Family bikes...advice please

[Buck]

Hi

Following on from my rambling intro post http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/newbie-from-yorkshire.120780/
I'm looking for advice on bikes for our family.

There are four of us (me, Mrs Buck and two boys aged 10 and 7)

Usage: family cycles on trails etc. little road use. Likely to go off-trail with eldest son and with friends.


We went to our two local bike shops and the one that we 'liked' is a main Specialized dealer which means that whilst they've been very helpful don't offer much in the way of alternatives.

A good friend of mine recommended the shop and also has bought Specialized for two of his kids BT as he is a serious road bike enthusiast he can't offer any advice for me hence me reaching out to you guys.

Short list is as follows (with links)

Me: Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc 29er
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-sport-disc-2013-mountain-bike-ec040961


Mrs B: Specialized Myka HT 26
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/myka-ht-26-2013-womens-mountain-bike-ec042251


10yo: Specialized 26 x-small frame
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-26-2013-mountain-bike-ec042240
(Another option is a Mongoose MTB which he prefers and is cheaper but not heard of them before!)


7yo: Specialized Hot Rock 20
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hotrock-20-boys-2013-kids-bike-20-wheel--ec042552


We've all had chance to check the fit/be sized by the bike shop so know the above are right in terms of fit etc.


Any advice on the specific models/set up?

Thanks in advance.
Adrian

 

[mickle]

You cant go too far wrong with bikes from Spez. Theyre a major player withan excellent reputation.

The only thing id suggest is maybe ditching the 29er for the equivalent 26in wheel model - just to get more of you using the same tyres and tubes. A bit more convenience for a miniscule (if any) drop in performance.

 

[Joe D]

Re Mongoose. If it's the same brand then they used to make the higher-end BMXs, the ones we all used to aspire to but couldn't afford back then. That's going back thirty years though.

 

[Buck]

Thanks for the replies - Mrs Buck is taking my 10yo to the other bike shop to look at the Mongoose today and he can then decide which he wants from there.

Good advice re the wheel size. LBS told me that Specialized are moving to all at 29er on their mid-range bikes now and they don't have any 26er form the 2012 range left

 

[Peteaud]

Spesh over the mongoose, BUT, if its what he wants then go with that imho. You dont want to buy something he already doesn't like.

 

[Buck]

LBS was out of stock of all suitable bikes so I took my son down to JE James on Saturday and came out with a Mongoose Switchback reduced by £100 in the sale - decent spec. and seems a really nice bike and he is thrilled to bits with it.

In JE James they had the bike I was looking at http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/specialized-hardrock-sport-disc-29er-bike-black-red-id72376.html I tried the 17in fram and it fitted me/felt really comfortable etc.

To make the decision harder, they also had the crosstrack bike reduced from £700 to £550 (and I note the new model is £850)
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/specialized-crosstrail-comp-disc-bike-id64926.html

My million pound question is, whether it is worth spending another £50 on the crosstrail and will it give me better value in the long run. (I know its a subjective question but would be interested in people's experiences / feedback) or would I be better spending the £50 on accessories!

Thanks again

 

[Peteaud]

I would have the Cross.

Because i like it, but thats my personal opinion.

 

[Buck]

. Never a bad reason.

Is the spec (as in gears/brakes/fork) better too?

 

[Crackle]

Alternative for your 7 year old is a a Ridgeback MX24.