Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Ehi
Posts: 50
Joined: 5 May 2020, 11:56am

Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by Ehi »

hello guys
I want to get a bike for my daughter who turns 13 this year.

I honestly dont know much about bikes/quality and bike durability. So i dont know what brand to buy. But I want to get one for her this week or next. I am looking at both halfords and argos. She is about 5foot 4 and still growing. So I want to get her an adult bike.

I am looking at these (However I must admit) she is at an age now, whereby she picks what she wants and not what old fashioned daddy wants. But before I recommend. I need advise on what bike works and why


we are just simply going cycling around the lakes and woods, nothing elaborate. I would be getting a folding bike so I can put in my car and drive down, as she lives in a separate city

I am open to other websites or places I can equally get a decent durable bike

thank you



https://www.halfords.com/bikes/classic- ... 35678.html

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9345625 ... ikes:10:22

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7593905 ... ikes:16:22


Halfords women's bikes
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/ ... s%7CUnisex

Argos women;s bikes
https://www.argos.co.uk/browse/sports-a ... women%27s/
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foxyrider
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Joined: 29 Aug 2011, 10:25am
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by foxyrider »

Age is no indicator of compatability with any given bike/size, i've had grown women need a 'childs' bike to just be able to get on and whilst a 13yo boy may well stretch onto an adult machine, a girl is less likely to.

My best advice is to take your daughter to a real shop (ie not mail order) where she can sit on bikes to find an appropriate machine that she can ride safely.
Convention? what's that then?
Airnimal Chameleon touring, Orbit Pro hack, Orbit Photon audax, Focus Mares AX tour, Peugeot Carbon sportive, Owen Blower vintage race - all running Tulio's finest!
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by ClappedOut »

My daughter same age wanted a bike, determined it had to be new and rode it a handful of times so lost most of it's value sitting doing nothing until sold.
Personally I would consider a good second hand bike, you will get a better quality bike with a re sale value after.

If you saw my bike, it would have cost a considerable amount 40 years ago, but with service items it is still going strong.
thirdcrank
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Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by thirdcrank »

Islabikes every time IMO
markjohnobrien
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Joined: 4 Oct 2007, 8:15pm

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by markjohnobrien »

thirdcrank wrote: 18 Apr 2021, 6:08pm Islabikes every time IMO
Excellent (and expensive).

If there’s any risk the daughter may go off cycling, a cheaper secondhand bike may be better. I spent a lot of money on a new bike for my daughter who was happy with it, but she went off cycling and it was a waste of money.
Raleigh Randonneur 708 (Magura hydraulic brakes); Blue Raleigh Randonneur 708 dynamo; Pearson Compass 631 tourer; Dawes One Down 631 dynamo winter bike;Raleigh Travelogue 708 tourer dynamo; Kona Sutra; Trek 920 disc Sram Force.
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by ClappedOut »

Decathlon have horrible customer service and seem to do some good specs cheap, have a look at that and Btwin brands second hand.

We've an Apollo that has been ridden 10 times and been no further.

I would suggest a good second hand bike from local bike shop if not mechanically minded.

Be aware as teenagers fads change and they grow you may only have a couple of years use.

Stepping stone in my opinion.

Our son 9 is riding a cheap jump bike, couple of noodles for v brakes, crank adjustment and a puncture he has put miles on it.
£200 bike for £40 as the child who had it wanted it until they got it- absolutely pristine when we got it.

More than £40-60 secondhand and would have looked for a better brand used.

There have been £400-500 bikes secondhand locally £100 on eBay, Facebook etc.
Psamathe
Posts: 17650
Joined: 10 Jan 2014, 8:56pm

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by Psamathe »

Whilst I can't help regarding bike selection, there are often a lot of negative comments about Halfords here. I no longer use them (having had bad experiences but only for accessories). If they are a possible outlet then maybe scan through the forum for the experiences of others.

e.g. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=144576

Ian
Jdsk
Posts: 24642
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by Jdsk »

I'd start by asking her to point out the type of bike that she'd like.

Then, as above, I'd look for something similar secondhand, including bike shops.

Jonathan

PS: Have you got a way to transport both bikes?
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by ClappedOut »

Halfords are good enough for families wanting budget bikes built and not wanting self assembly like Argos or Amazon etc

Generally low rent bikes practically worthless as they leave the door.

At mercy of how good and how rushed the mechanics are.

Cheap bikes are not durable and require regular tinkering- okay for round block rides

touring bike families would choose islabikes etc

Some more expensive Halfords bikes not good value but okay.

As I said money tight here so riding a rebuild by me 40 year old bike.

I would as what your trying to achieve?

Shiny new low price round block bike aka Argos or Halfords.

New or second hand better quality bike to put miles on and resell value. LBS or classifieds
Ehi
Posts: 50
Joined: 5 May 2020, 11:56am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by Ehi »

ClappedOut wrote: 18 Apr 2021, 7:06pm Decathlon have horrible customer service and seem to do some good specs cheap, have a look at that and Btwin brands second hand.
Many thanks to everyone for their input


I am looking at these as a shortlist. AS I said from the start, I dont know much about bike QUALITY so open to criticisms and also open to other website recommendations, but I dont want to get her a 2nd hand bike. Unless its almost brand new/ like never been used

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/riverside ... R-p-300777

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/low-frame ... R-p-324587

vs


https://www.leisureoutlet.com/urban-and ... ybrid-bike


vs

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/ ... 46438.html


they all seem to have good reviews, I dont want to buy a 2nd hand one. I bought a 2nd hand bike for myself last year a Raleigh and had to do a repair, change the brake and a back tyre, once while riding the chain guard/protector broke into the chain, since then the chain has come off 3 times.
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by ClappedOut »

Ehi wrote: 30 Apr 2021, 2:39pm
ClappedOut wrote: 18 Apr 2021, 7:06pm Decathlon have horrible customer service and seem to do some good specs cheap, have a look at that and Btwin brands second hand.
Many thanks to everyone for their input


I am looking at these as a shortlist. AS I said from the start, I dont know much about bike QUALITY so open to criticisms and also open to other website recommendations, but I dont want to get her a 2nd hand bike. Unless its almost brand new/ like never been used


https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/riverside ... R-p-300777

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/low-frame ... R-p-324587

vs


https://www.leisureoutlet.com/urban-and ... ybrid-bike


vs

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/ ... 46438.html


they all seem to have good reviews, I dont want to buy a 2nd hand one. I bought a 2nd hand bike for myself last year a Raleigh and had to do a repair, change the brake and a back tyre, once while riding the chain guard/protector broke into the chain, since then the chain has come off 3 times.
Raleigh have a history of cheapest of the cheap that destroyed the brand.

Let’s look at each model you have chosen and see what sticks out now I would be looking Shimano 105 and hydraulic disc brakes secondhand - Aldi have a bike coming up middle of this month with budget price and nice specs as another thought.


The riverside has discs which are cable not hydraulic, the front forks will at this price range be not the best, own brand derailleur and gravel tyres, it’s going to be suitable for the average teen exploring and has an aluminium frame. Quick release wheels for easy transport and puncture repair.
Common complaints the gears forks and tyres.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/low-frame ... R-p-324587
Lack of gears, slow and heavy has v brakes on cheap bikes always need adjusting, unknown cheap drive train, best avoided

https://www.leisureoutlet.com/urban-and ... ybrid-bike
Unknown brand, bottom of range Shimano and cable disc brakes, steel front fork actually more reliable and gimmick free with aluminium frame.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/ ... 46438.html Aluminium frame, quick release wheels cable discs and bottom quality Shimano

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313511245407 ... SwmM1gimUV

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164830715072 ... Sw02ZgX3ZO


I would be looking at the BTwin or Carreras Parva, Decathlon pretty terrible service and it seems that some service even questionable from Halfords becomes the only choice.
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by ClappedOut »

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/aldi-mountain-bike-390506 This is due in Aldi middle of month as delayed
2021 model £299 I believe if I can find it again

https://www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuysdelays Mid May
Ehi
Posts: 50
Joined: 5 May 2020, 11:56am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by Ehi »

ClappedOut wrote: 30 Apr 2021, 9:11pm https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/aldi-mountain-bike-390506 This is due in Aldi middle of month as delayed
2021 model £299 I believe if I can find it again

https://www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuysdelays Mid May

Looks like there would be a stampede to get one 😝😅😁
Ehi
Posts: 50
Joined: 5 May 2020, 11:56am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by Ehi »

ClappedOut wrote: 30 Apr 2021, 9:05pm
I would be looking at the BTwin or Carreras Parva, Decathlon pretty terrible service and it seems that some service even questionable from Halfords becomes the only choice.

Interesting. I am clueless when it comes to these things

Thank you. This is much appreciated
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Getting a bike for my daughter at 13

Post by ClappedOut »

Also consider the bike you want to buy new and look at eBay advanced search completed listings, quality bikes will have a residual value.

I have a Shimano tourney derailleur and retail is £13 so you then realise take VAT 20% and profit out these are very cheap components. The one I have is pressed steel, ok on an old road bike but one bump on a mountain bike and it will be finished.

Buy the best spec you feel is within your budget, as I tell people my bike is 40 years old and cost reasonable money new, but it’s old core components are durable and it has a resale value.

New cheap poor quality = frustration and continued adjustment.

Cheap vee brakes avoid
Cheap tyres are not durable
Unbranded derailleurs are a nightmare to keep adjusted.

Sure your Daughter will be pleased with a bike that fits the budget.
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