Another northern oik here!

[Liz Williams]

Hi all, I'm new to this..I'm not really a cyclist so forgive my intrusion!
What I'm after is some advice on buying our almost 4 year old daughter her first bike. we are wanting something decent so are thinking of going down the second hand route. She is quite tall for her age (104cms and growing ++) and a couple of bikes- Puky, specialised Hotrock seem to advise their beginner bikes (12 inch wheels) are for below 105cms..so then there's the next ones up which are on 16 inch wheels. Do you think we should go for the 16 inch wheel?? She can ride a bike ok,but hasn't had a great deal of practice.
many thanks

 

[SquareDaff]

Hi Liz,
I think most people on here will say that bikes are very individual things and can't really recommend something based on a measurement alone. The best bet, IMO, is to take your daughter to either a Local Bike Shop (LBS) or Toysrus and let her try a few of the different sizes out. I think you'll be able to see then if she'll be OK with a 16 inch wheel or not.

 

[Liz Williams]

Thanks for the quick reply. I think I'm going to try a bike shop in Stockport this afternoon.It makes sense really!

 

[SquareDaff]

It does. The last thing you want to do is put your daughter off cycling due to an ill fitting bike!

 

[skudupnorth]

Welcome to the site Liz,you do realise you have to get a bike aswell ! Try Decathelon,they have some good stuff and a lot of choice.

 

[Oxo]

Apart from the wheel size reach is important, can she manage the brakes? Also weight can be a problem especially if you try to fit her on a bigger cycle. The other side of the coin is most kids become confident very quickly and they grow even quicker.

 

[Liz Williams]

Thanks everyone! Took her to Decathlon- she couldn't get the hang of the 16" one...and after a lot of coaxing by me she got upset and said she didn't like it. She did much better on the 14" and was riding around the store at a good speed..It won't last as long but it is a bit cheaper. I don't want to put her off as of course I will be getting one myself

 

[AnneW]

Now you just need to head off down the Middlewood Way - safe cycling and pretty flat

 

[kishan]

welcome