Bike for my Daughter-Advice

[GoCubsGo]

My 11 year daughter totally got into biking this summer and wanted to ride every night all the way into November.  She's riding a crapper kids bike that is way too small and this will be her bike for a few years at least (her height puts her in a smaller bike frame adult bike) .  I got her fitted for a bike and now I have a dilemma.  I generally believe in buying great quality products and don't look back.  Since I've recently started thinking about my purchasing habits differently, I was considering going a cheaper route.  Problem is that from what I've read from "bike people" is that mass produced bikes are crap and I need to spend at least $400 to get something decent (which I'm willing to do since she really loves riding and I want to encourage it).  I'm not a big bike person (but own an older expensive mountain bike that has held up great for 10 years of on again, off again use).  Any thoughts would be appreciated as I want to get the bike soon.

[somepissedoffman]

I don't personally have experience with Nashbar (online store) bikes, but MMM has mentioned them being pretty good quality for the money.  This one comes in at $250, and I 'think' that's with free shipping:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_552047_-1___202339
Not fancy, but better than Walmart type bikes.

Most of the time, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck with a used bike, which should be easy to find in a city on craigslist.  You'd need to make sure it's in good condition (no dents in frame, gears and chain not rusted, wheels reasonably true), and may have to pay a shop for a tune-up if you don't how to do so yourself.  Or, if she won't be riding in the winter, you could get her some basic tools and have her learn to do maintenance herself.

Do you know what style of bike your daughter is looking for?

[turboseize]

Quality bikes are costly. And yes, cheap bikes are crap.

But only when new. Buy used!

[frompa]

Ditto on the used bike advice.  You can get great quality used bikes for kids, if you have the time and patience to look around.  Look for good name brands -- Trek, Cannondale, etc...  Some other parent went the expensive quality route and now their kid has outgrown it.  Go for it.  Or, you can buy the expensive quality and be prepared to market and sell it after your daughter outgrows it.  Good luck!

[fodder69]

+1 on the used bike route. But as far as new Nashbar is fine, but you do have to do some basic assembly and adjustment on the bike which if you had to take it to a shop would eat your savings. But it really is pretty basic if you or a friend have any mechanical apptitude. And you will be learning new skills!