Kids Mountain Bikes

Hi,

Looking For Some Help Regarding A New Bike For My Son. He Is 7 Years Old And Has Out Grown His 20" Wheel Bike Already. He Has Just Started Racing X-country This Year And Is Doing Quite Well But Gets Fed Up Having So Few Gears To Help Him Up Hills Etc. And Everyone Else Having Trick Bikes, Such As Specalized. As Complete Newcommers To The Sport Can Anyone Advise Of What Or What Not To Buy And Should We Avoid Second Hand If Something Became Available.
He Needs A 24" Wheel Bike Or A 13" Or 14" Frame I Am Told. Does This Sound Correct For The Next Stage.

Cheers.

that sounds about right...my 8 year old daughter has a Trek, we got it in The Bike rack in Cabinteely and its perfect for her, it has 24" wheels and its a 12" frame..the Specializeds are pretty cool too..get as good as you can afford, some Kids bikes are complete muck,
Al, jump in here
Richie

Thanks,
Any Idea Which Would Be Better Though. Have Looked At Specialized, Marin, Coyote, Barracuda, Kona And Viper All Range From £200-£400 Sterling And Are Fitted Out With Varied Specs. The Marin Has Twin Discs And Higher Spec Forks For £375 But Would It Be Suitable For Racing?