Can children learn to ride on a basic (cheap) bike??

[Beeperbird]

So my eldest is about to turn 5, and we got him a basic Halfords pedal bike for his birthday that arrived about a month ago - we didn’t spend a lot as we don’t have a huge amount but had the cash at this point so wanted to get him something.
He’s been a pro on his balance bike (that I proudly got from a rummage sale for £3!) so after doing some reading I assumed he’d move easily to a pedal bike.
Anyway, he’s been struggling to find his balance on his new bike - so I asked some friends from various places.
The overwhelming answer is that the bike we bought is too cheap... we should have bought one of the brands that are more like £300 for a new (or over £100 second hand)... eeek!
I mean I get more expensive can equal easier to use but surely they can still learn on a basic bike? Or have I completely wasted my money?

[Thesaltandthesea]

@beeperbird they are also very different children. DD is a walking disaster (2 broken bones in 2 months kind of child...) whereas DS is fearless, throws himself into everything and just seems to bounce. I swear that played a part too.

[metronome1]

Never heard of this.
All the kids round here cycle everywhere from very early and I can be sure they are not in expensive bikes. Often they ride round on bikes that a clearly the wrong size but they manage and just get on with it.

[Beeperbird]

@Thesaltandthesea ah very good point! He is reeaally anxious child (about life in general poor lad) so that probably plays a big part! My youngest also seems to be without fear and he’ll probably be riding the bike before my eldest at this rate

[Beeperbird]

@PeppaisaBitch yep he’s got stabilisers and loves riding it with them, but struggles up hills as it’s heavy! He’s seen lots of his friends without stabilisers now so wants to be the same but is getting pretty frustrated poor lad!

[Runnerduck34]

It takes a while to master pedals and balance and lots of back breaking, saddle holding, encouragement from mum and dad! Mine all learnt on cheap bikes from Halfords, definitely don't need to spend £300 on a kids bike! As pp have said the weight of a bike can be a factor, lighter bikes are easier for kids to manage but practice, patience and encouragement are the most important factors.

[ChaoticCatling]

If I could afford a lightweight bike I'd buy one once my child was big enough for a 16 inch so it would last for a bit, and resell it on when outgrown.

DS learnt to ride on a £5 secondhand 10 inch bike at just turned three, so I don't think it's actually necessary to spend much though.