Bike for my son

[GrimUpNorth]

Hi,

Sorry - 3 questions! I've just sold my son's Islabike Beinn 26 Large and he needs a new bike.

1. He is 13, 5 ft 7 and growing! He needs a bike for the school run and some mild off road - towpath/forest tracks etc. I have my eye on a medium sized Pinnacle Lithium 4 (2016). Does anyone own a medium sized Lithium who can comment on sizing - I'm not sure if he will outgrow it too quickly.

2. I spotted this on ebay " Planet X Fat Baz Hybrid Bike" does anyone have any experience of them - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Planet-X-Fat-Baz-Hybrid-Bike/303862431222

3. There are a couple of Whyte bikes on Ebay which look interesting (albeit over budget). Would these be suitable for the mild off roading ?

- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-Sh...Brakes-New-Service-Orange-Carbon/303894656508
- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-Portobello-Bicycle-R7-M/265069888494 *note this one mentions a "judder under breaking"

Thanks a lot for any help as I am crap as making decisions!!

 

[ianrauk]

You cant go wrong with either Planet X or Whyte bikes. Both brands make very good bikes.

 

[Cycleops]

Any would make a fine mount for your son. You could almost make the decision on appearance and colour.

The juddering issue might be easily solved with new pads or disc.

As you say just make sure you have some ‘growing room’.

 

[GrimUpNorth]

Thanks for the replies.
After my experience with Islabikes I've an eye on resale value as well.
The son doesn't seem overly bothered apart from not wanting front forks which is fine with me.
Decisions, decisions!

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the replies.
After my experience with Islabikes I've an eye on resale value as well.
The son doesn't seem overly bothered apart from not wanting front forks which is fine with me.
Decisions, decisions!

Not having any front forks will make it awkward to ride...unless he does want a unicycle

 

[GrimUpNorth]

lol...suspension!

 

[icowden]

If he's 5'7" he just needs an adult bike and probably a medium frame unless he has short legs. His target adult height will be the median of his mum and dad's height , so that should give you some idea of how much more height he might gain.

 

[Spiderweb]

The Planet X Fat Baz bikes look excellent value for money at £399 delivered and they have Hydraulic disc brakes!

 

[Midsrider]

All those bikes listed are good.

My 13 year old, he bought his own bike a few weeks ago and bought a Trek Marlin 5 - he is on it nonstop and loving it, but you didnt want suspension - then the ones listed will be great.

My son had a major growth spurt last year and he is now 5ft10 so a M/L was a good fit - but he went with a Large in the end and it was perfect for him and some growing room. He is doing around 10miles (15km) a day on it and more at the weekend.

Good luck on the bikes you have shown - I personally would go for planet x from the ones you listed, or spend a little more and get a Trek FX2.

Good luck

 

[GrimUpNorth]

Thanks for all the replies.
Its just a decision needed now!

 

[vickster]

Which does he most like the look of? Let him choose

 

[cyclintom]

Hi,

Sorry - 3 questions! I've just sold my son's Islabike Beinn 26 Large and he needs a new bike.

1. He is 13, 5 ft 7 and growing! He needs a bike for the school run and some mild off road - towpath/forest tracks etc. I have my eye on a medium sized Pinnacle Lithium 4 (2016). Does anyone own a medium sized Lithium who can comment on sizing - I'm not sure if he will outgrow it too quickly.

2. I spotted this on ebay " Planet X Fat Baz Hybrid Bike" does anyone have any experience of them - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Planet-X-Fat-Baz-Hybrid-Bike/303862431222

3. There are a couple of Whyte bikes on Ebay which look interesting (albeit over budget). Would these be suitable for the mild off roading ?

- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-Sh...Brakes-New-Service-Orange-Carbon/303894656508
- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-Portobello-Bicycle-R7-M/265069888494 *note this one mentions a "judder under breaking"

Thanks a lot for any help as I am crap as making decisions!!

That is a nice bike. Aluminum frame with a steel fork is the best of both worlds. A 13 year old can break anything.