Tony P.

I'm looking for a 20" bike for my 7 year-old grandson and came across a 2006 Diamondback Octane, shown below. It's a low profile style which I like for young riders looking to MTB. However, my wife thinks the bike is a girl's style. Also, the color is periwinkle and I believe the 2006 boy's Octane is silver. If someone has access to the 2006 catalog I'd appreciate that input. Any other thoughts would be appreciated, as well.

Also, I'd appreciate comments on the Octane for a young rider recently off a 16" (too small) bike with training wheels.

BTW, I see the brake isn't threaded through the eyelet properly.

Thanks,
Tony

Gresp15C

My kids are now teenagers, but we went through a series of kids bikes. Most of the newer kids bikes are being made with more compact frames than what we saw in our generation. There may be an effort by the industry to merge boys and girls bikes, which don't really have a reason to be designed differently. Also, a bigger bike with a shorter frame gives more room to grow before you have to get a new bike.

Looks like the seatpost is all the way up, meaning it's been outgrown by its current rider.

So far as brands go, I've been quite happy with the quality of my Diamondback.

Lazyass

It's not girls specific. It's going to be a really heavy bike for a 7 year old, though.

Tony P.

I agree that Diamondback are typically heavy. I don't have much reliable information on older Octanes but do know they are aluminum, unlike most Diamondbacks. From information on other years, it appears Octanes weigh under 26 lbs.

Also, I was hoping to find a bike without suspension as I think it adds weight and doesn't do much for a child.