£150 flat bar recommendations for a friend's teenager

[Watchman]

My friend's lad isn't really into cycling but my friend is trying to encourage his family to get outside more often and wishes to buy the lad a suitable bike.

My friend has a budget of £150. The bike could be an MTB or hybrid. The lad is 14yo and is about 5'6" so needs a small/medium frame, 26" or 700c wheels. It will only be used for cycling to school and weekends on bike paths.

I've only mentioned an MTB because there are more of them for sale 2nd hand but it'll never get used for any mountainous riding.

I've found a few contenders on Ebay for him to look-over but I wondered if anyone here has any "must see" recommendations. My friend lives in north Birmingham and is prepared to travel up to 25 miles to collect.

TIA.

[richardxjr]

These are supposed to be alright. Rigid fork would be better, but at least you can wind some of the bouncyness out. Choice of colours, medium, free delivery or stores in the Midlands.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-340-mountain-...

[Watchman]

Nice one. Thanks for that. I had forgotten about Decathlon and BTwin. Another friend has a Btwin which is a perfectly OK machine. The frame's good enough to support minor upgrades too.

My friend loves the orange one, and is going to the Wednesbury shop tonight to check them out.

Thanks again.