Help - 4YO first bike 14 or 16 inch

[Peanutbutteryday]

We’re getting her one for Christmas. In reality she may not use it much until spring. Stumped over size! A few bike shops have recommended 14 inch but also said they have no way (obviously) of telling if by spring a 16 inch would be better.

we do have a younger dc who may be able to reuse the bike perhaps at a slightly younger age

any experience would be appreciated :)

How tall are they?

You need to measure their inside leg and match that to the bikes minimum seat height. That way they can ride the bike now but will be able to grow into it as the seat height and handle bars will be adjustable.

At that age I'd get a balance bike over a peddle bike.

My son is 4 and he is 104cm. He has a 14 inch bike that he's learnt to ride on, and the seat is right at the bottom. If she can't already ride a pedal bike then she wants to be able to put her feet flat on the ground.

measure her inseam - that's the only way t gift a bike properly really.

https://www.dream-cycle.com/how-to-size-a-kids-bike-by-age-and-height/

Also get her good bike like a Frog, Islabike etc, not some shit heavy steel thing rom halfords or Smyths etc

also - kids bikes hold their value generally - so look at Frog second hand, and know you'll be able to sell l it for almost as much 9-12 months later

We use isalbikes - and always made our money back (or more in one case)

Second hand decent one is good advice. And measure her, mine needed 12 inch at that age, tiny DD’s, even as an adult dd2 has a teen sized bike!

There are preloved Islabike and Frog pages on Facebook.

Ok thanks everyone. Will locate tape measure. But feels like smaller at 14 inch likely to be better. And yes looking at frog Isla or squish.

she’s a whizz on her balance bike already

Great you're looking at good bikes. She just needs to learn to pedal and she'll be off!

Use the company measuring guides and get second hand 👌

At that size they're normally in excellent condition - as they grow out of them so quickly, and are usually looked after properly.

Speaking as a keen cyclist.

Our youngest got a 14 inch at 3 1/2 an then moved to a 16 inch at 5 1/2 so I suggest the 14.

The most important thing on a kids bike is weight. You want something aluminium rather than steel. As this is mumsnet everybody and their cat will recommend you Islabike or Frog, but there are lots of other brands that make equally good bikes - off the top of my head

Cube Cubie
Vitus
Forme Cubley
Orbea MX14
Hornit Hero
Specialised Jett
Early Rider Belter

Get yourself on Marketplace or Ebay. It's the perfect time of year to buy a used bike as demand is so low.