BMX Bike for 8 Year Old

cullenswood

Hi

My son spent a bit of time in the Blanch BMX and Skateboard park last weekend and has decided he wants a BMX from Santa.

I was wondering would this one be an alright bike to get him started.

I know it’s not a top end bike, but was of the thoughts that he can get a higher end one in a few years if he gets into the BMX’ing. I don’t think there is any point spending the big bucks now in case in a years time he has no interest.

What are peoples thoughts on the bike, or could they recommend something else, or what to look out for.

Thanks

Eamonnator

I think you might be better of buying a BMX from a bike shop, rather than Smyths. If you buy from Smyths, you will have to assemble the bike yourself. And they will not be able to do any after sales service on the bike.

Lumen

A Smyths bike will last about 5 minutes in a skate park.

Find a decent used one.

cullenswood

How do I know what decent one is? What should I be looking out for?

REPTILEDAN88

You'd be better off checking out the likes of Chain reaction cycles, or specific bmx shops like sourcebmx, mafia bikes, kunstform, wallerbmx etc. Theres not alot of bmx shops in ireland and those that we do have are expensive. A friend of mine got his son around the same age a mafia bikes kush2 (20" toptube) during the week they seem to be decent bikes esp for the money they are, I would get a pivotal seat post and seat though as the standard ones are not great tbh. You can adjust the seat higher as he grows too. They come with the brakes etc done too so its only put seat, pedals, front wheel on, handle bars in stem and away he goes which is handy as most bmx bikes the brakes are not on etc so would cost you more money in a bikeshop or halfords to get done.
Don't forget lights too especially with the early dark evenings now. Argos do rolson rubber ones I use on my bikes I have lots on one in the hubs and one on handlebar and seat post.

iwillhtfu

Lumen wrote: »

A Smyths bike will last about 5 minutes in a skate park.

Find a decent used one.

Don't do that it's for Christmas :rolleyes:

If all else fails that one you've linked will be grand it'll be new to him and he'll have a bit of craic on it. If he takes to it he'll more than likely want to get a better one the following year anyway.

Similar money probably better I don't know a lot about them to be honest but at a reduction from €440 it must have something special

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/eastern-cobra-bmx-bike-2014/rp-prod112905

REPTILEDAN88

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Don't do that it's for Christmas :rolleyes:

If all else fails that one you've linked will be grand it'll be new to him and he'll have a bit of craic on it. If he takes to it he'll more than likely want to get a better one the following year anyway.

Similar money probably better I don't know a lot about them to be honest but at a reduction from €440 it must have something special

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/eastern-cobra-bmx-bike-2014/rp-prod112905

That's out of stock atm, there is a nice orange Stolen one on there though again reduced from 400+
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/stolen-casino-bmx-bike-2014/rp-prod111650

iwillhtfu

REPTILEDAN88 wrote: »

That's out of stock atm, there is a nice orange Stolen one on there though again reduced from 400+
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/stolen-casino-bmx-bike-2014/rp-prod111650

That was quick I'm sure there was one there when I posted.

Lumen

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Don't do that it's for Christmas :rolleyes:

Never underestimate the gullibility of a child.

I've got my kids good quality used stuff for Christmas. I just told them that Santa recycled stuff from donedeal to help save the planet from turning into a massive landfill.

Eamonnator

REPTILEDAN88 wrote: »

That's out of stock atm, there is a nice orange Stolen one on there though again reduced from 400+
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/stolen-casino-bmx-bike-2014/rp-prod111650

That should fit the bill perfectly.

iwillhtfu

Lumen wrote: »

Never underestimate the gullibility of a child.

I've got my kids good quality used stuff for Christmas. I just told them that Santa recycled stuff from donedeal to help save the planet from turning into a massive landfill.

Definitely wouldn't fly in our house. Santa would be getting a return to sender

Seanmk1

cullenswood wrote: »

Hi

My son spent a bit of time in the Blanch BMX and Skateboard park last weekend and has decided he wants a BMX from Santa.

I was wondering would this one be an alright bike to get him started.

I know it’s not a top end bike, but was of the thoughts that he can get a higher end one in a few years if he gets into the BMX’ing. I don’t think there is any point spending the big bucks now in case in a years time he has no interest.

What are peoples thoughts on the bike, or could they recommend something else, or what to look out for.

Thanks

Get a Haro, you'll be able to spin around on it yourself when he goes to bed :-P

Matt Bianco

Bought a Cuda Shredder for my use general kids use after discovering the BMX Park in St Annes recently. Opted for the Cudas as they seemed to be the most popular option for that 6-10 age group when we were out at the Lucan track before. Downside is the weight but comparing to carbon road bikes so not like for like!

Wanderer78

Matt Bianco wrote:

Bought a Cuda Shredder for my use general kids use after discovering the BMX Park in St Annes recently. Opted for the Cudas as they seemed to be the most popular option for that 6-10 age group when we were out at the Lucan track before. Downside is the weight but comparing to carbon road bikes so not like for like!

How much was the cube?

Matt Bianco

Wanderer78 wrote: »

How much was the cube?

It was the 20" version of this - bought second hand

http://www.mycycle.ie/Cuda-Shredder-18-BMX-p/cudashredder18.htm

cullenswood

Thanks for all the replies guys. Total novice to this BMX world and have no idea what to look out for etc.

Will probably go for this one as advised by ReptileDan (thanks for that). Was also trawling through the CRC website and noticed this one too which gets good reviews...

Would either of these be substantially better than the Smyths one? Also, anything to look out for in a set of pegs, or are they all just about the "look" of them.

Thanks again

beauf

Matt Bianco wrote: »

Bought a Cuda Shredder for my use general kids use after discovering the BMX Park in St Annes recently. Opted for the Cudas as they seemed to be the most popular option for that 6-10 age group when we were out at the Lucan track before. Downside is the weight but comparing to carbon road bikes so not like for like!

All those BMX seem to be made of steel and are very heavy. To take the abuse I assume. The only exception seemed to be the racing BMX

Lumen

beauf wrote: »

All those BMX seem to be made of steel and are very heavy. To take the abuse I assume. The only exception seemed to be the racing BMX

Weight isn't really a problem in BMX racing because it's more downhill than up.

For the skate park, a lighter bike is a bit easier to throw around but sizing is more important (smaller is better). As a consequence, an expensive light bike is inappropriate because unless you have infinite money you'll be tempted to get too large a bike so that it lasts longer.

beauf

I meant those tracks like in St Catherines Park


http://lucanbmx.ie/information/get-the-right-bike/

http://lucanbmx.ie/621/

Lumen

beauf wrote: »

I meant those tracks like in St Catherines Park


http://lucanbmx.ie/information/get-the-right-bike/

http://lucanbmx.ie/621/

Sure, that's a race track. I don't think a 10kg BMX is a disadvantage since the momentum is carried over the ramps.

Lumen Jr started out on a Micro Mini Haro which was incredibly light but there were kids the same age flying (literally) on much heavier bikes. He now uses a skate park BMX and it doesn't seem to have slowed him down.

ThisRegard

Is BMX'ing these days all about the racing? You don't see kids doing much in the way of tricks and ramps, is there even a vertical quarter/half pipe around any of the BMX parks? I can't remember if there's one in Blanchardstown but I've only ever seen skateboarders there.

Lumen

ThisRegard wrote: »

Is BMX'ing these days all about the racing? You don't see kids doing much in the way of tricks and ramps, is there even a vertical quarter/half pipe around any of the BMX parks? I can't remember if there's one in Blanchardstown but I've only ever seen skateboarders there.

There are some BMXers in Blanch but mostly scooters, skateboards and blades.

Greystones has a nice park which is invariably empty. There's a few ramps and one of those big swimming-pool-type bowls in it.

REPTILEDAN88

Bmx bikes are traditionally over built to take the force of big air drops etc while lacking suspension. I have a 20" Vandals Troop (street type/ hi ten steel fame) one and a 21" Haro Pro Xl (racing type/ aluminium frame) I use both daily and unless he was track racing much id stick with the street type. I have 2.4" tyres on the Vandals semi slick thread standard ones and they roll fast and I have 1.95" Maxxis hookworms on my Haro they look much smaller than the Vandals wheels but can go over most terrain with ease.

SlowInWater

Just follow up on this as in similar boat in looking for a box for a 10yo.
Are there any shops in Dublin/Ireland that you can actually visit and have a decent selection of BMX to view? Wife not happy with idea of buying online without viewing first.
Or is a shop with only 3/4 bmx models the norm?

Thanks

Lumen

I bought at least one BMX from bikestore.ie in Kilkenny but their domain name seems to be deregistered. Did they close down?

The Boardroom in Greystones has a decent selection.

TBH though I'd have no qualms about buying a BMX from a website if it's a decent brand. They're really simple things and as long as you don't drastically mess up the sizing you can't go wrong.

My (small) 11 y/o is on a United Recruit 18 I got from Evans last year for €270. Delivery was €50 but I got two bikes for that, but it must have been on special cos the 2017 model is €400 plus shipping.

On theboardroom.ie the model they have (2016?) is €380.

https://theboardroom.ie/products/united-2016-recruit-18-bmx-bikes-ireland

ThisRegard

REPTILEDAN88 wrote: »

I have a 20" Vandals Troop (street type/ hi ten steel fame) one and a 21" Haro Pro Xl (racing type/ aluminium frame) I use both daily and unless he was track racing much id stick with the street type.

They look very uncomfortable though for anything other than messing around? Looks like your knees would be right up to your chest, and why are the seats angled like they are (bearing in mind it was the 80s/90s since I last rode one)?

And I see the likes of the United Recruit mentioned above doesn't have a front brake, I used to use them to flip the arse around, see-saw etc, is that a racing style bike?

beauf

The racing one has narrow wheels and a lightweight alu frame. Only place I know that sells them in Staggs in Lucan.

I think most kids mainly are only messing around. We got one for one of ours I just picked one with better quality brakes and etc in Halfords in a gender neutral colour. Its only for messing around on the street and going to school and back. If I though they were going to longer distances on it I would got something else, lighter and with gears. I really like the lightweight Reacing BMX ones but I couldn't justify the cost, considering the neglect it would get. He likes the colour.

cullenswood

beauf wrote: »

The racing one has narrow wheels and a lightweight alu frame. Only place I know that sells them in Staggs in Lucan.

I think most kids mainly are only messing around. We got one for one of ours I just picked one with better quality brakes and etc in Halfords in a gender neutral colour. Its only for messing around on the street and going to school and back. If I though they were going to longer distances on it I would got something else, lighter and with gears. I really like the lightweight Reacing BMX ones but I couldn't justify the cost, considering the neglect it would get. He likes the colour.

Which one did you go for in Halfords?

beauf

They don't seem to have it now. They were all so similar. The only difference I could find at the time is some had better brake components than others. So assumed the other components would be better also.

pigdestroyer

I don't want to be advertising my own wares - but I went out and bought a decent one on a bit of a whim - then realised I'm an adult and free time doesn't exist:

http://www.adverts.ie/bmx/2016-wethepeople-curse-20/11623832

It's literally brand new and hasn't been out of the house - drop me a message if you're interested.

Thanks, and my apologies if I've broken any rules here or ruined the thread in anyway.

I'll leave it to the guys here (with much more experience than me) to advise you on whether it would be suitable

Lumen

pigdestroyer wrote: »

I don't want to be advertising my own wares - but...

...you are doing it anyway. :pac:

I can't see the size on that. Presumably not suitable for an 8/10 year old.

pigdestroyer

Lumen wrote: »

...you are doing it anyway. :pac:

I can't see the size on that. Presumably not suitable for an 8/10 year old.

You could be right - does look on the big side (although seems to be 20.25 in line with the other recommendations to date):

Geometry:

Top Tube Length: 20.25″
Chain Stay Length: 13.5″
Head Tube Angle: 75°
Seat Tube Angle: 71.5°
BB Height: 11.75°
Standover Height: 8.25″
Bar Rise: 8.6”
Bar Width: 28.75″
Bar Backsweep: 11°
Bar Upsweep: 2

Anyway I'll shut up now, best of luck with your search - get him into bikes in general and he'll have no money for any badness - enjoy!

cullenswood

pigdestroyer wrote: »

You could be right - does look on the big side (although seems to be 20.25 in line with the other recommendations to date):

Geometry:

Top Tube Length: 20.25″
Chain Stay Length: 13.5″
Head Tube Angle: 75°
Seat Tube Angle: 71.5°
BB Height: 11.75°
Standover Height: 8.25″
Bar Rise: 8.6”
Bar Width: 28.75″
Bar Backsweep: 11°
Bar Upsweep: 2

Anyway I'll shut up now, best of luck with your search - get him into bikes in general and he'll have no money for any badness - enjoy!

Thanks destroyerofpigs. Bit more than I'd like to spend on him for now though. This could be a passing fad of his (am hoping its not!) so I don't think it warrants a high spend for now. When he gets more into it / gets older we can about improving his bike.

REPTILEDAN88

Here is worth a look too
http://mafiabike.com/index.php/bikes/all-bikes
Check out Harry Mains channel (Rides for Mafia Bikes) on Youtube and you can see what they are like in action rather than just going by a pic too. I like the purple/green fuel ones myself tbh.

@ThisRegard
The seats are low and pointed up a little so they are out of the way when doing tricks more than anything. I have my seats up with aftermarket posts tbh and pivotal adjustable seats on the 2 I have I use, much more comfortable when out for a spin and can drop them when heading to a skate park/track etc.

The reason most have only a rearbrake is more aimed at street riders than anything, most park riders will ride brakeless nowadays I wouldnt recommend it for kids especially in housing estates where they might come into the path of moving cars etc. My Vandals and my Haro only have rear brakes but if I give racing a go next year im running front and rear on the Haro just as its handy to have extra braking power esp with higher speeds when racing, as it is though my Haros brakes are very good and I know how it reacts with hard braking in dry and wet conditions so can easily tell from how fast im going to how hard I want to stop at any given time.