Bobbin Bike for 4 yo, is it worth it? Aye or nay?

[WaltzingTilda]

I am thinking of getting my 4 yo dd a bike as I think she is ready to learn to ride. She loves her scooter, but she didn't quite like her tricycle. I think the tricycle was a bit on the heavy too so don't know if that put her off. So I've been looking for bikes and I can see there are bobbin bikes that are pricier. From what i can see she'd probably be using it only for about 2 years before she'll need to get the next step up? I can see Halfords do "cupcake" bike for about half the price of a Bobbin, but tbh I don't like all the decorations on it. So please can you lovely mumsnetters advice me if getting a Bobbin bike is actually worth it. Another thing that's put me off Bobbin is the after sales. Seems like if something goes wrong I'll have to send it to them at my own cost (and I don't even know if they have any local outlets etc) whereas with something from say Halfords I can just take in to a local store I presume. But Bobbin does look lime good quality. Any advice would greatly appreciated. Tia

Sorry about the typos

The bikes in Halfords are awful. Don’t get one. They are heavy and cumbersome to cycle with (speak from experience). There’s a good article with advice that I’ll dig out.

I would suggest an Isla Bike. Definitely worth the money and holds its value for resale.

www.cyclinguk.org/guide/buying-right-bike-for-your-child

I'd second the advice to steer clear of Halfords "toy" bikes and go for an islabike. They are often available second hand and you can sell it on for not much less than you paid for it.

Thank you so much for replying. I will read linked article now and research islabikes

Decathlon bikes are good in my opinion, mine have all been riding their bikes from their since 2.5 years old, progressed from their balance bikes. Great after sales and customer care. Looked at Isla & Frog but felt they were overpriced.

Islabikes are lovely but very expensive. Having said that our friend who is big into biking picks them up second hand then sells them on later for pretty much the same price. He can drive 100 miles to get one though.

I couldn't be bothered with that so we to date have always got my DS Decathlon bikes. They are well built and good value. I would look at the weight compared to something like an Isla bike, you need one as light as possible and they will do a range of frame materials.

Thank you so much for replying. I will look at Decathlon bikes too

The Bobbin bike is amazing, our 3 year old got one for Christmas and loves it.