Advice on kids bikes please

[GodolphianArabian]

DS needs a new bike. Buying bikes for the kids almost always causes DH and I to argue.

I'll be honest I don't know much about bikes. My main criteria is that it's light weight because it makes it easier to pedal and lift onto the back of the car. It seems being light weight makes bikes expensive. I'm happy to spend up to £350 say to achieve this. DH always wants to buy ones with full suspension and a million gears but thinks spending much on them is a waste of money so the only ones that fit this criteria weigh a ton. (Although his own bike was expensive ).

Can anyone knowledgeable give me some advice over what we should buy. Maybe some technical jargon so I can argue my point. We mainly cycle on cycle paths and DS has tried to do a bit of mountain biking and enjoyed it. He's nearly 9 but tall I think he needs a 24 inch wheel.

Bump

All I know about kids' bikes is that unless they use them day in day out, then as soon as you blink they've outgrown them and you have to buy another one! On my next go round through life I'm going to set up a kids' bike hire service!

They do grow out of them quickly, for me a decent quality second had one beats a new cheep one. Lightweight is much more likely to get ridden.

I do know a few families who've used bike club, thebikeclub.co

id buy specialized, or isla or frog. they are all very good and resell well second hand. they often come up on ebay if you want second hand.