What first bike

[JDot]

I’m looking to buy my 14 year old a 90’s steel mtb and wanted advice please. He’s a long legged 32” inner seam. I’ve been looking at Kona’s and Marin’s and wanted advice on other options.

 

[winjohn]

Specialized Hardrock or Rockhopper.

 

[JDot]

Specialized Hardrock or Rockhopper.

Are there particular years I should look out for?

 

[winjohn]

Not really, depends if you want steel of aluminium frame or rigid forks. Condition is probably more important than a particular year.

 

[averagebiker]

Not really, depends if you want steel of aluminium frame or rigid forks. Condition is probably more important than a particular year.

Agreed that condition is the most important thing.
Second most important consideration is that it meets your 14yo kids idea of what is cool so that they want to ride it in public

 

[Siish]

There are also things like Muddy fox sorcerer pro/ monarch sport etc, or even some some raleighs are good quality frames, (dyna-tech,/m-trax etc)

 

[JDot]

Should I consider a Kona Fire Mountain

 

[Twozaskars]

That's an entry level bike, any standard one will have low-mid range kit. Depends what he wants and what he's going to use it for.

 

[winjohn]

Should I consider a Kona Fire Mountain

If it's in good condition and a reasonable price, nothing wrong with a Fire Mountain.

 

[JDot]

Thank you. How about a 1988 specialized hardrock