those who've used likeabikes, what did you get for first pedal bike?

[pootleflump]

I'm looking to get dd her first pedal bike (no stabilisers) this summer. She's 3.8 and has been riding her likeabike since she was 2.

I'm finding all the girls bikes just too girly and am a bit about the quality of them. At the same time I don't want a really boyish one either.

The only candidate I've found so is the Islabike. This looks great but very pricey, though I'd stretch to it if it'd be worth it.

What do you think? Has anyone bought one they've been really happy with and like to recommend?

What about a puky. It worked for us. Really low centre of gravity so very stable, fixed gear that forces them to get into the right position before setting off.

We've lent ours to a friend for a year or so until DS3 is ready to use it, but it is still in great nick (circa 6 years old). Having already gone through 3 chilkdren learning to ride using it.

Just found this one GT.

Saturday night, not a good night to start a thread.

Off to have a look at the Puky's now, thanks uptomyeyes.

We have just bought an Islabike for DS's 4th birthday present (he got it today) because it was very highly recommended on MN. It is good but I don't really have anything to compare it to, DH thinks it's overpriced but then he's a cheapskate about pretty much everything.

I didn't get stabilisers for it as I thought it would force ds to learn properly. He has very good balance anyway from his wooden walking bike. I'm slightly regretting that decision now as he doesn't know how to pedal (really, no idea about how to push forward on the pedals) and if I had got stabilisers at least we wouldn't be having to hold him upright while shouting "No, push forward with your feet on the pedals". It's very tough on the back.

But bran, doesn't he pedal on a trike? I'm just hoping dd will be able to put her balancing from likeabike and pedalling on trike skills together and ride off first time , maybe not quite.

Now that I've been having a look at others the islabike doesn't seem too badly priced for what looks like a quality bike. Just found out that the Raleigh Molly costs £90!!!! Every little girl I've ever seen on a bike has one of these, I thought they were £20 cheapies from woolies- they look it .

No, he never pedalled on his trike. He used to just sit there with his feet on the pedals while we pushed (it had a handle). We did encourage him to pedal, but he never did. Either he just didn't seem to understand the propulsion principle or the trike was too stiff or heavy for him to pedal, I'm not sure which. But he was much younger when he was using his trike, once he was tall enough for the walking bike he never really went on the trike again.

DH went off on one when he found out the price of the bike, and had a bit of a rant about how he had a second-hand bike that cost 10 ringgit (Malaysian currency, about £1.50). But like I say he's a dreadful old scrooge about most things and I pay no attention to how much he thinks things should cost as if I go with what he wants to buy it usually ends up more expensive in the long run (ie his cheap whatever breaks and we end up buying the more expensive and better quality one anyway).

Hi Pootleflump
I have bought 3 islabikes for my 4, 7 and 2 year old and yes very pricey, but after buying the usual bikes previously I would say islabikes are in a class of their own.
Very well made and very lightweight, my dh who is a bike bore was even impressed by the quality.
My 4 year old started riding his without help or stablilisers (they weren't recommended though I did try and order them!) on the second day, the third day was learning to turn and the fourth day learning to stop!
There is a buy bike scheme so if you want the next size up you just trade it in.

bran, he sounds a bit like my dh- never seems to learn his lesson about getting what you pay for. I think he can be convinced on this though as he's never regretted the money spent on the likeabike.

barking, thanks for your help- you've made my mind up for me. I'm going to stop looking now and settle on the Islabike.

Bran, thanks for your help on this one. We got the Islabike CNOC14 and it is fab! DD was riding it by herself (no stabilisers) within 5 minutes and on day 2 mastered the brakes.

I would definitely recommend these bikes as a follow up to balance bike.

sorry, that was meant for bran and barking.