Need recommendations for a small bike

[momtoemma]

I think it's nearly time to move on and buy our older DD (nearly 3) a small bike to use instead of her tricycle. Can anyone recommend a good brand for a first bike? I'd rather not have something with characters all over it, and that's pretty much what I've seen at Target and TRU. Oh, and it will have to have training wheels on it as well. Thanks!

[Hallie_D]

We just bought DS #1 a two-wheeler for his third birthday. He is VERY petite (25 lbs and barely 36 inches at his 3yo checkup) but still was ready to move on from his trike. We had the same trouble finding bikes that were not covered with characters. We finally found a 12-inch Schwinn called "Goblin" that is on sale on Amazon--$50 instead of $80. (It has apparently been discontinued and replaced by a model that is almost identical but is now called "Bottle Rocket"--much better name, IMO!) Amazon had several other similar models in the $50-$80 price range.

DS LOVES the bike! The training wheels are very sturdy and large enough that the bike doesn't wobble back and forth as he rides. It is exactly the right size, and has room for him to grow (seat and handle bars raise). Schwinn is also high enough quality that we expect to be able to use it for DS #2 and then give it to friends or donate it somewhere. It took him a few tries to get used to getting started, both because his legs were positioned differently and because the bike weighs at least twice as much as his trike (a small Kiddio), but now he has no problems.

DH put the bike together and said it was very simple, but he also has built bikes from random parts and has the right tools. He says if you have no experience, you'd probably have to take it to a bike shop.

HTH!

[MelissaTC]

Wow! My DS just mastered pedaling his trike and he will turn 3 in a few weeks. I am intent on purchasing him a Trek bike when he is ready to move on...

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Kids..._3-4/Index.php

This looks pretty cool for a little girl-http://www2.trekbikes.com/images/bikes_my05/kids_bmx/kids/medium/surfergirl.jpg

http://www2.trekbikes.com/images/bik...m/mystic12.jpg

These are really well made bikes and are going to cost you more than one at Wal-Mart, Target, etc... Our local bike shop carries them and they seem to hover around $100...

[momtoemma]

Thanks for the advice! I was considering a schwinn, but the Trek bike also looks pretty cool! I think I'll call a local bike shop tomorrow and see if they carry this model! I definitely want our younger DD to be able to ride it in the future too. I'd welcome any other suggestions too.

[sugarsnappea]

JG has a Trek Mystic, it is extremely well made and I look forward to passing it down to little sister. It is not tippy at all, and is very solid. She started riding it at about 3 1/2, and it has 16 inch tires. The bike shop told me it will probably fit her until she is around 6 years old. Trek also makes a 12 inch tire version which is much smaller. I passed on this model since she probably would only get a year out of riding it. However, I may see one in our future if the Mystic really lasts until JG is 6 y/o. :)

edited to add pic-
Here is a pic of the bike we have
http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bike...16_magenta.gif

[Phoebe]

This is what we bought our daughter for her 4th birthday . It's a really nice bike. I thought it was on the expensive side, but it's really sturdy and will last a long time.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/27205.jpg

http://www.electrabike.com/04/bikes/...05_kds_01.html

She has the Hawaii model, but I think the little Rosy model is very cute too.

Mary
DD 4/01
DS 6/03

[candybomiller]

Wow, I figured a bike was something that could wait until ds was at least 5!! Until I read this post, I wouldn't have even considered a bike for him. Now it looks like I've got a new shopping mission.