Chastity Fufkin, Polymer Records asked:
this is his first "big bike", I want it to last through his teen years hopefully. I am looking at the least expensive "starter" models
Chemotherapy
this is his first "big bike", I want it to last through his teen years hopefully. I am looking at the least expensive "starter" models
Chemotherapy
7 Responses to “what are the pros and cons of getting a steel framed Trek mt bike vs an aluminum frame (for an 11 year old)?”
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December 8th, 2008 at 7:34 am
If you’re talking about an 11 year old boy, I’d go with the steel. Sure, it weighs more, but it’s not like he’s a professional cyclist. You can upgrade to the expensive stuff like alloys or carbon fiber later when you’re sure he’s going to stick with it. It’s a bit of a stretch to think it should last “through his teen years”. 3 years from now he most likely will not be willing to touch a bicycle. It doesn’t have a motor or require a license. Lowball it for now.
December 11th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Definitely get steel. Aluminum bikes are very stiff and may be hard on his joints during his developemental stage. Steel has a nice give to it and will let him learn the correct feel on the trail.
December 13th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Steel bikes Pro: cheaper to buy, cost less to keep up, may last longer.
Con: heavier than aluminum bike.
Aluminum Bikes Pro: Easier to ride up hill.
Con: Easier to damage.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:39 am
well trek arnt cheap but a steel frame is strong but heavy and aluminum is lighter and about as strong if your looking for a starter bike than go to wallmart and get him a mongoose with shocks they look cool and impress them easaly and when the beat the crap out of it its cheap to replace
December 18th, 2008 at 1:48 am
if you are getting him a new Trek you can’t go wrong with either one. if it’s going to left outside get the aluminum, if he is going to jump it and try to do tricks get the steel (neither leaving it outside nor jumping it is recommended but you know kids) you may get better components on the steel for the same price as the aluminum with lower end parts but it’s really splinting hairs at the entry price point. my best advise is get him the one HE likes best he will probably take better care of it and it will last longer. and buy it from an authorized Trek dealer not online or from a big box store the dealer will take good care of any problems that may crop up (you know kids)
December 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Make sure he gets one HE likes and fits him today, has gears to get him places he will go.
December 20th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Yo Chas.. both are good. How about choosing a couple of steel and alum bikes that you and the bike store sales person narrowed down to his size and the lenght of time he might be able to use it? And let him make the choice. At his age style and color are what they are looking at verses function and quality. Also get him a cycling helmet he wants. Good luck!