Kids bikes?

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

Any advice on kids bikes please? My DD is 6.5, but the height/weight of a 4/5 year old and not very strong. She's ready for a new bike this spring, been riding a great, lightweight mountain bike in a 14" wheel. She's keen for gears, but we tried her on a 20" and it's just a bit too much bike for her....but a 16" is too small and obviously has no gears.

There are not many 18" bikes out there - why? We tried a Raleigh one, but it weighed a tonne and she wouldn't manage it up hills etc. We are keen cyclists and are keen to buy her something good, but there's not much to choose from when she's bang inbetween a 16" and a 20".

Anyone else been in this situation? Any suggestions? TIA

Thanks for all the suggestions, although a bit befuddled by the talk of racks? I meant a rack to stretch my daughter so she fits a 20" bike ha ha....although as an aside we have a towbar mounted rack plus extension for all our bikes. Although DH has to put them on as it's like a very heavy giant jigsaw and I can't figure it out.......

By way of update - bought a frog and tbh though it was a bit ropey compared with my eldests second hand islabike. Gearing v clunky and very stiff and the wheels just didn't run as well. Have taken it back and ordered another islabike instead. While you dont need to spend 300 on a kids bike I can really see why they are more. You can return the isla bike if no good anyway - my youngest Is smaller than the min height but will fit it fine.

Thanks expecting, we are going to have a look at some bikes next week when our kids are off on holiday so will report back! Interesting about the frog bikes, that's one bike we will be having a look at but will bear your comments in mind.