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
2006-12-23 13:26:35 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Make sure he gets one HE likes and fits him today, has gears to get him places he will go.
2006-12-25 17:18:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dustin You are close, but not quite right. Steel is a great frame material, It can be heavier than its aluminum counter part, But, steel often provides a much nicer ride. Aluminum tends to be a very stiff and rigid ride that many do not like. I have had frames made of all materials. I can say that I have never met a frame material that I did not like. Check the weight of the frames you are looking at. If there is more than two pound (or so) difference then the aluminum frame would be my choice. Soccerref
2016-05-23 02:56:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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)
2006-12-23 18:56:31 · answer #3 · answered by Bird 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-12-23 13:36:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-12-23 15:44:44 · answer #5 · answered by Mattman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-12-23 15:21:24 · answer #6 · answered by mtbdude 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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!
2006-12-27 03:46:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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
2006-12-23 16:33:26 · answer #8 · answered by apollyon_vetis 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋