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Original poster

First bike for a toddler

8 replies

Pupuce · 04/04/2002 16:33

With this sunshine, we are now looking at getting DS (27 MO) his first bike... ELC had nothing good (IMO as it was all 100% cheap plastic - hope I don't offend anyone). I would like something more robust. I bought one at Toys R us in France but can't seem to find any child bicycle on their website... any suggestion ?
Thanks

OP posts:

Demented · 04/04/2002 16:45

Pupuce, we bought ds his first bike last summer when he was 2 1/2. We decided to go for a proper bike that would do him up until 5 years old (I think it was recommended from age 3 but we tried it out in the shop and he appeared to be just big enough), it has removable stabilisers for when he is older and a proper chain system that means he can pedal backwards without the bike going backwards (some of the cheaper ones tend to do this) and he can free-wheel. It was about £35 in Halfords (I think there was a sale on and it was the display model so there was a bit more off). It is a Raleigh and appears to be good quality, know what you mean about the plastic ones, and ds loves to go out on it, also bought a little helmet for him and he wears that on his bike or on the bike seat on the back of my bike and he looks v cute. Don't know if Halfords have a web-site but you could have a look.

Original poster

Pupuce · 04/04/2002 20:51

Good idea about Halfords.... I hadn't thought of them.

OP posts:

Indie · 04/04/2002 20:58

Pupuce, we bought our dd her first 'real' bike last summer and after checking out all the toy places went to a local independent bike shop. They only stocked good quality bikes and were great at offering advice on what we should look for in a bike (as the prices do vary so much) and also made sure that we got her the right size. We will get 3 years use out of it and she rides it all the time now so although we paid £70 for it, it has certainly been worth it.

Original poster

Pupuce · 04/04/2002 21:00

How old was she ?

OP posts:

ScummyMummy · 04/04/2002 21:20

Sterling House are great for cheap, sturdy bikes. We bought 2 factory returns for our boys at Xmas- about £30 each, I think.

Indie · 04/04/2002 21:41

our dd was just 3 when we bought her the bike but she is a small child. If I remember correctly the frame stays the same size on small children's bikes but it is the wheels that get bigger. We actually didn't even get the smallest wheels but the next size up.

tigermoth · 04/04/2002 22:54

If you can, pupuce, it's a good idea to let your toddler try out the bike before you buy it, especially if you go for a proper metal one. My son was lucky - his bike was not too stiff or heavy for him to master. Some of his friends were not so blessed and had to wait a year before their legs were strong enough for the bike pedals etc.

EmmaM · 05/04/2002 10:59

We got our ds a bike last summer. We picked it up from Halfords for about £40, its bright red, with firemen on it! He loves it. Its been in the shed all winter, but we recently dragged it out again. He can peddle well, but can't steer it yet, so its a bit back breaking making sure he stays straight.

The frame is guaranteed for 15 years (not sure how that works on a toddler bike!) and the rest guaranteed for a year. The stabilisers come off, the tyres are solid, so no punctures to worry about.

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