Like a bike or traditional bike with stablilisers?

[quint]

Want to get DD1 (3yrs) a bike for Christmas but was wondering which would be best.

Spoke to a couple of people ina shop today and they both recommended the like a bike but does anyone on here have any experience - are they really better or is it just the new 'thing' to have?

TIA

is that the balance bike? which doesnt have peddles? if so, then i wouldnt.
there is a woman at the kids school whose ds has this he races along ahead of her, whilst she runs to catch up with him. he can go really fast on that thing. he's only two and a half. and tbh, i am not comfortable with such a young child going so fast on the pavement alone. many times he has zoomed past me, whilst his mother is miles away, running reallly fast with her double buggy trying to catch up.
dd, aged 4.5 has a normal bike with stablisers. she cant go as fast, and she knows to stop at he kerb and wait for me. never to stray off the pavement. and stay off the grassy bits as well.
hth

thanks super - I'm pretty sure DD1 wouldn't race ahead, she already knows to stop at the kerb but thanks for your reply, definitely something to think about

normal bike with stabilisers.

Then when you want her to learn to ride without stabilisers, take them off, and the pedals off. Hey Presto - a like a bike!

There is a school of thought which says that you shouldn't have sabilizers at all - just a properly sized ordinary bike from the beginning. I wasn't brave enough, but my db was, and his children were riding without stabilizers from about 3! Apparantly, if you put them on a non-stabilized bike when they are that age they instinctively ride - but hey lose tha ability by the time they are 4. Bit strange - bike riding being an atavistic skill - but I've seen it work with everyone I know who's tried it.

well I would say the opposite and go for a 'balance bike'. My dd has one but not a like-a-bike, another similar make. We have found it really good and she rides it really smoothly, is able to negotiate round corners, in and around obstacles and her balance is great. I can really see her being able to get straight on a larger bike without stabilisers no problem.

She can go quite fast but can't a child on a more conventional bike? She knows to stay near me and not go racing off ahead.

She is 3. Everyone always comments on what a fab bike it is and a great idea for her age group.

btw, I got her bike brand new from an Ebay shop and it was £50 including delivery and a helmet.

thanks everyone - still confused! I have to say I am veering towards the like a bike type bike, but still would like all opinions