If OP were still here, I'd tell her that my LBS has bikes for $250 and up, and the big difference to me is that the LBS stands behind them. Even the young guys know how to put a bike together, and if they screw it up, I can come back and get the problem fixed.

Adjustments and maintenance are a fact of life, and I'd really like to have that bike shop relationship, however tenuous.

I'd also tell her not to be so sure she can't ride soon. The tricycle-kid will be ready for a trail-a-bike soon.