What bike for my son?

[Revolution]

My 16 year old son is showing an interest in cycling. At present he is riding my Claud Butler Dalesman (1990's)
Although I have upgraded it somewhat I am thinking a new bike of the correct size may be better suited to him.
Essentially he needs a bike to travel the 3miles along a cycle path to school on a daily basis so I think the ability to fit mud guards is essential but he also rides 40 - 60k on a weekend with me on the road with some steep hills so drop bars and light-ish weight are important.
My own experience is that cyclocross bikes offer both the practicality of guards, pannier rack etc with a viable road feel. ) Second hand would mean a couple of hundred quid off the cost.
I recon on spending £500 tops - second hand could mean getting a higher spec or pricier bike for that kind of price. Does anyone have any experience / advice / thoughts on what I should be looking at?

[Valbrona]

Giant Defy.

[greyingbeard]

an old hack for riding to school in case it gets nicked
Then he will really appreciate the good one for leisure

[cycleruk]

an old hack for riding to school in case it gets nicked
Then he will really appreciate the good one for leisure

+1
Some form of unattractive bike for school.
How quickly is he growing?
Do you get a slightly bigger bike that he will grow into?
(Although bikes can be adjusted with longer stems and/taller seatpost.)
Have you asked him what kind of bike he would like?

One of the "Audax" style bikes often have rack and mudguard fixings.
A "Cross" bike could be ideal for rough stuff and should also be able to accept mudguards etc.

[g_r_richardson]

an old hack for riding to school in case it gets nicked
Then he will really appreciate the good one for leisure

Agree. If you've got the space, the two bike solution is the way forward.

3 miles on a cycle path should still be enjoyable riding anything. Old hybrid or MTB with slick tyres. If it's a flat ride, don't bother with gears to keep maintenance low.

Not so sure on the model for his but would also think an audax or cross bike would be a good bet. Leaves the options open for the type of riding he might end up wanting to do.

[Ugly]

If you want him to keep cycling strongly consider his choice, if he considers his bike uncool it won't get ridden as much as one that he likes. Short of a BMX any bike will do the job and lack of, perhaps mudguards/carrier can be rectified when he gets fed up with a wet bum/sweaty back from a rucksack.

[s1965c]

At 16, getting the bike he wants (rather than dad picking the "right" one) will outweigh almost all other considerations.

For my lad, at that age, it was a BMX. Totally impractical, but he did many, many miles riding to school, college and subsequently work standing up pedalling furiously.

[greyingbeard]

At 16, getting the bike he wants (rather than dad picking the "right" one) will outweigh almost all other considerations.

For my lad, at that age, it was a BMX. Totally impractical, but he did many, many miles riding to school, college and subsequently work standing up pedalling furiously.

+1
whatever he want to ride.
I expect that you are enjoying shopping and drooling over new toys, but its his bike - you're just paying for it

[andrewk]

[quote="greyingbeard"

whatever he want to ride.
I expect that you are enjoying shopping and drooling over new toys, but its his bike - you're just paying for it [/quote]

+1