24inch Kids MTB?

[halo34]

Ok guys struggling with this one a bit.

Anyone got any recommendations for a MTB - around 200-300 quid for a 9 yr old.

He has some skills but wants to do some of the blue runs and single track, needs something a bit better than he has now.

My preference is disc brakes so any help would be appreciated!

[snotrag]

Wont be many/any with disc brakes.

Best 'proper' kids bikes are Specialized, Giant and Ridgeback. Giant do a very pimpy looking mini XTC is 24" flavour. Specialized even do an FSR (bit like a baby epic).

All have V brakes as far as I'm aware.

[Nick_F]

Isla bikes supposed to be excellent. My daughter's 24" Felt has bosses for conversion to discs, but upgrading to lighter wheels and forks would probably be more useful - childrens' bikes weigh a ton.

[WildCards]

I've just bought my lad a Spesh Hotrock 24. Almost identical situation as he's 9 and wants to start doing some more serious riding. The bike doesn't have discs, but I personally don't think is a big deal as he weighs bugger all and the bike is very light by comparison to others we tried. Head angle is good though, not too twitchy, very controllable and the standopver is excellent with the swept frame design, means he's gets alot of confidence from riding it down steps and over rough stuff.

ETA - http://www.webstersbikes.co.uk/products.php?plid=m...

Edited by WildCards on Monday 11th May 09:58

[longblackcoat]

I've got my son a Scott Scale Jr with 24" wheels. It's got V-brakes rather than discs, but he only weighs 4 stone so it's not the biggest problem in the world. Twistgrips rather than trigger shifters are good, and the suspension fork does work reasonably well, to my surprise.

I managed to pick it up for about £280 and have had no issues - it's the lightest I could find and he loves it.

[halo34]

Thanks Guys - the specialised was on the list...

Couple of Kona bikes might take a look at from the Kona world site - on reflection the disc brake thing is no big deal.

In fact its more to go wrong really given the abuse its given and might just add to the possibility of an over the bars moment.

Its also my motivation to get out again on my bike - I have a Santa Cruz Chameleon crying out to be ridden after some back problems so teaching him is a good way of easing back into it.

Will report back once I make a choice!