What bike to buy ?

[Lulu45677]

I’m stuck on what bike to buy my 3 1/2 year old for Christmas ? He needs a 14 inch he is tall for his age and has out grown his little balance bike- he’s brilliant on this so I want to teach him how to pedal now without stabilisers. I know the frog and Isla bikes are the best from googling but I can’t spend that much. Can anyone recommend a lightweight bike for around £100? I’ve heard the halford bikes are rubbish ? Thank you.

I’d look for one secondhand.

Frog or Isla secondhand. They hold their value very well and will end up costing you very little if you look after them and sell them afterwards.

Frog bikes are the best. You can pick them up second hand sometimes but they do hold their value.

www.frogbikes.co.uk/factory-outlet

Get a Frog bike from ebay.

I've bought 3 (1 balance bike for DS and two pedal bikes - one for DS one for DD).
Spent £60, £120 and £160 I think.

Better to go for a good second hand bike than a rubbish new bike IMO.

Yep, you won't get a new lightweight bike for £100.
Mate had a Dawes 14 or 16". Seemed to do the job for less than an isla or frog. Although it looked like a 16" frame with 14" wheels on so probably the geometry wasn't ideal.
We're on 2nd Isla bike and have had 2 frogs. Isla definitely better and ride easier but unless you're planning on doing riding together as a family, a cheaper bike will do to learn to ride.
The kids will just get tired a bit quicker.
One thing a lot of people overlook for kids bikes is fit. I.e handlebar and saddle height & angle. And look at reach adjustors on brakes for little hands. Make sure they can use the brakes effectively to give confidence. They grow so expect to adjust every few months.
Happy cycling!

Had a look on eBay & fb but can’t see any cheaper than £200 that are local to me . 😩

Hi@Lulu45677 . Did you ever get a bike for your son? Don't discount Dawes Blowfish, they come in different wheel sizes, are lightweight and very cheap second hand. My son had one aged 3, rode it without stabilisers and kept it for several years to ride for fun. He did get a Frog bike afterwards for his 5th birthday. The Dawes bike was indestructible and still looked good years later.