bike for 11 year old girl

[joggerjayne]

Anyone got any advice about a good sort of MTB for an 11 year old girl ?

I need a present for a friend's daughter.

Not knowing much about bikes, I usually take the easy option, and end up buying Specialized.

Her current bike (which I also bought for her, about 2/3 years ago) is a Specialized Hotrock, so something similar would be ideal.

[whifffey]

Go to Evans Cycles, there is a branch in Brighton

http://www.evanscycles.com/stores/Brighton

A good professional company, they stock many of the top makes, also their "own brand" - Pinnacle - which represents excellent value for money. I have bought all my bikes from Evans (3 Konas, Pinnacle)

Above all, don't be tempted to save money by buying a low-end heap of cast iron

[joggerjayne]

Thanks, Whiffey.

I accept what you say about not buying too cheaply ... it's a false economy. The child will get more use out of the bike if it's easy to ride.

I'm prepared to pay �300 - �400.

Is a Kona a good alternative to a Specialized? ... or are they much more expensive?

Anyway ... I appreciate your input.

J x