MommyAllison
04-18-2012, 11:26 AM
DD1 learned to ride on a balance bike last spring, rode all summer on an 18" pedal bike, which now has some sort of issue and we'd like to replace it. The 18" is just a cheap TRU type bike we bought at a garage sale a few years ago. Now that she's riding well, we'd like to get a nicer bike for her.
First question - Size.
Should we go with 16" or 20"? She is almost 6.5, but is fairly petite, probably around 45-46". [ETA: Just measured her, she's 45.5"] I was planning to go with 20" but know we'll need to try each bike out before buying to make sure she fits well. Seems like most websites say 16" is for up to age 8 though - should I be looking at them?
Second question - Brakes
20" seems to be the size that switches from coaster brakes to hand brakes, though I know some models have both. I found a 20" Specialized Hot Rock on CL that looks great, but it only has hand brakes. Should I even consider it? DD1 started out braking by putting her feet down, probably because she was used to the balance bike, but has gotten used to using coaster brakes. The Specialized is $100 so not like it's a screaming deal, but the only other 20" Specialized I've seen is $150, and bike stores are asking that or more for their used 20" bikes.
Any advice would be so appreciated! DH and I are pretty bicycle clueless. :)
First question - Size.
Should we go with 16" or 20"? She is almost 6.5, but is fairly petite, probably around 45-46". [ETA: Just measured her, she's 45.5"] I was planning to go with 20" but know we'll need to try each bike out before buying to make sure she fits well. Seems like most websites say 16" is for up to age 8 though - should I be looking at them?
Second question - Brakes
20" seems to be the size that switches from coaster brakes to hand brakes, though I know some models have both. I found a 20" Specialized Hot Rock on CL that looks great, but it only has hand brakes. Should I even consider it? DD1 started out braking by putting her feet down, probably because she was used to the balance bike, but has gotten used to using coaster brakes. The Specialized is $100 so not like it's a screaming deal, but the only other 20" Specialized I've seen is $150, and bike stores are asking that or more for their used 20" bikes.
Any advice would be so appreciated! DH and I are pretty bicycle clueless. :)