Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To have pointed out it was the bike not the kid?

49 replies

GlumyGloomer · 24/01/2022 14:52

I'm going round and round wondering if I did the right thing here. Dd got a bike for Christmas. It was a joint present from both sets of grandparents and we put in a bit too. It's a good make and dd loves it. Dd's friend has a bike, peppa pig, lots of accessories but not good engineering IMO. She's had it a while, and her parents told me she doesn't like riding it much. Her mum suggested we take both girls biking together to inspire the friend to try harder. Dd was vastly faster, friend struggling along and frequently getting upset. In my view the bike was the probable issue, so I suggested the girls swap for a minute. Sure enough friend whizzed off while dd inched along on the peppa bike. Friend's mum was gobsmacked and quite guilty that she'd put it down to her daughter being lazy. She said she was going to pump up the tires, adjust the seat height etc.
So did I do the right thing? I feel bad for embarrassing her, and I'm well aware not everyone could afford a bike like dd's (£230). At the same time it seemed so unfair to see this little girl getting the blame when the equipment was at fault. I really like the mum, she's lovely, just had a blind spot regarding this bike. Should I have kept quiet? I didn’t say the bike was rubbish, just let the kids demonstrate it.

OP posts:
thisplaceisweird · 24/01/2022 14:57

No I think I would have done the same to be honest!

UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea · 24/01/2022 14:59

No, y definitely did the right thing!

Joinedforthis22 · 24/01/2022 15:01

Why do you think you've done anything wrong? It's not like you said "you got her a shit bike you cheapskate". I've looked up the Peppa bikes and they are over £100 so probably an okay bike but needing adjustments.

GlumyGloomer · 24/01/2022 15:51

@Joinedforthis22 I'm quite socially awkward, I suppose, and prone to overthinking.
Actually not too surprised the peppa bike cost a bit, official merch does. Hopefully it does just need a bit of TLC.

OP posts:
Leftbutcameback · 24/01/2022 15:52

You did a good thing - the girl would have felt rubbish (I do when I’m slow!) and great for her to know she was doing just fine

Blossomandbee · 24/01/2022 16:00

You did nothing wrong, the mum obviously didn't know - which you wouldn't without trying it against another bike. Now she knows and it sounds like everyone's happy

GlumyGloomer · 24/01/2022 16:04

Thanks everyone. I'm not great at making friends so was worried I'd messed up.

OP posts:
Boombastic22 · 24/01/2022 16:05

Hmm but I think I’d have thought twice about saying to another kid have a go on my kid’s bike without agreeing with the parent first. Your child’s bike cost well over double, it’s not rocket science the kid would be faster. Not everyone can afford £230 for a bike, it’s a hell of a lot for something they grow out of in months…!

EsmeraldaandTeenytiny · 24/01/2022 16:08

Sadly bikes like that are usually awful and heavy even though they are expensive. They are known as BSO “Bike Shaped Objects” as they are more of a toy than a bike.

OneSolitaryCornflake · 24/01/2022 16:08

You solved the problem so I don't get what the problem is

Ironingtsunami · 24/01/2022 16:09

I think it was fine, and if it comes up again just mention that some bikes are a lot heavier and that's usually the difference. That way there's no implication of snobbery about brands or parts, it's just simple fact, that's usually the main reason cheaper bikes are harder work.

Wynturphelle · 24/01/2022 16:09

In my experience the kids character type bikes are too heavy. My son had a Spiderman one and it was just too heavy in the frame, plus the brakes were not that great. I think more of the cost of these type of bikes goes in to the character branding than on quality!

Hawkins001 · 24/01/2022 16:10

@GlumyGloomer

I'm going round and round wondering if I did the right thing here. Dd got a bike for Christmas. It was a joint present from both sets of grandparents and we put in a bit too. It's a good make and dd loves it. Dd's friend has a bike, peppa pig, lots of accessories but not good engineering IMO. She's had it a while, and her parents told me she doesn't like riding it much. Her mum suggested we take both girls biking together to inspire the friend to try harder. Dd was vastly faster, friend struggling along and frequently getting upset. In my view the bike was the probable issue, so I suggested the girls swap for a minute. Sure enough friend whizzed off while dd inched along on the peppa bike. Friend's mum was gobsmacked and quite guilty that she'd put it down to her daughter being lazy. She said she was going to pump up the tires, adjust the seat height etc. So did I do the right thing? I feel bad for embarrassing her, and I'm well aware not everyone could afford a bike like dd's (£230). At the same time it seemed so unfair to see this little girl getting the blame when the equipment was at fault. I really like the mum, she's lovely, just had a blind spot regarding this bike. Should I have kept quiet? I didn’t say the bike was rubbish, just let the kids demonstrate it.
You did the correct thing, tyre pressure, the gear settings, ect all make a difference.
T00Ts · 24/01/2022 16:10

Did you get her a Bobbin bike? They’re about that price point I think. If so, are they any good?

I sort of put them down as one of those trendy brands so beloved by certain parents. Like Babyzen Yo-yo prams and waterproof jackets by Polarn O. Pyret…

QuestionsorComments · 24/01/2022 16:11

Just pumping the tyres will probably make a huge difference to her

BeMoreGoldfish · 24/01/2022 16:13

I assumed it was an Isla bike. If you can afford then they are well worth the money and hold their value well when selling them on too.

MilduraS · 24/01/2022 16:15

It wouldn't have occurred to me that a bike could make that much difference so I'd be grateful.

Eatsleepgamerepeat · 24/01/2022 16:18

Nope YANBU.

We did exactly the same thing with one of our friends daughters. She's the same age as DS2. She hopped on his bike and lo and behold she actually could ride a bike.

She now has a 'boys bike' (her words not mine) and its much better.

ChargingBuck · 24/01/2022 16:18

@GlumyGloomer

Thanks everyone. I'm not great at making friends so was worried I'd messed up.
You did just the right thing OP - unobtrusive & kind hearted.

Back in the mists of yore, in my Yard Brat days, instructors & judges used to make riders swap ponies / horses.
It weeded out the riders who looked good because they could afford expensive, highly trained horseflesh, from those who had natural talent but were urging on an old dobbin ...

You did well. It was nice for DD's friend to get a confidence boost, & for her mum to see that her own kid had equal potential :)

T00Ts · 24/01/2022 16:21

@BeMoreGoldfish

I assumed it was an Isla bike. If you can afford then they are well worth the money and hold their value well when selling them on too.
Oh do you know what, that might be the brand I was thinking of actually.
GlumyGloomer · 24/01/2022 16:25

Ah, weight of frame. Besides the flat tyres I couldn't put my finger on what the issue might be, but yes that's probably it.
Dd has a Ridgeback honey bike. I think we overpaid a little but it was supporting an independent local shop so I don't mind. I'm imagining her sister will inherit it when dd grows out of it.

OP posts:
Triptinratbat · 24/01/2022 16:31

@GlumyGloomer have you heard of bike club ? It’s bike rental. Perhaps you can suggest that to your friend or auction sites for a bike with gears. How old are the children ?

GlumyGloomer · 24/01/2022 16:32

@Eatsleepgamerepeat I have noticed that boys tend to get better bikes/scooters, while girls get disney/LOL/whatever ones that don't work as well.

OP posts:
NeedAHoliday2021 · 24/01/2022 16:34

We always bought second hand until Dd1 was old enough for an adult bike. The weight will make a difference but you don’t have to pay £230 for that. It’s fine you did but it’s not essential for dc to be able to ride.

Whatwouldscullydo · 24/01/2022 16:34

This is why I shelled out on my kids bikes. These novelty ones are toys not functioning modes if transport/exercise. You did the kid a favour. Maybe next time they will forget about pink streamers amd Peppard pig and buy something the kid can ride to pre school/school on