Northeast - Best selection of kids' bikes in NYC

I'd really like to get my four-year-olds their first bikes this coming weekend, but I need a bike shop that's likely to have more than one of the same model. (It's a twins thing.) Tread, my local shop on Dyckman, has a small selection and no duplicates.

I'm going to scope out a few shops this week. Recommendations would be welcome. I live at the top of Manhattan and work at the bottom, so pretty much anywhere on the island is good.

Thanks in advance--

We got my granddaughter's little purple Specialized at Bicycle Habitat. It was the Christmas season and it was the last one in stock. They took it right out of the window. They did say they had a warehouse in New Jersey with more Treks . That's probably a lot faster than ordering them from the manufacturer.

Are they boys are girls? If you really want to get two identical bikes it might be better to call ahead and ask what they have in stock.

Thanks. They're boys. I figured I'd scope out a few likely shops during my commute this week, and then descend upon the best one with the family on Saturday.

Most little girls' bikes just come in pink. Boys' bikes seem to come in more colors. That should make your choice a little tougher :p Larry and Jeff's on Second Avenue in the 80s seemed to have a lot of stock and probably rather family friendly. They might be worth a visit.

I bought my twin girls bikes at R&A in Brooklyn, yes the same place that everyone complains about because you don't get any attention. They were very helpful, not at all rushed, even for two bikes for little girls. It was that experience that convinced me to go back there when I wanted a high-end bike.

And if nothing else, it is worth going in just to drool over the frames hanging from the ceiling.

Thanks, all.

I was at the Museum of Natural History this morning, buying a toy space shuttle (long story), and Bicycle Renaissance was right there. After talking with them, I now know the model I want (16" Specialized Hotrock), and got the boys to tell me their preferences between blue and yellow tonight (strictly in the abstract), so I'll either have my local store order a couple or head all the way back to Bicycle Renaissance.

Nice service there, by the way. They're just a bit far from me.

After watching my then 3 yr son treat his new bike like he treated his Tonka trucks, I bought him a used flea market bike for 20 bucks when he outgrew his 1st one. It was in new condition & rode perfectly. When my daughter was ready to ride, she got a hand-me-down bike from a friend's family. Again, in perfect condition. It seems like alot of parents buy their kids bikes that they never ride.

Another thing to check out: Some shops offer to upgrade to a bigger size when your daughter/son has outgrown their bike.

Thanks. I don't really know what to expect in terms of how the bikes are treated, but they're pretty good with their toys.

They're going to get their first tools, too. Since the seatpost clamps are allen-keyed, probably one allen wrench per boy.

Ask around for hand me downs.
A) Most kids in the city DO NOT ride as much as you dream.
B) They outgrow the bike faster than you think.
C) Storage can affect life of the bike.
D)Get Neutral colors so you an hand them off to the Next one.

Good Luck

Rob