My son (14) has just started getting into riding bikes more frequently and wants to join his high school mountain bike club. The coach recommended getting him on a hardtail to teach him solid fundamentals. I’m opposed to him riding my Santa Cruz Bronson due to the cost of the bike alone. Ha.
Choice 1:
I’ve been looking at getting him onto a Trek Marlin 6 (Trek does 25% discount for team riders). $750 + tax brand new (free tune ups, warranty, etc.) https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/marlin/marlin-6-gen-3/p/40962/
Choice 2:
RSD MiddleChild – $900 picked up.
I’ve also found a used bike locally that seems to be solid, but I don’t know much about the brand. The owner thinks it’s a 2022. The owner quotes “Rear derailer and shifter are brand new, has no dents needs nothing. A little dirty but should clean up fine. RockShox Pike Ultimate. KS Dropper Post.”
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated as I need to pull the trigger on a bike ASAP.
Thanks in advance!
by UGotWorkedS0N
2 Comments
My lord, buy the RSD before somebody else does. Much better brand to support as well. That’s a great deal, no matter what the drivetrain and brakes are. Should be good enough for a kid just getting into mtb.
Get the RSD MiddleChild. It’s a way better frame with much higher quality components. Offer him around $700 to get the deal rolling. Honestly, I can’t stand the Trek Marlins—you’re paying too much for components that aren’t that great. The MiddleChild is a much better bike for the money and will last you longer without needing a bunch of upgrades. I don’t even think the Marlin comes with a dropper post, which is pretty limiting. Plus the Middle Child looks so good!