Child's Training Bike

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2009-08-23 5:48 PM

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Subject: Child's Training Bike

I've been researching bikes for my daughter (4y-3m) to learn how to ride a two-wheeler on. I started with the generics that I could pick up at Walmart, Target, etc. to ensure that no gem-in-the-rough was being left behind, but obviously I didn't find anything.

Jumping up a price point led me to the child bikes manufactured by the likes of Trek, Fuji, Specialized and a few others.

Now, while a full carbon, SRAM-Red enabled wunderkin of a children's bike, with a custom paint job and discs would be great (except for the whole "carbon doesn't stand up to falling while riding, a lot" thing -- and the lack of said bikes), I know that I need something that is both functional and safe.

Does anyone have a suggestion for what to look into? A friend's daughter has a Specialized Hotrock 16" and has had great success, so that's one mark in it's favor, but I am definitely open to any brand.

Thanks!

2009-08-23 11:46 PM
in reply to: #2365275

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Subject: RE: Child's Training Bike
i've bought a couple of small bikes, several 12", one 16", and one 20" wheeled sizes.  From my point of view, stick with a main brand (specialized, trek, haro, giant etc.) and you can't go too wrong.  Some of those cheapo department store bikes are real trash though! 

on the 12" size, it's less important in my experience.  At least in the case of my kids, they outgrew the 12" bike within a week of learning to ride it without training wheels.  I spent a little extra time to find a 16" bike with both a hand brake and a coaster brake so she would get the hang of the hand brake before moving up to a bike with no coaster brake at all.  Our 20" bike is a Giant, has name brand components, alloy rims, and a 7 speed Shimano twist shifter.  It's actually a really nice bike!

All of my bikes were bought used, either off Craigslist or from friends/family.  Kids outgrow bikes so quick, there's a ton of them sitting around.  I personally would never buy one new, the kids just outgrow them so quick anyway!
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