What bike for almost 13yr old DS

[Rollergirl11]

Posting here mainly for traffic. DS desperately needs a new bike as he’s grown quite a bit in the past few months, although he’s still small for his age. Would definitely still need to be in the junior range. He really wants a BMX but DH is saying no he needs to go with a mountain bike. We have some vouchers to go towards it. Can spend up to around £400. Are there any particular brands we should look for? I don’t want to get DS a bike that other people will laugh at him for and I know teenage boys can be quite harsh and boisterous about the bike you ride.

my kids loved their frog bikes.

I’d let him have what he wants. What has he currently got? What have his friends got and how will he be using it?

I had this same dilemma for a preteen a few months ago and asked my bike geek friends. Trek Marlin bikes came highly recommended across the board. It’s a brilliant bike and great value for money. Think the Marlin 5 is £425 which is slightly above your budget. Evans cycles sell them and offered a great service.