Transition from like-a-bike to two wheeler. Go for stabilisers or not??

[IlanaK]

Ds1 is almost 4.5 and is big for his age. He has outgrown his like-a-bike and we need to buy him a new bike. I had hoped to go straight to a two wheeler. However, although his balance is quite good on the like-a-bike, he is easily defeated and it took ages for him to ride it as he couldn't do it at first. I am worried that he will be put off by a two wheeler as it will take practise to use. Dh thinks we should get a bike with stabilisers on so that he gains confidence. What have you all done?

Also, where do I buy a good quality bike in central london? Any recommendations for brand?

Thanks!

I would not go for stabilisers, but I would try to get him some "safe" practice pedalling first. His balance is obviously fine, thanks to the like-a-bike, but practice pedalling is all that's missing.

I'm in a similar situation, my DS1 is 4 and a bit, but still loving his like-a-bike. He goes on a tagalong, behind my bike, and that's getting him some practice pedalling.

Another option would be to buy a normal bike, remove the pedals, and get him to use it as a like-a-bike for a bit, to get him used to it?

BORROW a very small bike with pedals (suitable for a 3yo). He should be able to have his bum on seat & his feet flat on the ground (like the Like-a-Bike). Let him learn to pedal & balance on that (should take less than a week if he's a whiz already on the Like-a-Bike). Once he as the hang of that he can ride a bike which is his correct size; and you can splash out £70 or whatever a new kid bike costs in his size.

Trust me, I'm an expert on this one!

I have no idea where I could borrow a bike from, but it is a good idea. I will try to look into maybe buying a really cheap one or something.

Thanks,

You might be able to pick up a very small bike cheap in a charity shop, carboot sale (or similar). I think we got ours for £5 from a carboot sale.