Had a text tonight from my nephew, “uncle John you know a bit about bikes ( I don’t but let’s not upset the lad) I have decided that for my 13th birthday I would like a mountain bike that will be good for going downhill, and stand up to a bit of knocking around. I have a budget of 200 pounds and I would like the bike before my birthday on Saturday.”

No pressure here then! So I have already determined he will accept 2nd hand and a hard tail but doesn’t want to build himself just wants to jump on and ride. This gives me a dilemma as my first thought was that I had a few bits and pieces lying around so if we could find him a good frame and fork we could build something up, he has scuppered this.

Thoughts everyone?

SH, anything new at that price will fall to bits.

Pretty sure a second hand Inbred and bits from tbe classifieds would just about be doable for that. Would be great if he would help you build it as well.

Otherwise, Decathlon Rockrider (5.1?) assuming he isn’t a budding downhill God

MCTD- would love to build it with him but he is 350 miles away 🙁

Which one of you is nearest to Decathlon then? 😕

Luck and/or patience needed for that tall order.

Breaks my heart to think what a nice bike we could build up together even if I shipped him the parts, but it looks like a decathlon special or possibly halfords Carreras?

While those bikes are good value, if he rides it off road much it will need a LOT of work/parts.

are you suggesting he needs spoons and carbon wrap then al 😉

SH Spesh Hard rock disc
SH Giant STP
Halford Carrera ( dont Halfords have a sale on atm)

I am feeling the pressure, not many 14-16″ bikes out there are there.

Absolutely nothing wrong with Carrera or Decathlon bikes for the money.

Quite a few options on pinkbike!