New bike suggestion for DD - 12YO

[AyesMum]

I'm looking to buy a new bicycle for 12YO DD.

She's only had kids' bikes so far, so this will be her first 'grown-up' bike with gears.

She's ~150cm tall so she will need a grown-up bike anyway.

I've done some research and come up with a couple of options that look good, but as it's been decades since I bought a bike, I'm looking for some advice

www.argos.co.uk/product/6192541

www.argos.co.uk/product/8907875

If there are other options I should be considering, absolutely up for hearing those.

For more context - DD is quite sporty, loves rollerblading. The bike will be used mostly in undulating country lanes and woodland walks but not really in rough, mountain-bike terrain. She's ~150cm tall and has yet to hit her growth spurt. I'm hoping she'll be able to use this bike for the next 3-4 years without having to buy something bigger.

Also, a few newbie questions on modern-day bicycles:

• are mudguards out of fashion? How does one avoid being splattered by slush?

• how many gears are too many? The options above have 18 and 21 gears. My sense for gears is what I've seen with cars (4 or 5) so my mind boggles a bit at so many gears. I imagine one thinks of gears differently with bikes - one doesn't go, 'hmm, this is a job for the 19th gear, not the 17th gear'

Don't buy from Argos, buy from a proper bike shop would be my first bit of advice....

@ItsAllGoingToBeFine

Don't buy from Argos, buy from a proper bike shop would be my first bit of advice....

Which shops would you recommend? Would Decathlon be better?

Also, keen to support independent/local businesses if we can. We're in TN, Kent.

Agree with the PP.

Find your local bike shop and take her there.

Depending on her height and her stage of puberty she may actually fit a ladies bike which could be the last bike you need to buy her. (So get good bike locks and teach her to lock it properly.)

One of my friends had had the bike she got at 12 for decades. She did grow after 12 but not so much she needed a new bike. She has had other bikes as well.

Would Decathlon be better?
No

Use Google and look for a local bike shop.

thanks both - off it is to the local bike shop then!

Another vote for avoiding Argos. A good quality second hand bike will last longer than one from Argos for similar money. Your local bike shop may have/know of good second hand bikes for sale.

Mudguards are out of fashion, yes

Decathlon bikes are better than Argos, but both are quite heavy. The components will be poor quality that wear out fast, this makes for less comfortable ride & use after just a few uses.

I found some bikes on ebay which are close to TN6 2AA (no idea what OP's postcode is). These are worth a try:

25 miles away, looks good

Just needs chain replaced (looks lovely)

Another specialized maybe out of your budget

Felt in Maidstone at your price point

Decent price if GT Laguna is in decent condition

etc.