Bikes- I need your advice

[Tinks]

I'm hoping there are some bike riders on BB who could help me...

DS needs a new bike so I thought I'd get him one for Christmas. I went to the bike shop where I found a bike reduced from around $300 to $200 ish, which is pretty much what I wanted to spend. The woman told me it was a 'cheap bike' and not to buy it because it wouldn't last him a year, she said I should spend no less than $500 .

I know nothing about bikes. My mum is an avid rider, her bike is probably worth more than my car so she agreed with the sales girl but I just can't justify spending that amount of $ on a bike!

DS is 13, he rides his bike to cricket training (about 4 km each way) 3 times a week on both the road and walking track. The bike he currently has is a tad too small so he's been riding DH's, hence getting him a new one. I thought a lower end bike would be ok for that He also goes on rides with DH once or twice a week and will ride to the shops on occasion so the bike will be used a fair bit in the warmer mths but not so much in winter.

Seriously, do I really need to spend $500 on a bike for a 13 yo with the amount of riding he'll be doing? I'm so torn, on one hand I don't want to buy a piece of crap but on the other hand I don't want to be wasting money on a bike that's not going to see the year through or on a really expensive on which won't get used to its full potential.

[Daydream Believer]

Have sent you a PM

[luna moth]

If he's been riding your DH's bike, does that mean he's big enough for an adult bike? There are some spectacular bargains to be had on smaller mens frames if you buy them second hand - I know it maybe doesn't sound like a great Christmas option to get a second hand bike, but for $300 you're looking at the difference between a basic frame with cheap componentry, against a solidly built frame with top quality components that will last a lot longer and require less maintenance.

2 of my 3 current bikes, and 4 of 5 I have ever bought have been second hand - it lets me get a lot more for my $$$.

But if you have to go new, then I'm on the shop's side.