Looking for a "Honda Civic" bike

[Mordraken]

Hi all.

Need advice on a cheap bike to buy. My 5 year old is riding now and goes too fast for me to continue to run with, so I need to pick up a bike to keep up with him.

I don't know bikes other than some of the brands as I've been doing my research, so I'll use car brands which I'm much more familliar with. I'm looking for a "Honda Civic" of bikes - something cheap and reliable. I'm not looking for a Ferrari or Laborgini... those would be in the $3,000+ range. I'm also not looking for a "quality" bike in the BMW, Audi or Volvo range. I'm looking for something like a Mazda 3, Honda Civic or even a Hundai Accent.

What I want to avoid is a Late, a Gremlin or the early Hundais that will have defective parts, break down or require constant maintenance...

I see some deals at Canadian Tire, specifically:

Kranked Legend (on sale for $160)http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/BikesAccessories/BikesFullSuspension/PRD~0711900P/Kranked+Legend+Dual+Suspension+Bicycle%2C+26-in.jsp

CCM Monalto (on sale for $180)
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/BikesAccessories/BikesFullSuspension/PRDOVR~0711594P/CCM+Monalto+Full+Suspension+Bicycle%2C+26-in.jsp?locale=en

Schwinn Circuit XST (on sale for $200)
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/BikesAccessories/BikesHybrid/PRD~0711379P/Schwinn+Circuit+XST+700C+Hybrid+Bike.jsp?locale=en

Again, I'm not looking to do any heavy cycling right now - just looking to keep up with a 5 year old. I'd just like to get a bike that's reliable, preferably for under $250 all in.

Any help, advice or personal experiences with these bikes would be much appreciated!

 

[davereo]

Out of the three you posted I would go with the Schwinn Circuit. This bike is comparable to a Hyundai Accent. A Honda Civic would probably set you back 500 at your LBS. For the riding you are describing the Cicuit will get the job done. The Shimano Altus components on this bike are reliable enough for your needs.

If you cant keep up with a five year old on this bike get yourself a scooter./img/vbsmilies/smilies/wink.gif

 

[Mordraken]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up getting a Schwinn (though not the one I posted - I got a mountain bike instead as I expect to do a lot of riding off the paved trials).