BIke for 12 year old boy

[goatbike]

A friend is looking for a bike for his son. He is looking for a road bike or a mountain bike. His son is 50 1/2 inches tall and has a 23 inch inseam. He's thinking of going with a 24" size in mountain but I think a 26" small or extra small may be a better choice.

Any options out there?

Matt

[jasonhilt]

I would go with a 26 as he will quickly outgrow the 24 inch bike.
Price range might help people with better ideas.

[indym3]

Comfort is key.  My thoughts are at 50" he's small for a 12 year old so might not be comfortable yet on the 26" wheeled bike.  You'd need to find a 13" frame 26" wheel mountain bike to test ride and at an entry level a Trek 820 or 3-series is an option.  Also test ride a flat bar road bike such the womens 13" Trek FX series with 700c 32 tires (they are available in a non step through and gender neutral colors but the 13" is only available in the womens line).   My kids prefer the 700c flat bar road bikes for the neighborhoods as they roll a bit faster.  He wouldn't really outgrow the 24" wheeled bike until he's over 60" so he'd probably get two years out it so its not a bad option if he's comfortable and hence ride it more.  (I'm also the guy that doesn't buy the kids cleats more than a 1/2 size big)

[Willyjaybob]

I have a 26 inch Trek my son has outgrown. It has been sitting in my garage for a couple of seasons now and I would be happy to unload it for 85 bucks or so (paid $400 new). The frame is a small, I believe...definitely needs a tuneup and maybe some minor work (tubes, maybe a front brake lever that had a bad day) but it served him well on local trails. PM me if interested--include your phone # and I can send some pics as well.