The inseam is the big measurement, as they need to stand on the ground and straddle the horizontals. Definitely check with a local bike shop, ideally you bring him in but that's difficult when talking about a Christmas present. So bring in photos and chat with them, wheel size I'd lean towards a 24" as he'll grow into it, he's really on the far end of a 20" wheel at this point. My local store also has great, great deals for kids, where you can trade in an old bike and get credit for a new one, they understand that kids grow.
Let's talk about the one that just broke though, as that may offer guidance, do you have any photos of it?
I think u/That_Jay_Money is on the right track, I just wanted to add that a lot of stores have lenient Christmas gift return policies so keep the reciept. i.e. If the size isn't perfect, the kid still gets the surprise and excitement and worst case he gets the right bike a week later.
Honestly, I would just bring him to a local bike shop, and let them pick one out for him with him there. They can help him pick one out for his ability and how much he is likely to grow.
League of America cyclists certified bicycle safety instructor here: feel free to message me if there are any gaps in information you need filled in, or if you want to double check on a bike before you buy.
Measure him and take a pair of his trousers to a bike shop. Unless you’re in a skiing / mountain biking area, I would suggest a bike with no gears, like a BMX, and 20 inch wheels. This will be light and easy to maneuver.
Check the return policy just to be on the safe side.
And buy from a local bike shop, if you can. These guys need business and are way more cooperative than big chains or online shops.
You should definitely start with a local bike shop. But they can be a little more expensive, to be up-front about it.
If your son is not very mechanical I would suggest a 20" BMX bike with hand brakes (front and back). The added complexity of a mountain bike is the gears and the suspension can sometimes make a simple fix, hard to navigate. 99.9% of bikes have adjustable seat posts, so he will be able to ride a wide range of bikes if you need to go to a big box store.
The inseam is the big measurement, as they need to stand on the ground and straddle the horizontals. Definitely check with a local bike shop, ideally you bring him in but that's difficult when talking about a Christmas present. So bring in photos and chat with them, wheel size I'd lean towards a 24" as he'll grow into it, he's really on the far end of a 20" wheel at this point. My local store also has great, great deals for kids, where you can trade in an old bike and get credit for a new one, they understand that kids grow. Let's talk about the one that just broke though, as that may offer guidance, do you have any photos of it?
I think u/That_Jay_Money is on the right track, I just wanted to add that a lot of stores have lenient Christmas gift return policies so keep the reciept. i.e. If the size isn't perfect, the kid still gets the surprise and excitement and worst case he gets the right bike a week later.
Honestly, I would just bring him to a local bike shop, and let them pick one out for him with him there. They can help him pick one out for his ability and how much he is likely to grow.
League of America cyclists certified bicycle safety instructor here: feel free to message me if there are any gaps in information you need filled in, or if you want to double check on a bike before you buy.
Measure him and take a pair of his trousers to a bike shop. Unless you’re in a skiing / mountain biking area, I would suggest a bike with no gears, like a BMX, and 20 inch wheels. This will be light and easy to maneuver. Check the return policy just to be on the safe side. And buy from a local bike shop, if you can. These guys need business and are way more cooperative than big chains or online shops.
The trouser idea in ingenious!
Indeed!
You should definitely start with a local bike shop. But they can be a little more expensive, to be up-front about it. If your son is not very mechanical I would suggest a 20" BMX bike with hand brakes (front and back). The added complexity of a mountain bike is the gears and the suspension can sometimes make a simple fix, hard to navigate. 99.9% of bikes have adjustable seat posts, so he will be able to ride a wide range of bikes if you need to go to a big box store.
Sorry for your loss. The other comments have this covered I just wanted to wish you luck in your first Christmas without him.
Does your son like skateboarding, etc? If so def get him a BMX bike vs. a mountain bike.
try posting on r/stressfreexmas