Are these BMXs ok for a 12 year old?

BarneyMc

I'm looking to get my 12 year old stepson into cycling but want to make sure either of the following bikes would be of a suitable size. He is 5 feet 3.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2377614/Trail/searchtext%3EBMX.htm
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2188872/Trail/searchtext%3EBMX.htm
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2394934/Trail/searchtext%3EBMX.htm

There's a good discount on both!

8valve

They'd be fine for pootling around at home or on a level surface like a cycle path.

You have to be aware that the cheaper the bike is to buy, the cheaper the materials it'll be made from (and heavier).

At his height, you could comfortably fit him on a 26'' wheeled mountain bike...gears will give more flexibility for cycling further.

However, you get what you pay for, low price usually means low grade steel (heavy), flimsy(ish) components and a tendency towards rust if not kept indoors and kept lubricated properly.

Would you consider buying a better bike second-hand?

BarneyMc

Yeah, had a think about it at the weekend and decided that a bmx is not the way to go. I'll have a look around for a mountain bike as it will give him more flexibility. Thank for this.