How long does a Frog bike last?

[LemonFrosting]

Hello!
Thinking of getting my son a second hand Frog 48 bike. He will be five in January, inside leg measures 18 inches.

I know the bikes don't go on age of child, but roughly how long do you think this would last him?
He's never shown any interest in bikes before but has recently started asking for one and has been looking at them when at the playground. I've bought him a micro scooter in the past, ride on toys too which have gone unused and don't want to make the same mistake again! Which is why I'm thinking if the bike will only last 6 months say, then pointless getting that size and wait for next year and go for the larger maybe?
Summer is on its way out too so won't get as much use.

Thanks all!

I think in an ideal world you'd pick a new bike the right size for them once a year or so. In reality, even keen cyclists will start them on a "big" bike and change only every 2-3 years when they're too big for it.

How much use will you get out of it? Depends. How often do you cycle? How often will you make the effort to ride with them?

We had a 16 inch wheel pinnacle (no gears) for the first ‘big bike’ - roughly age 4-7, then a frog 20 inch wheel (frog 52 I think it’s called) with gears after that. It depends on size of child - my youngest is tall so moved to a 20 inch wheel much earlier (age 6) but it will last for ages (9 yr old also still in one since age 7 and still going strong)

small no gears bike are great to learn on but not great for long rides to be honest.

Look at The Bike Club - it's a monthly subscription - they send you a bike and you can swap it when your kid grows out of it. Not sure if there is a minimum time you have to keep it for, but if not it could be a good way to not committ a lot of money if you are t sure your DS will be in to it.

What does the bike say? If you look at the measurements and see what the range is, for stand over height, that will help a bit. And get one that he is only just big enough for!
If you do that, I’m sure they last a year at that age.

It depends on how fast they grow! DD1 had an islabike balance bike. She’s now 11 and including the balance bike, she’s on her 5th bike. Hope that helps?

Thank you so much!
I think I'm going to wait till next spring and buy one then as I don't think it'll get much use once the weather turns (son is asd and can't tolerate being wet).

Thank you all so much for your help! You've been great!

Can recommend these as well, I have 2 bikes through them for my kids

I haven't heard of bike club, thank you for this!

I think mine is about £10 a month for each bike, given they would last about 2 years until they outgrow them, thats 240 in total for each bike.

Frog bikes can cost a fair amount, and having to buy a new one in 2 years time and selling the previous one, I thought it was definitely worth it.

My kids certainly get my moneys worth out of them, and they can be treated as their own regarding wear and tear etc

I bought a second hand frog bike for my sons first bike from eBay. He loved it so much and it lasted maybe a year but then I sold it for the same price I paid for it so I would heartily recommend them.

We bought a new one for my daughter when she was 2 and a half. It was a balance bike, 14". Christmas day, she decided she was ready to ride her big brother's new 20" bike. She was 3.5 years by then. Off she went pedaling, it was amazing to see. So for us the frog lasted 1 year and was very sad to have it packed up for our youngest as we all loved that yellow frog.

My ds had his first frog at 6, that lasted three years, then I traded it in and got £240 off a new one that has lasted another four years.
I'll trade it in for an adult bike for him this Xmas.

I was going to say exactly this, they hold their value really well if you buy a well maintained second hand frog. We've had several, they are really excellent bikes and also cheaper in the long term as you can recoup your money!

I've seen a second hand Frog 48 but I'm so unsure as to if it'll o ly be used a couple of times then come spring he will have outgrown it?

Omg I read the title without my glasses on and thought it said 'How long does a frog bite last?'. For a moment I was thinking I didn't know frogs could bite! 😂

We have had Frog or Isla for all of our children. Usually bought second hand and sold for about the same price. So, as long as you can afford the cash up front, possibly cheaper than bike club.

My son will be 5 in Feb. He is on a 16 inch Squish which is roughly the Same as a Frog 48. It’s his 4th bike including balance bikes I have bought second hand and sold on for the same price. Better to get a second hand bike that fits than a new bike to grow into. Especially to learn on. I have just picked up a Frog 52 which he can ride as he is super confident. But the 16 inch is much more manageable as it’s lighter & closer to the ground.

Through three kids and then we sold it.

It should last about 18 months - 2 years at that size.

Look on FB for "preloved Frog Bikes For Sale" - they hold their value well, and will last for years and years if well looked after.

Another vote for the bike club! My dd has a frog bike through there, it’s great but after a year (and a growth spurt) we need to swap her for another one. It’s brill. Definitely recommend. Cheaper bikes from toy shops were too heavy for her. And we couldn’t pay for a frog bike as they’re so pricey. Great compromise and means we don’t have to worry about pricing up another bike for her.

I haven't heard of Squish bikes, just had a look and that looks like another contender!
I'm so confused now on what to do! I think the sensible me though will save all these bikes on an ebay alert and get one in the spring, unless I find a real bargain that I camt refuse! After posting on here and getting opinions, I don't think it'll get much use for the rest of the year. By which point he may be due to go a size up in the spring.

If you don’t cycle in autumn and winter than definitely wait till spring next year.

Frog bikes have great resale value if you look after them. We actually sold my sons first frog bike back to the shop for the same price we bought it for as 3 years later the price had gone up so much for a new one.

Geraint Thomas is shopping for a bike for a nearly 3yr old. Lots of useful pics & advice on his twitter thread.