Picked up a cheap bike from toys r us (i know i know) a couple of years ago for the boy to put around on. It’s heavy cheaply made etc.
Want to get him something that will last a him awhile into adulthood but I’m not trying to spend a ton. Ideally I’d like something decent a used but I am not sure what to look for, I am open to making any repairs needed if it’s not perfect just need a good base to start with.
Into adulthood with the same bike is a big ask unless the kid can reasonably fit onto a 26" bike.
Pello has a discount for buying the next size up as your kid grows (https://www.pellobikes.com/faq called “growpello”), maybe other kids bike companies have it too?
I’ve lately been impressed by Cannondale’s kids / youth bikes, too.
My experience is that you should join the local MTB or roadie online forum (likely on facebook) and ask there.
I see it often here and folks are happy to offer up a good small-sized bike for a kid to get onto. It seems to come in 2 flavors: killer $2k+ full-suspension rigs, or much less expensive 26" wheeled hardtails that are no longer in fashion but are perfect for general riding around.
Wait @ant if he’s 5’5" I have a 2006-ish Santa Cruz Chameleon that’s 90% built up with an X Fusion fork. Do you want it? I’d sell it for pretty cheap since it is currently just taking up space at my parents place. It just needs brakes right now and probably tires since the ones on there have been there since 2012.
I’d be stoked if someone was riding it, though it is probably a bit impractical.