Bike for large 3 year old

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Our ds loves his Kettler trike unfortunately even with it out full length his legs are too long. He's very tall for his age (1.10m approx.)and we really need a new bike. All the trikes are too small for him. Is he too young to master a proper bike? Dp doesn't want to put stabilisers on as he thinks it teaches them to ride a bike all wrong. When we go to Toys R Us (should be in the worse shopping experiences thread lol) ds always makes a beeline for the bikes and we have problems getting him out of the shop. Any advice please?

I bought my dd a 2 wheeler with stabilizers when she was 2.5 - she is small for her age but took to it really well. Not sure how you can avoid using stabilizers...Halfords have a good selection

My dd at under 3 had a bike and learnt within hours, it is much easier than a trike. However I don't understand the issue with stabilisers. If they are fitted correctly they dont actually touch the ground. They are fixed about 1cm up so they correct in case of a wobble, but don't prevent learning to ride properly. They also help for getting on and off when co-ordination is not all there at 3, they don't get all tangled up if they try to get off. Lastly it gives me confidence and I plan to raise them slowly over time, until they are not needed.

DS has been riding a "proper" bike with stabilisers since 2 yrs 7 months -- he's quite fast on it, now (just turned 3yo)! We ride bikes a lot. We got DS's at a Carboot sale for £5, including stabilisers. I like stabilisers for the same reason I like swim aids in the pool; there's no point in not using them when you're child is too young to get by without using them. DS can't float without a floatation aid; he can't ride a bike without a balancing aid.

I think your DH is being silly about stabilsers. If anything, practise on the bike will give your child an edge in losing the stabilisers earlier, not later. I can remember when I was little kid learning to go without them -- pretty much universally not before 4yo, with nearly 5yo being more like average. I think it's a developmental thing, and doesn't come before a certain age. Like jumping; no matter how early they walk, they can't jump properly (2 feet off the ground) before close to 2yo, if not older. I'll be keen to see if DS manages to lose the stabilisers before 4yo, though, if anyone can, it will be my boy....

Oddly enough dp agrees with swimming aids he just has a hang up on stabilisers. Can't really comment on them myself as I never had them on my bike. Ds is really advanced for his age in his activities so shouldn't have a problem with a proper bike and whizzes round Toys R Us great, he even wants to wear a cycle hat. Talking of which anyone know where to find a child's helmet (Bob the Builder or whatever) in a young adult size? He's 57cm round the swadge. Thanks.

I would definitely get a Trailer-bike, also called a Tagalong - which fits to the back of your bike, has proper pedals, brakes etc but stops the child swerving off into the road. Quite expensive but the children LOVE them and their second-hand value is good when you come to sell it.

Megg - I bought a Winne-the-Pooh helmet in halfords - they have a good selection. I also bough knee pads in Toys-R-Us

Re riding a bike without stabilisers, I remember my brother getting really upset, aged 4 when his primary school teacher told him he was lying when he said he could ride a bike without stabilisers... when it was true! Maybe that's why he was never happy at school - trust betrayed at an early stage!

bee, whereabouts did you buy your tagalong? I would like to get one for DS1 in the spring as he is getting a bit big for the seat on the back of the bike.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Bee I wouldn't dare ride a bike round here the drivers are terrible they don't even stop at zebra crossings for you.