Need help deciding on bike for 5 yr old!

[gracebf]

Can anyone recommend a Isla Bike Beinn 20 small or Dawes Redtail 20" bike?

My daughter is just 5 and has outgrown her Cnoc 14 Isla bike. Our local bike shop have recommended the Dawes Redtail 20" bike, but I think its too big! Although the balls of her feet can touch the floor, the frame is considerably bigger than the one she is used to. I am worried she will panic when cycling and not be able to control the bike properly.

The Beinn 20 small islabike seems great proportionally but comes with a hefty price tag.

Both bikes have gears and should last a while.

We have tried her on a 16" but they are way too small for her. I want to make sure she enjoys cycling and doesnt fall off all the time. She is a confident rider and I would hate for anything to change that.

Any ideas or thoughts?

Check with Isla about the inside leg measurement for the Beinn 20.

I honestly think either choice is fine, unless you are in the habit of going quite long distances. That would tip the balance in favour of an Islabike (they weigh so much less than other kid bikes). Islabikes have great resale value, and trade-in value, so don't let the price put you off.

fwiw, DS who is an average height 6yo didn't move up to the Beinn 20 until 2 months after his 6th birthday. He was on a Cnoc 16 before that.

My dd has an inside leg measurement that easily fits in the range of the small Beinn 20 but not the large Beinn 20. She is just off the leg measurement for the Dawes but still seems to fit her.

The Dawes frame is just so much bigger than the Isla bike but not sure if it matters?

Do you find the Beinn 20 good value? I assume your ds has the large Beinn20?

What make you think the isla bike was worth it?

Weight. Every time I pick up other kid bikes (not Isla) I am astounded how heavy they are; that's the single most compelling factor. Technological improvements in Children's bikes mostly haven't moved on since the 1960s, whereas adult bikes have moved on hugely. And even Islabikes still come in at close to half the weight of my little DC. But a few extra kg is a lot when you're under 20kg yourself.

I think we bought our Beinn 20 before there was a small/large option, so probably we do have a large Beinn 20 (though am really not sure!! :) ). Our Beinn 20 will go thru 4 DC, so should get value for money out of it.

Large frame does sound undesirable, we got 9yo DC a Luath 24 recently because the Luath 26 is such a stretch for her, still.

I hate going back to Islabikes every time, I really want good alternatives to exist. Dawes are coming in with some good potential rival products, but still too heavy I reckon.

Thanks for your help. I feel the same way about Isla bikes and was convinced there must be another bike out there that is just as good. But I cant find any! And at 1/2 a stone heavier, that's a considerable weight when you are 5!

Will keep on looking but fear we will have to end up getting the Beinn 20.