12" bike: Trek Jet 12 or Giant Jr. Animator

[kutsyy]

Can anyone recommend either of these bikes. it is for my 2.5 year old son (and then to be used by my daughter who is 6 month now). He tried both, and he likes both.

Or should I just get him simple Magna bike (30$ vs. 100$)?

Thanks,

Ps:
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/kids/jet12.jsp
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2003&bikesection=8822&range=131&model=10573
http://www.dynacraftbikes.com/magna_12_boys.htm

[Kev]

That's a tough decision giant and trek bike will definately be built better, but when you consider it will only fit your son probably 1 year same with your daughter. If you go the magna one figure get a year out of it and toss it then buy a new one for your daughter when she gets about that age. I know I went the cheap route with my son since I knew it would only fit him max 1 year and had no other kids to pass it down to, but that thing is HEAVY!!! Have you physicaly checked out these bikes, I have seen the kids giant bikes performance carries them and they look like very good bikes for kids.

[kutsyy]

That was my impression about Magna, and I think they will get total of 3 years on the bike, so that would be 3 magnas :)

In regards to Trek vs Giant. I think they are very similar (been 12" bikes). I like Giant more, since red will better go with either one, and it has low frame, but trek has wheel cover, and we do get rain in the winter (SF bay).

[Middi-zon]

The fender on the Trek is just for looks. Unless he's riding through deep puddles, he wont be going fast enough to kick up much surface water.

-Middi-zon

[bandaidman]

i bought a gary fisher as my oldest daughter's first bike, my second got a schwinn (when it was still a real bike)...was happy with both.....both bikes have been handed down to younger children and have held up great...much better then our friends kid's cheaper bikes

the last bike i bought was a haro...black of all things...for a girl who is really not a tomboy at all...she just thought it rode the best...i'll give her credit..it was the nicest one she rode mechanically.

haro also makes a bike appropriate for a 2.5 yr old...looked nice but i did not inspect it because my kids are older