First Bike Recs for 6 yr old?

[fritz]

Background:  DS is 6.5 years old and has finally expressed an interest in riding a two-wheeler.  He's had a plastic big wheeler for years, but almost never rode it, and when he did, he'd really only push himself with his feet.  Pedaling is currently a mystery to him, but I'm sure he'll figure it out (and I'm aware that with a 2-wheeler we can take off the pedals at first and use it as a balance bike for a while).  DS has zero interest in either scooter/Razor or skateboard type of propulsion.

I've been reading up on bikes today (my last biking experience was...20-25 years ago, ditto for my DH), so I know about proper fit (feet flat on ground while seated), and given DS's height (4'1") we'll probably be focusing on bikes with either 18" or 20" wheels.  I'll be getting him a helmet that fits (first one was too small for his big head) and I've already got knee pads and elbow pads, so I'm okay on the safety angle.

I noticed that for his size/age range there are lots of bikes for freestyling (handlebars can rotate 360 degrees) and mountain biking (more rugged, w/ gears), but that's not really what we want for him.  He'll be riding on suburban sidewalks (admittedly the sidewalks are far from level thanks to all the tree roots pushing on the slabs) on relatively flat terrain.  We want a bike that will last him a couple years of suburban riding.  Just pedal brakes or a combination of pedal/coaster brakes and hand brakes would be fine, but I don't think he's got the hand strength to deal with hand brakes only.

Question:  Does anybody have any recommendations for specific brands/models to look for or avoid?  We'll be looking up local bike shops to see what we can learn in person, but forewarned is forearmed, and we'd love to get it right the first time.  Thanks in advance!

[pianojazzgirl]

Honestly all I'd do is look in your classifieds (or at garage sales) for a decent looking used bike.  Bikes are one thing that I am *very* happy to buy used.  I don't think it's at all necessary to buy new, and in fact I find them very overpriced new (and no better than used).

Sorry, not your question, lol...

I think most kids bikes would be just fine.  I think if you just look for a bike that's been outgrown by another 1st grader you'll probably get just what you need.  I've never looked for a specific make (though I do when I'm shopping for an adult bike!).  I've just kept my eye out for bikes that look in decent condition, and are a good colour (something my kids would like).

If you look on craigslist I'd be surprised if you didn't find something that fits the bill the first time you check.

[LaughingHyena]

We've always gone with used bikes and had no problems. If you are not that confident in fixing minor issues then most of our local bike shops take bikes in for servicing and will replace things like worn brake blocks.

If he's not used to riding a bike I would err on the smaller side rather than get one he will use for along time.  We bought a 20 inch wheel for DD's 6th birthday and it was a bit big for her to feel confident on (she could get her toes on the floor but not both feet flat). She stuck with her smaller one for a few more months but I think it would have put her off if she wasn't used to riding.

[pianojazzgirl]

Originally Posted by LaughingHyena If he's not used to riding a bike I would err on the smaller side rather than get one he will use for along time.  We bought a 20 inch wheel for DD's 6th birthday and it was a bit big for her to feel confident on (she could get her toes on the floor but not both feet flat). She stuck with her smaller one for a few more months but I think it would have put her off if she wasn't used to riding.

Great point!  For a first bike (getting used to balancing, then pedaling) I would absolutely recommend a "too small" bike.

[fritz]

Thanks for the replies!  I think I'll check out some of our local bike shops first (not only so DS can actually sit on a few bikes to see what's comfortable for him) to see what we can learn.

[K1329]

I agree with the pp who stated get one that's a little small for him. Both of my kids learned quickly on bikes that were one frame size too small - they had no trouble reaching the ground & felt more confident while learning.

[Polliwog]

Two weeks ago, my DS (age 7) learned to ride a 16" two wheeler. It fits him fine but probably too small to last very long. My mom wants to get him one for Christmas (he learned on my nephew's,) so we went to Toys R Us to try them out (bike shop bikes are out of our price range.) He is very competent, and comfortable, riding a 16" bike. He had a REALLY hard time riding an 18" bike. Some more than others. It was really bizarre to see the difference. There's no way he could ride a 20" inch. DD was just given a 16" bike that's too big for her (she's four but tiny, and we don't do training wheels.) So, I "think" I'll have my mom get him an 18" bike and he can ride DD's until he's comfortable.

Definitely try out lots of different bikes. They vary so much in frame size, handlebar placement, and weight.

[pianojazzgirl]

Another good reason to get the first bike used: if you're going to get a "too small" bike they'll outgrow it sooner than later...

pp - I bet in another month or so your ds will be solid enough to move on to the 18 inch.  My dd rode a "too small" (forget the exact size - prob 16 inch) for about 2 months a couple of summers ago, and then by her b-day (sept 16) was ready to move up to a bigger one (one that was the "proper" size for her).

[Polliwog]

I think you're right. He'll practice with DD's a while longer (he doesn't care that it has Disney Princesses on it or does she (it was a gift) and then may be ready for his new bike on Christmas morning.

[rhianna813]

Our DS got his first 2 wheeled bike when he was 5 for his birthday, which is in the early winter. He just stopped using the training wheels last summer at age 7. The frame is too small but gave him a ton of confidence. He learned to ride very quickly and now looooooooves it. We are hoping a generous grandparent will buy him a 20" bike this christmas, now that he is 8.

Here is a page on frame recommendations by age and height: http://www.ibike.org/education/buying.htm

Perhaps a 16" wheel size with training wheels is the best bet? At that size the frame options are pretty basic. Here are examples from Target:

http://www.target.com/p/Huffy-Cars-2-Bicycle-Red-16/-/A-13354013

http://www.target.com/p/Boy-s-16-Transformers-Dark-of-the-Moon-Kids-Bike-Optimus-Prime/-/A-13403692

I agree buying used is a great money saver!