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Original poster

Suggest the next bike for three-year-old DD?

29 replies

Combusting · 13/08/2023 16:31

Our three year old daughter has mastered the balance bike, which is the strider balance bike. She will be four in about six months and we are considering what the next step for her could be because I think she’s getting a little bit bored of the balance bike by now. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what a good next bike might be? We will look on Facebook on please and eBay before we do what we did with the balance bike which is we used bike club, but we are now tied to the current balance bike subscription for a while yet unless we pay up at 20 quid fee I think. So any suggestions would be welcome. She is very confident on the strider balance bike and raring to go. Our experience with her bigger brother who is four years okder, has been much different and he is still not very confident. nobody ever taught me how to ride a bike in the country where I grew up so I’m quite keen they get the chance to learn! Picture of her current balance bike attached

Suggest the next bike for three-year-old DD?

OP posts:

Lurkingshark · 13/08/2023 18:22

I learned when I was 28. Get a patient friend and their bike and do it off road somewhere flat. I’m still not super confident signalling but it was a very proud moment. You can totally do it.

Light bikes and right inside leg is key for lean kids. Check the weights between brands for cycle sizes and you can tell. Found gumtree better value than FB.

Caspianberg · 13/08/2023 18:35

Has anyone used the woom 16” Automagic? It’s their newer 16” with auto gear system. Wondering if it’s worth the extra. It’s hilly where we live also

NameChange30 · 13/08/2023 18:57

Combusting · 13/08/2023 17:18

Will need to check inside leg (she’s out on her balance bike!) - but the lightness is very key I think. Perhaps with DS (7, and also lean and slight) we’ve made an error with an eBay purchase of a very heavy bike for his frame ….

anyway back to DD - yes £20 to exchange on bike club and get the next one isn’t too bad. I think Woom 2 is the lightest (5 kg something) and a frog at 6 kg something.

I think for DS too we need a rethink and potentially bike club as well… we’ve tried various Facebook and eBay purchases for him but not really hitting the spot. I mean he can ride, but doesn’t enjoy it and definitely says the bike is too big/heavy…

anyway back to DD - and I’ll research all your suggestions.

Yes, you definitely need a lighter bike for DS. Again, the best option for getting a top brand (eg Woom 4, Islabikes Beinn 20, Frog 53 etc) are bike club or second hand, but there's also the B'Twin Riverside range from Decathlon which is good value. Having said all that, my top choice would be the Hornit Hero 20, if you can find one second-hand.

https://www.cyclesprog.co.uk/bikes/junior-hybrid-bikes/best-20-wheel-bikes-6-year-old-kids-2/

Best 20" wheel bikes for kids aged 6 to 8 years - 2022

What's the best 20" wheel bike for a child aged 6 or 7 years old in 2022? We take a look at children's hybrid bikes with gears.

https://www.cyclesprog.co.uk/bikes/junior-hybrid-bikes/best-20-wheel-bikes-6-year-old-kids-2/

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Esgaroth · 13/08/2023 18:05

I don't recommend getting one that's a little too big to grow into, trying to get more for your money. Better slightly too small than slightly too big. It can be a real setback for their confidence to be scared by a bike that is difficult for them to control.

Totally agree, growing into things is fine for jumpers, but will make it more difficult for kids to learn to cycle as a bigger bike will be heavier, and they will have to stretch to reach the bars or ground which isn't ideal. My daughter has a LittleBig bike that converts from a little balance bike then has a funky growing frame design, and then converts into a pedal bike. It's nice and lightweight too.

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