Hello all. Looking for some recommendations. My son (12) and daughter (9) both want to start downhill mountain biking. My son has now tried it 3 times but my daughter has not yet.
I recently bought a Cannondale Trail 2 XS (new) for my son and a Trek Marlin 6 M (used) for me. Well, after one trip to Highland Mountain Bike Park I realized they were completely wrong. I knew they weren't exactly right, but I thought at least my son's would be OK for a while until he outgrew it. But no.
The problem now is that I'm having problems finding a full suspension bike in his size. He's about 4'8" (and my daughter also needs a bike and she's 4'6") so he probably needs the largest youth bike (with a 26" wheel) or an XS adult bike (with a 27.5" wheel).
His Cannondale is an XS with 27.5 wheel and while he's OK on it, he and I both think it's a little big/heavy. He struggled a bit getting it on the lift.
We're driving 90 minutes on Saturday to look at a used Cannondale Habit 26 for about $1k. It's the only bike that size new or used that I can find anywhere near me (greater Boston area). So as long as it's not garbage and seems to fit him we'll get it.
But I would like to get a second one (same size) for my daughter. Anyone have any ideas for a budget friendly bike that would meet these specs that also might be easier to find?
Also looking to replace mine if anyone has a recommendation, but less urgency on that.
Thanks