I can't offer any names of bikes because it's not my specific area of expertise. I can tell you, though, that the fact you are on here asking makes you a cool dad. I spent $180 on a Trek Mod for my boy (a Big Wheel like no other) and bought myself one too so I could teach him how to ride it like a champ. I think your offering price is a low. I remember as a kid always having a bike that either I had to pay for or it was a crappy one. My buddies always had better bikes than me and it came through in the hierarchy of our young teen relationships. Kinda hard to make money as a kid, you know? Donate more than $200, (make it happen, Dad) then show him how to maintain it and repair it. This is your chance to shine as a father so take advantage of it. This is one of those rare moments where shelling out the cash for your boy might make all the difference for him. Besides, what if he could become pro, which may turn into motorcycles or go karts or race cars one day and he's held back by your initial outlay? A good bike contributes to a good rider, like good tools help carpenters do finer work. Do not go to ANY store that sells things other than bikes, like WalMart or Costco or Dick's Sporting Goods. I don't make much money, I pay way too much in child support, and I never skimp on these kinds of things for my kids. If anything, I'll buy a used one just to get the best after researching like you're doing. CraigsList and eBay are gold mines for these kinds of things. Good luck, man. His future may rest in your wallet right now.
