Bicycle Guys! (2 Viewers)

[Caveman33]

I bought a Joe Blow pump for $15 on Craigslist. After I rolled up to his place on my Lemond, winded and sweaty from the hills, the seller decided to give me a small toolkit pouch with tube and tools. Suddenly I felt guilty about having negotiated the pump down from $20, which was already a fair price, but I've always been a generous Craigslist seller/gifter so karma is balanced.

Upon removing the Canyon bike from the box, I saw there was a minor complication. Maybe because it is a 2XL frame, they removed the rear wheel to ship. All the videos I can find and my limited past experience is with assembling bikes that have the rear wheel already attached. Plus, one axle poked through the box during shipping and a few threads were slightly scratched.

 

[matttyl]

Wheel attachment is pretty easy. Is it a thru (solid) axle, or is it a “quick release” with a lever?

 

[Caveman33]

Wheel attachment is pretty easy. Is it a thru (solid) axle, or is it a “quick release” with a lever?

I think it's a quick release. The front has a quick release lever attached to the frame and there is a longer quick release among the tool kit. But looking at the back wheel, the plastic piece that was supposed to protect the axle area broke in shipment and I'm not sure what is removable. I need to stop sniffing glue.

 

[the moops]

Wheel attachment is pretty easy. Is it a thru (solid) axle, or is it a “quick release” with a lever?

I think it's a quick release. The front has a quick release lever attached to the frame and there is a longer quick release among the tool kit. But looking at the back wheel, the plastic piece that was supposed to protect the axle area broke in shipment and I'm not sure what is removable. I need to stop sniffing glue.

Canyon is generally pretty responsive to inquiries about damaged goods. Reach out to them. In the meantime you may be able to use your quick release skewer from your other bike so long as the spacing is similar.

Also - there should be plenty of youtube videos on how to remove and install a rear wheel

 

[Caveman33]

Wheel attachment is pretty easy. Is it a thru (solid) axle, or is it a “quick release” with a lever?

I think it's a quick release. The front has a quick release lever attached to the frame and there is a longer quick release among the tool kit. But looking at the back wheel, the plastic piece that was supposed to protect the axle area broke in shipment and I'm not sure what is removable. I need to stop sniffing glue.

Canyon is generally pretty responsive to inquiries about damaged goods. Reach out to them. In the meantime you may be able to use your quick release skewer from your other bike so long as the spacing is similar.

Also - there should be plenty of youtube videos on how to remove and install a rear wheel

I sent them a pre-emptive email with a picture of the damaged box. I figured the actual damage to the bike wouldn't be significant enough to warrant a return but maybe I can earn brownie points? I have watched part of a video. I should search for one that includes a hydraulic brake. Also, canyon did not include friction paste. I've seen that was a common issue mentioned by past customers, since the manual shows the paste being applied to the seat post and other spots. I can probably get something similar from a LBS for little cost. I need to tackle this when my head is clear.

 

[Sand]

Wheel attachment is pretty easy. Is it a thru (solid) axle, or is it a “quick release” with a lever?

I think it's a quick release. The front has a quick release lever attached to the frame and there is a longer quick release among the tool kit. But looking at the back wheel, the plastic piece that was supposed to protect the axle area broke in shipment and I'm not sure what is removable. I need to stop sniffing glue.

Definitely quick release. Should be easy to find and attach. On the back you want that levered reasonably tight. As far as the plastic protector I wouldn't be worried about it unless you see damage to an actual component. That brave plastic disc gave its life for your bike's safety. Unless it's a plastic ended quick release skewer, then you'd need them to send another of those.

 

[Fat Nick]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

 

[the moops]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

Definitely go 24" if he is close.

This is a good website https://www.twowheelingtots.com/best-kids-24-inch-bikes/

I got my kids Commencal Ramones, but I know this is overkill for most and definitely ourt of your price range. It is a sick bike though https://www.commencal.com/au/en/commencal-ramones-24-black-&-white/21RAMONES24BK.html

This is a solid deal https://www.rei.com/product/200571/diamondback-division-24-kids-bike?sku=2005710001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890012897240&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=98663780525&CATCI=pla-453412241685&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|21700000001700551_2005710001|92700053275579144|TOF|71700000066140866&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw12Nn3lWdyN6qXHtOyFyLNpqCpsj4J0pbNRezMsiJqrQa3-_EstMdAaAnVKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Fat Nick]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

Definitely go 24" if he is close.

This is a good website https://www.twowheelingtots.com/best-kids-24-inch-bikes/

I got my kids Commencal Ramones, but I know this is overkill for most and definitely ourt of your price range. It is a sick bike though https://www.commencal.com/au/en/commencal-ramones-24-black-&-white/21RAMONES24BK.html

This is a solid deal https://www.rei.com/product/200571/diamondback-division-24-kids-bike?sku=2005710001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890012897240&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=98663780525&CATCI=pla-453412241685&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|21700000001700551_2005710001|92700053275579144|TOF|71700000066140866&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw12Nn3lWdyN6qXHtOyFyLNpqCpsj4J0pbNRezMsiJqrQa3-_EstMdAaAnVKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thank you - very helpful. I saw the twowheelingtots.com website and read through it even before posting here - what got me is their budget bikes were largely still above $300. Maybe I just need to adjust my expectations. That REI bike looks like a sweet deal though. As soon as my son gets home, I'm going to show that one to him. If he likes it, I think that's the route. I appreciate the recommendation.

 

[belljr]

I just can't pull the trigger. ..have had 3 bikes in various carts lol

 

[matttyl]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

Without a doubt go 24”. I just got my 8 year old a 24” and it fits him fine and he can use it for a few years. I got him a Cleary Scout, which is on sale for 531 on their site. Maybe too much bike for your needs, but it’s got some solid stuff on it.

 

[the moops]

I just can't pull the trigger. ..have had 3 bikes in various carts lol

What you looking at?

 

[belljr]

I just can't pull the trigger. ..have had 3 bikes in various carts lol

What you looking at?

The canyon roadlite, the Poseidon that was posted and a trek similar hybrid model

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I bought a Trek F3 at the beginning of summer. As I only needed a 30 or so minute per day rider to get the heart rate up a bit, it's been a great bike. Would buy again.

 

[beer 30]

I bought a Trek F3 at the beginning of summer. As I only needed a 30 or so minute per day rider to get the heart rate up a bit, it's been a great bike. Would buy again.

I have a Trek FX4 I put gravel tires on, great bike

 

[beer 30]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

Go used on Craigslist or Bikes Direct or Walmart. If he's 9, he's going to be in the bike what? 2-3 years max? Not worth wasting a lot of time/expense on.

Hot New Bikes For Kids and Small Riders Save Up to 63% Off +FREE SHIP 48

 

[the moops]

@Fat Nick one thing to consider. Good to decent kids bike hold their value. For example I bet I could get at least 75% of what I paid for my kids bike. Most sub 300 dollar bikes will be worth next to nothing in a couple years

 

[Dickies]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

I would get a 24" bike, and I would buy used. The used market for bikes is falling out and there are now a lot more deals to be had. There isn't a lot of difference between the kids' bikes from the major manufacturers. I would try to find a bike without a front suspension fork as they just add extra weight with virtually zero benefits besides the kids thinking they look cool.

The reason I prefer used for a kids bike is that they will grow out of them in a couple years regardless. If you're able to find them, I like Woom and Cleary as far as brands go as they understand that keeping the bikes lighter means the kids aren't riding something that weighs 50% of their body weight.

 

[matttyl]

There’s another vote for cleary kids bikes

 

[Tick]

I'm looking for a bike for my son. He's 9 - about 4'7" tall. Two questions for anyone in the know -

I'm inclined to go 24" bike vs. a 20" bike because he's on the cusp of a 24" from what I've read. Pro's / Con's of the 24" vs. the 20"?

I'm looking at something sub-$300...mainly because I recognize this isn't his forever-bike. He's going to use it to ride around the neighborhood or maybe some gravel paths with the family. He'll beat it up. He'll drop it A LOT. He's not gentle with anything.

Are there brands to stick to in that price range? There are so many brands these days. Does it make more sense to go gently used better brand vs. new?

Go used on Craigslist or Bikes Direct or Walmart. If he's 9, he's going to be in the bike what? 2-3 years max? Not worth wasting a lot of time/expense on.

Hot New Bikes For Kids and Small Riders Save Up to 63% Off +FREE SHIP 48

I agree. We bought a nice used 24” for my middle kid, and the 5th kid in our extended family is just about to grow out of it. I assume the inlaws will sell it along and some other family will continue the chain.

 

[the moops]

Going on an overnight gravel/atv trail bikepacking trip with like 50 people this weekend. Camping at a pizza farm for the night so don't need to haul food or booze. Just a 45 mile day one, 25-30 mile day two thing, but super looking forward to it. Going with 3 buddies. Have done a similar route this summer with my kids and wife, but this will be a little more aggressive of a pace I imagine.

Gravel Pizza Overnighter 2023

www.thenxrth.com

 

[Fat Nick]

Thanks all for the input - I will say I continue to be shocked at the breadth of kids bikes out there - both in terms of brand and price. I ended up going with the Diamondback that @the moops recommended. It fit a lot of the criteria others recommended and the discount was great. It's relatively light (aluminum), and didn't have front suspension...and given the MSRP is $500+, it hopefully will hold it's value. The front disc brake is a nice feature I didn't see on sub-$300 bikes. I did browse used bikes in the area, but truthfully (and confirming the "nice bikes hold value" theory) they were still $200-$400 for a good brand bike. I saw a nice Specialized kids bike just around the corner, but they wanted $350 for it and wouldn't come down.

My son is super excited and loved the color - so win/win.

I'll be back to the thread in a few months...My daughter is 6 and just shed her training wheels last weekend....now I'm going to be the one in the market for a bike because my old Specialized Rock Hopper (circa 1994) isn't even rideable anymore and I'll need something new to keep up with the kids.

 

[Jaysus]

Going on an overnight gravel/atv trail bikepacking trip with like 50 people this weekend. Camping at a pizza farm for the night so don't need to haul food or booze. Just a 45 mile day one, 25-30 mile day two thing, but super looking forward to it. Going with 3 buddies. Have done a similar route this summer with my kids and wife, but this will be a little more aggressive of a pace I imagine.

Gravel Pizza Overnighter 2023

www.thenxrth.com

that sounds awesome. I've got a 3 nighter planned next month... it's unlikely we will find pizza tho

 

[Brony]

Going on an overnight gravel/atv trail bikepacking trip with like 50 people this weekend. Camping at a pizza farm for the night so don't need to haul food or booze. Just a 45 mile day one, 25-30 mile day two thing, but super looking forward to it. Going with 3 buddies. Have done a similar route this summer with my kids and wife, but this will be a little more aggressive of a pace I imagine.

Gravel Pizza Overnighter 2023

www.thenxrth.com

that looks like a great event - enjoy!!

 

[matttyl]

Thanks all for the input - I will say I continue to be shocked at the breadth of kids bikes out there - both in terms of brand and price. I ended up going with the Diamondback that @the moops recommended. It fit a lot of the criteria others recommended and the discount was great. It's relatively light (aluminum), and didn't have front suspension...and given the MSRP is $500+, it hopefully will hold it's value. The front disc brake is a nice feature I didn't see on sub-$300 bikes. I did browse used bikes in the area, but truthfully (and confirming the "nice bikes hold value" theory) they were still $200-$400 for a good brand bike. I saw a nice Specialized kids bike just around the corner, but they wanted $350 for it and wouldn't come down.

My son is super excited and loved the color - so win/win.

I'll be back to the thread in a few months...My daughter is 6 and just shed her training wheels last weekend....now I'm going to be the one in the market for a bike because my old Specialized Rock Hopper (circa 1994) isn't even rideable anymore and I'll need something new to keep up with the kids.

Where are you located? I have a few extra in my garage and need to make room. I think my family of 3 is up to 11 bikes now.

 

[Sand]

Going on an overnight gravel/atv trail bikepacking trip with like 50 people this weekend. Camping at a pizza farm for the night so don't need to haul food or booze. Just a 45 mile day one, 25-30 mile day two thing, but super looking forward to it. Going with 3 buddies. Have done a similar route this summer with my kids and wife, but this will be a little more aggressive of a pace I imagine.

Gravel Pizza Overnighter 2023

www.thenxrth.com

The location is perfect.

 

[Fat Nick]

Thanks all for the input - I will say I continue to be shocked at the breadth of kids bikes out there - both in terms of brand and price. I ended up going with the Diamondback that @the moops recommended. It fit a lot of the criteria others recommended and the discount was great. It's relatively light (aluminum), and didn't have front suspension...and given the MSRP is $500+, it hopefully will hold it's value. The front disc brake is a nice feature I didn't see on sub-$300 bikes. I did browse used bikes in the area, but truthfully (and confirming the "nice bikes hold value" theory) they were still $200-$400 for a good brand bike. I saw a nice Specialized kids bike just around the corner, but they wanted $350 for it and wouldn't come down.

My son is super excited and loved the color - so win/win.

I'll be back to the thread in a few months...My daughter is 6 and just shed her training wheels last weekend....now I'm going to be the one in the market for a bike because my old Specialized Rock Hopper (circa 1994) isn't even rideable anymore and I'll need something new to keep up with the kids.

Where are you located? I have a few extra in my garage and need to make room. I think my family of 3 is up to 11 bikes now.

Flemington NJ...

 

[Dickies]

Thanks all for the input - I will say I continue to be shocked at the breadth of kids bikes out there - both in terms of brand and price. I ended up going with the Diamondback that @the moops recommended. It fit a lot of the criteria others recommended and the discount was great. It's relatively light (aluminum), and didn't have front suspension...and given the MSRP is $500+, it hopefully will hold it's value. The front disc brake is a nice feature I didn't see on sub-$300 bikes. I did browse used bikes in the area, but truthfully (and confirming the "nice bikes hold value" theory) they were still $200-$400 for a good brand bike. I saw a nice Specialized kids bike just around the corner, but they wanted $350 for it and wouldn't come down.

My son is super excited and loved the color - so win/win.

I'll be back to the thread in a few months...My daughter is 6 and just shed her training wheels last weekend....now I'm going to be the one in the market for a bike because my old Specialized Rock Hopper (circa 1994) isn't even rideable anymore and I'll need something new to keep up with the kids.

That DIamondback actually looks like a pretty solid choice. I missed that suggestion. Let us know what type of bike you're looking for. There are a lot of sales out there right now.