My 11 year old rides greens and easier blues (for now). I’m looking to get him a bike that will last him a few years. The Rockhopper Expert seems like a good option for him since the front suspension can be tuned to his weight. On sale for $799, is that bike a good deal or are there other bikes, similar in price and function, that I should consider?
by Boots135
7 Comments
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I’d really look for something used. Entry hardtails are pretty easy to find. I’d be concerned about him growing out of the size considering preteen to teen growth spurts can be 6”.
I started both my kids on this bike and it worked great. It’s a little heavy but it’s built solid and worked great for them. They only rode it for about a year before I traded them back in for stump jumpers.
Yes, it’s what I started on 13 years ago and rode for 2 years before buying a FS.
If high school racing is a thing by you, ask one of the coaches. There’s a good chance that there is a 14 year old on the team that just grew out of what you’re looking for and will want to pass it on.
Both my boy and girl had one of these bikes.My boy has upgraded to a 29r. My daughter’s over the years got a few upgrades. It’s still going strong seven years later.
I got my son a similar bike at 11, just the trek version. It was the Marlin 6 gen 3. He is on his second year and I am sure we can get a third out of it. I like it better than the one displayed because 29inch wheels are big for a youngin’.