Learning to ride a bicycle is like a rite of passage for kids. They move from doing “little kid” stuff like tricycles and wagons to riding a bike like a “big kid.” Even if it’s with training wheels, it’s always a special moment when they start peddling off. Then the training wheels can be removed, a bigger bike purchased, and so on.
My son, Nathan, was seven when he learned to ride a bike without any help. Once he did, he was off and never looked back. He loved it, like every child does. And he still does.
We started him off with a cheap kids’ bike we bought on sale from a major retailer. Unfortunately, that bike had issues with the chain falling off. At the beginning of this summer, the problem starting occurring more frequently and it limited how much Nathan could ride his bike. This really frustrated him (and me.) Especially since, his dad and I had decided he was old enough to ride around the neighborhood without us. (Within reason, of course.) That is a really cool privilege so to not be able to use that was a disappointment.
Imagine how thrilled Nathan was when he came home from summer camp at the end of July and there was a Performance Bicycle waiting for him! He literally jumped up and down and hugged me over and over (which he doesn’t often do.)
My husband, Nate, put the bike together with Nathan. It was fun to watch them work together.
Unfortunately, they ran into a couple of issues that required a call into Performance Bicycle. Nate said the directions were not written very well. That being said, I was very impressed with their customer service; someone returned our call very quickly and helped us figure out and correct the issue. They even gave us their direct line number so we could call again if we had more questions. Luckily, we didn’t.
Performance Bicycles are made with quality and have been in business for 30 years. I was thrilled because I knew Nathan was getting a great bicycle.
We received the Performance Boys Holeshot 24″ Bike. This bike retails for $299.99 but is often found on sale (currently $239.99.) This is a great bike for beginning mountain biking as it has good treads on the wheels and a durable frame with front suspension. The bike can shift into an impressive 21 different speeds. I don’t think even my old bike can do that many speeds! The bike is fast too, which means it’s a good thing the brakes work really well.
Nathan is nine so he was ready to move up to this larger 24″ bike from his old 20″ size. And he was pretty excited about the new gears/speeds.
It took him about a day to get the hang of it, but before long, he was out riding around like a pro.
Performance Bicycle offers a great program for children, called “Grow Up With Performance.” This provides savings on accessories and future bicycle purchases, such as 10% off any kids’ helmet with a first bicycle purchase, 15% off a second bicycle purchase and so on. Which is great, because we all know how quickly kids grow. Plus there’s many fantastic bikes to choose from – for boys and girls – at Performance.
Honesty, I still can’t quite believe that Nathan is big enough to have such a cool bike. He absolutely loves his Performance Bicycle. In fact, his exact words to me were, “This is the coolest bike EVER, Mom!”
Sarah says
This looks like a bike that I would love, however, I’m not sure if I still know how to ride one!
Erika says
You know, they say that once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget! I bet you’d be back up in no time! 🙂
Debi says
What a great bike! And he looks like he loves it. It is a shame that the directions weren’t better written but at least they were helpful when you called.
Erika says
Yes, I’m happy!
Heather ~ Acting Balanced Mom says
That is a very cool bike! My little guy just learned to ride with training wheels this summer but I know it won’t be long before he wants a cool bike like that!
Erika says
They grow up so fast, don’t they?
LisaLisa says
YAY!! Two thumbs up for your son. What a nice bike too!
Erika says
Thanks Lisa!
Mickey says
That is a NICE bike! My daughter needs a new bike and I wasn’t even sure where to start looking. The cheap ones we’ve bought from big box stores literally fell apart. Never again!
I’ll check Performance out. Thanks!
Erika says
That’s how I felt about the cheap one we bought Nathan before. I definitely recommend Performance!
Kari says
Our 11 yr. old has a birthday coming up next month and we are probably going to be getting him a new bike. This one sounds great!
Erika says
That would be a great birthday present!
Isra says
He looks so proud of himself as he should be! The bike is really nice.
Erika says
Thanks, Isra. Yes, he is quite pleased with his new bike!
Mariah says
That is a great looking bike and he looks absolutely thrilled! Good move mom! 🙂
Erika says
Thanks, Mariah!
ashleigh walls says
21 speeds?! Wow that’s insane. What a great bike!
Erika says
I know! It’s crazy! my bike doesn’t even have that many.
Dawn says
That bike looks really nice! My daughter loves riding her bike but it is getting pretty old and she could probably use a bigger one. I should check that out for her. 🙂
Dawn
http://www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
Erika says
Performance Bike is definitely a great option. I was told you can even have bikes shipped to a local Performance Bike shop and assembled there. There weren’t any in my area, or we would have done that. It’s a good idea if you don’t want the hassle of putting the bike together yourself.
Katy M says
Wow! So glad you got those pics! I have such awesome memories of riding my bike with my cousins and brother all summer long. Ahhh….
Erika says
Me too. Bike riding and summer just go together.
Tiffany Kinney says
That is def a cool bike!
krystle(Baking Beauty) says
That is a good looking bike! I am useless with instructions regardless, but I’m glad you were able to get it sorted out!
Erika says
I’m useless too, Krystle – I’m just glad my husband was able to figure it out!
Have a great day!
Nina Kimwa says
Thank you for good information. I love it! I would buy it for my son 🙂
Erika says
Thanks, Nina!
Have a great day!
Marie Howard says
Nice wheels! I remember when my guy was little, always on his bike!! Great photos!
Rita Spratlen says
Sounds like a great bike. I think he looks extremely happy for sure!! I like that it is a mountain bike. It is nice to know about a good brand out there. Thanks for the great review. I love his smile!!
Ellen Christian says
He definitely looks pretty excited with his new bike!
angela adelman says
That book looks very nice. Your son looks so happy. I think with all the gears and all it is well worth the cost.
Marg says
Oh what fun to have your first new bike. I remember those days, riding the bicycle. Love the pictures.
Stephanie says
i like this bike
Maria Oller says
We’re looking for a bike for my son I saw performance before and I was quite scared to put it together, but seems their costumer support is great I might give a try thank you for the review.
chelesa sims says
i really like this bike. my son isnt really big enough or old enough yet but I will keep this bike in mind
Sherry Compton says
How exciting! My grand children love riding bikes and can even ride to school now…with heir mom. My granddaughter is in the transition phase of not quite ready to give up her training wheels yet.
I don’t like it when instructions can’t be figured out or take forever to follow. I am glad that the customer service worked for you, and your son was able to enjoy his bike. Take lots of photos!
Julie Wood says
I like this bike that you got for your son! It looks like a really well made bike! My son really liked riding his bike when he was younger. It would have been nice to have a performance bike like this!
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
What a cool bike! I remember when my son was big enough to ride one like this, he loved it 🙂