Suprise bike.

[Withnailandaye]

Sorry wasn't sure where to post this 😬

I want to get dd a bike as a suprise for Christmas (I know it's early but I get paid a 5 week month at the end of September so need to get it then)
She will have just turned 5.
Thing is, I'm not sure how to go about it?
Should I just take some measurements (doing a whole "let's see how much you've grown!" Panto) and head to Halfords (or similar) with them?
Anyone else done this?

TIA

Do not buy the bike from Halfords! Go to an independent bike shop.

Just turn the measurements in to a game. Height and inside leg.

Ah good point about inside leg..didn't think of that.
And head circumference for helmet too?
And ok won't go to Halfords 😆

A good indie bike shop will be able to help, if you give height, inside leg etc...

Could you do the measuring to coincide with going back to/starting school and make out it's to do with that?

I will do yeah but I don't think she'll know what's going on anyway.
She's definitely not going to think "oooh measuring me ay? Looks like I'm for a bike for Christmas whoop!" 😆

Slightly worried she'll grow more from now till Christmas so might need to factor in an extra 1/2inch or so?

Haha probably not

This might help, Evan's are decent so should be pretty accurate
www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing-Kids

Usually, as the seats are adjustable, there’s a few inches with each size.

These Islabike measurements will give you a good idea too

Inside leg = school uniform. Head = silly game about who in the family has the biggest head. Include dog.

Evans should be able to advise (local bike shop = best; Halfords isn't usually great either in terms of bike quality or staff know-how) but remember that bike seats can be raised so it doesn't matter if she grows a bit.

Not sure why people are against Halfords, we’ve regularly bought bikes from our local one and they have been brilliant. I was coming on the thread to recommend them!

Islabikes are fantastic. Really lightweight and hold their value. I keep the box and sell them on eBay after both children have outgrown them for under £100 less than they cost and buy the next size. You'll struggle to resell a Halfords bike which are usually much heavier so harder to ride for little ones.

Also quite happy with service, quality and price of Halfords bikes.

Consider buying on eBay (likely to be cheaper now rather than nearer Christmas) and you'll probably get back what you pay.

You’ll struggle to find a lightweight childs bike in Halford. The lighter you can afford the better.