First bike recomendations?

[bw52]

For a 4 year old for Christmas. With training wheels. We had lots of trikes and big wheels, but never a balance bike. I'm not even sure what size she needs and can't really have her pick one out since it's from Santa. Ideas?

[Mommy_Mea]

We love our specialized hotrocks, DS1 got one for Christmas last year, and DS2 is getting one this year. Both were bought off craigslist.

Once you know what type of bike you want, I would measure her inseam, and then go to a bike shop that carries that bike and check to make sure she could easily straddle the bike (ie, the lowest seat height is less than her inseam). From what I understand, a 12 inch bike can mean very different seat heights for different brands.

[LMPC]

We love our specialized hotrocks, DS1 got one for Christmas last year, and DS2 is getting one this year. Both were bought off craigslist.

Once you know what type of bike you want, I would measure her inseam, and then go to a bike shop that carries that bike and check to make sure she could easily straddle the bike (ie, the lowest seat height is less than her inseam). From what I understand, a 12 inch bike can mean very different seat heights for different brands.

I agree with all of this! DD fits very differently on a 16" REI brand bike vs a 16" specialized.

[YouAreTheFocus]

I am also considering a bike w/ training wheels for my 4 yo Xmas, and am wondering about the size. Is it possible that the 12" Specialized would fit him, or would it definitely be 16" at this age?

[chays]

Average sized 4YO needs a 16" bike. 12" is TINY.

[georgiegirl]

My small 4 year old rides a 12" bike without training wheels. We will get him a 16" one in the spring. If you plan on using the training wheels for a while and your child is average size, then 16" is good.