Bike for little brother

Recently, my mom asked me to get a bike from my 11yr old little brother. Was thinking whether to get him a BMX, small MTB or build a small MTB for him. My plan is actually to get a small frame and spec it with mainly deore parts, suspension is optional. 2nd hand small size mtb frame seems very hard to come by. Even when they are posted, their price is usually not my budget. Few weeks ago, i found a very good deal, scott yz1 with magura brakes, stem, handlebar and seatpost for $200. But due to my busy schedule, Im unable to meet up with the buyer. In the end the bike was sold.

Think I should increase my budget for the bike. Use it to setup a small street bike, at least it works out better in the long run.

Taiwan bikeshops

Was on a trip to Taiwan from 24-28Nov. when to a few high-end bike shops in Taipei.

First shop i went was "The Seventh Park Bike Shop". The owner was extremely friendly and good in customer service. Here is the story: I was actually at the western side of Taipei, looking for bike shop. From the taxi drivers, i went to this pretty rundown bike shop. I was quite disappointed as it wasn't those high end bike shop I'm looking for. When i decided to leave the shop, a middle-age guy approach me, asking what I'm looking for. After knowing what kind of bike shop I'm looking for, he show me his name card. He is actually the owner of the shop. He offered me a ride to his shop which is at the eastern side of Taipei. At his shop, he even offered me coffee and gave me address on other bike shops in Taipei. Very impressed with his customer service!

The shop is specialized in road bikes, mainly Orbea, Specialized and Bianchi. In the last picture, the brand "MAO" is actually known for their car racks in Taiwan. They work with Easton to come out with this frame, Easton tubing for the main frame while EC90 SLX carbon for the seat stay. Didnt know that Seat stay can also have EC90 SLX, interesting..

The next shop i went is this GIANT bike shop, KAOO CHANG CO LTD at the northen part of Taipei. From the shop name itself, should know that the bikes are mainly GIANT. At a corner of the shop, they place some nice frames like colnago, parkpre titanium, scott plasma, felt etc..

Just opposite the road is another bike shop, LA BOUTIQUE DU VELO. The shop have many branches in Taipei.

The shop is not well stock with parts ready for sale. Instead, they "exhibit" their exotic nice bike at the glass panel of the shop. Most of the bikes and frames are LOOK, TREK, SCOTT etc..
Saw a art piece, TREK Discovery Channel Carbon Frame. The decal are painted on the frame, giving the frame a texture.