Recreational & Family - HELP: converting a boy's bike to a girl's bike

It seems in my family of four, we are all needing bike upgrades.

I am trying to avoid buying 4 new bikes, hoping to pass some "down the line". My daughter is turning 6, and is ready to graduate from our tag-a-long. My son's 20 inch Schwinn would be just right, but it needs some beautification to match her oh-so-picky style!

So some obvious changes: pink paint, white tires, etc.

Any clue on where to get grips with tassles?

How would you "pimp her ride" if you were doing the same?

So some obvious changes: pink paint, white tires, etc.

Any clue on where to get grips with tassles?

How would you "pimp her ride" if you were doing the same?

Baskets, bells, white wall tires, grips with tassles, etc are all available at any bike shop. We sell all that stuff at the shop I work at.

Oh, yeah! I forgot about the bell. You can find them shaped like anything now. Daughter would love that.

And I, I would probably not. :D

I understand the desire to cater to a daughter's whims (I've been there twice), but if I could make a suggestion: Just in passing, make a point of emphasizing the function, too: "We'll paint it any color you want, and we'll get new tires so you'll be safe." No point in having her grow up to be a useless fashion-forward girl.

Some stickers?

My son really wants a basket for his bike. He doesn't see the use of a rack. Maybe because he doesn't have his own panniers? He has no interest in streamers. My daughter loves the streamers. And polka dots and flowers. But she doesn't want fenders. They are both maniacs on the bell.

My son was coveting a $30 carbon-fiber bottle cage too. I talked him into a $3 aluminum one.

You might try places like Target or Toys-R-Us for gimmicks such as tassels.

Well a license plate that has her name won't make it a girl's bike, but will personalize it for her.

lf you spring for a new seat, or at least seat cover, that can be something else she chooses. Kid sized seats won't set you back much.

Does she like "projects"? How about you paint the bike one solid base color, then let her get or make stencils to decorate the bike any way she likes. At the LBS they have flowered bikes, cartoons, etc.
Then you can clearcoat over it all to preserve it. Doing that may be the only thing you really need other than tires and grips.

A little pink accents but otherwise a little girl likes stuff basically just like a little boy. My kids love their Bells - though my 4-year-old gets mad and yells at me if I ring his bell "that's only if someone's in your way, Daddy!" LOL

My kids also like their kick-stands. My older son made me get one for my bike! First time since I was just a little older than him! I like it! Of course the ironic thing is there will come a day when they'll want to strip it down for "racing"......ahh, the memories.

edit: oooh.....that first line didn't really come out right. Sorry.....fixed.