What bike should I get for a 5 year old?

[Bonthrone]

I'm confused at what bike to get for my 5 year old daughter!

I stumbled across this Facebook page which has some helpful tips for parents - www.facebook.com/IwantabikeforChristmas?v=app_7146470109

Another friend told me to look in to Bonthrone bikes, as they have a great range of children?s bikes ? as well as Halfords and Evans.

However another friend told me about Balance bikes vs stabilisers - I just don't know which one to get?? What is a balance bike?

balance bike means a bike with no pedals - the child 'scoots' on it (sitting down) and learns to balance very quickly.

But I would think that a 5 yr old was probably too big and too old for a balance bike - they are aimed more at 2-4 yr olds I would say.

My strong recoomendation? Look on Ebay and buy second hand. Children aged under 10 grow out of their bikes very fast, and there are loads around which are in immaculate condition.

I would have thought you would be looking at 16 inch wheels for a 5 year old, with stabilisers if she is still learning.

Friends of ours taught all their 4 kids to cycle by removing the pedals from a normal bike (then put them back when the kid got the hang of it) - a home-made balance bike if you like!