halfords during the week. I had a look at a few of the bikes discussed here and Max likes the Carrera most of all. It was a 10.5" frame with 24" wheels. It fit him more or less perfectly, and appeared to have a good 6 inches growth in it (saddle and handlebars would be raised). It was aluminium, so nice and light, and had metal brakes and some front suspension if memory serves. I liked it quite a lot. Max was pretty keen too. I got him to try some of the other display models there. One was awful. Really heavy and clunky. What a difference. Also saw the new Wiggins bikes which looked bizarre. Still haven't decided what to do yet. The Carrera was £190, discounted from £240.

philstanbridge · 6 Jan 2017 at 09:26

Well that's what I did in Halfords. He isn't short either. I am 6ft 8" if that gives you an idea of how tall he will be

He will be 6 on the 13th Jan.

philstanbridge · 8 Jan 2017 at 13:56

Does anyone know about the Carrera Abyss Junior Hybrid. It's the bike I've been talking about here, but I can't find much online about them. In particular, I want to know if the handlebars can be moved to accommodate Max's growth. According to the sales chap I spoke to he mumbled that they could, but I've read online by one person that they can't. It's obviously a major issue for me. If the shop staff don't even know....