Kids first freestyle bike.
07-16-23, 06:32 AM
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Kids first freestyle bike.
Hey all, I'm new to the group. So I'm in the market for a a first freestyle bike for my 11yo son. Looking for something with front and rear brakes and a rotor. Not sure what recommendations would be or what to stay away from. I found an online store with a nice price on a Haro Shredder DLX Pro and wondered what your opinions are on this option or if you have other suggestions as well as tour favorite online bike stores to deal with. Our buget is sub 500.
Thanks in advance! And any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance! And any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Last edited by Sport_Rider; 07-16-23 at 06:41 AM. Reason: Add price
07-16-23, 07:03 AM
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I had the same budget - but brakes were not a concern. My kid didn’t want any at all and ripped the rear brake off.
I wanted to get him the spinner… I had one back in the day. No brakes seems to be the cool thing to do now.
During Covid times bikes were 1+ year out, I got lucky and found him a redline Recon for $450… I just looked at the redline site and many bikes are 50% off. The higher spec bikes are now in the $400 range.
Its been a good bike - heavy and could use a lighter set of wheels, but it’s a good starter bike.
I wanted to get him the spinner… I had one back in the day. No brakes seems to be the cool thing to do now.
During Covid times bikes were 1+ year out, I got lucky and found him a redline Recon for $450… I just looked at the redline site and many bikes are 50% off. The higher spec bikes are now in the $400 range.
Its been a good bike - heavy and could use a lighter set of wheels, but it’s a good starter bike.
07-17-23, 06:57 AM
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LMAO. At least a couple of times a month we get a parent in the shop irate at "how dare we sell a bike like this..."
Bikes get "customized" and parts get swapped almost immediatly after leaving the shop, and the look on little Timmy's face when he sheepishly says "I did that" under his breath is priceless...
Bikes get "customized" and parts get swapped almost immediatly after leaving the shop, and the look on little Timmy's face when he sheepishly says "I did that" under his breath is priceless...
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10-23-23, 01:37 PM
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I wonder at what age kids can start riding such bikes. Also did your kids ride anything else before? I mean did they have bobby cars, ride-on bikes, etc.?
I'm asking because it seems that such things teach children how to balance that helps them in the future.
I'm asking because it seems that such things teach children how to balance that helps them in the future.
10-23-23, 03:10 PM
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My child got her first bicycle when she was just 3.5 years old, and it was a simple yet reliable model from the Puky brand. She quickly learned to ride it and had so much fun with it. Before that, she had an electric car from the Kids VIP shop, and it was truly an amazing experience for her. These electric cars are not only loads of fun but also made with high-quality materials, which set them apart from many of the kids' vehicles you find on Amazon. It's reassuring to know that she's enjoying safe and durable toys that enhance her playtime.
Last edited by lex further; 10-25-23 at 04:48 AM.
10-24-23, 09:43 AM
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one of the first bmx bikes my youngest rode was this Hoffman Scarab - has 18” wheels so a tad smaller than typical 20” wheel bike … I believe he was around 8 yrs old at the time (?)
after that bike / point - he rode standard BMX bikes … BMX racers … MTBs … but no freestyle bikes
10-24-23, 04:53 PM
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The Shredder is a nice sub $500 bike and any 11yo would be ecstatic to get one. Nice black paint/chrome fork & bars.
Don't know why he would need rotor brakes because at under $500 the quality would be suspect. IMO if he needs more stopping power swap the oem pads for a set of Kool-Stops (the clear ones). They squeal like a pig but can stop on a dime. Most BMX riders only use the brake to scrub off some speed. Some don't even have them. However, if your son needs a front brake, a complete kit can be had for ~$50.
Ensure he tries it for size before committing to purchase...
10-25-23, 09:56 PM
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If your kid is like me when I was 11, make sure he wears a helmet, and wears it right. Also, make sure you are up to date on your family’s health and dental insurance. In my BMX days I managed to break a couple bones, get a concussion which gave me amnesia for a few days, and knocked out 3 of my teeth. Wearing a cast in school is a great way to meet girls.
