DS has been riding a balance bike for a couple of years. For his fifth birthday next month, we're getting him a two-wheeler (no training wheels). DH really wants to get an aluminum ($$) one, but I'm worried that we won't get enough use out of it to justify the cash outlay.

Is it realistic that he'll use it for two years?

thanks,
-e

Anna is 8 and 49 inches tall. We just moved her out of the 16 and into a 20 inch bike. Kayla will be 6 in October and is tall for her age (don't know how tall right now). I think next spring will be when she moves up but we got her 16 inch bike when she was 4. Yes, you can find 18 inch bikes but we didn't find that intermediate step necessary. The seat adjusted enough for us--our handlebars were adjustable too, but we never needed to do that.

Amy

Hmm... we measured DS tonight -- he's 44", which is technically the smallest height for a 20". I think we're going to take him to the store to try it out. I'd love to be able to buy him a nice 20" aluminum, but I don't want to get him something that's too big, either.
-e

My just turning 7 yo is about 49" and his 16" bike is still fitting him fine. I think it was a touch big last year and it'll take him through next summer with the seat raised. But I frequently see kids on bikes that look to big for them to me. I think kids bikes are meant to be smaller proportionately than adult bikes, so that they can touch the ground firmly with their feet while seated whereas an adult bike you want to have the legs almost extended when they are on the lower pedal.

When buying bikes for the oldest child remember a can or two of spray paint plus some tape (to make designs) can make a perfect bike for the second, or third child.

When buying bikes for the oldest child remember a can or two of spray paint plus some tape (to make designs) can make a perfect bike for the second, or third child.

Funny, this is exactly what DH claimed! That he could paint it for DD when she's ready.

I think he'd be too small for a 20" bike if he's never ridden a bike. My 5.5 yr. old is 46" and he's had a 16" bike since 3.5-- at first he couldn't touch the ground, but used training wheels (not a great idea to buy a too-big bike). He learned to ride without training wheels shortly after 4. He desperately wants a 20" bike for Xmas or his birthday.

I second the idea that 44" is too small for a 20" bike.

I made the mistake of a too-big bike (an 18" for a 42" child) and I will never do that again. She couldn't really use it until this summer now that she's 45" and 6 y.o. and even still, the bike is a little on the big side.

I'd go with a 16" bike.

DD has just learned to ride her bike without training wheels (Yay!), and her bike is 14", she has just turned 5 but I know this bike will not last another 2 years.

Well, I'm popping back in to say that DS received his new 16" bike yesterday, sans training wheels. He hopped right on it, after a minute said, "let go of me!" And was off. So two years on the balance bike really did prepare him! He's even pretty proficient at stopping.

So I think the 16" was a smart choice. We'll probably move the seat up in the next few weeks as he gets more confident. Now if we can convince him to pass his balance bike down to his sister...

Thanks for the good advice!
-e