oboeguy

My little man has mastered his balance bike and will in short order outgrow it. He's very tall for his age. For his third birthday, the thought is to get him a bike with pedals. I saw a Specialized "Hot Rock" (IIRC) that some local parents said was great for their son. It would be nice if I could stuff it in the back of the trailer (Burley DLite) like I do with his balance bike. I would appreciate any suggestions or endorsements, thanks!

BigHuf

are you looking at the 16" version, my (also tall) 3 y/o son rides the 16" huffy "Rock it", but its frame and total weight was lightest locally available which in my mind would mean it would be easier to get up the hill, pushing or riding. he has no trouble with most inclines up to some fairly steep swoop hills around here. I wouldn't blow too much on a 16" they won't last very long in terms of growth. my son could straddle an 18" but the weight difference was healthy, and I didn't want to make it not fun (we have some good foot hills here). it is a fairly plain bike, but that to me was a plus since he is still developing, he isn't picky yet anyway. i did have to take it apart and put it back together as it was dry everywhere but the wheel bearings and chain, not to mention not well dialed in on the bearings.

oboeguy

That's part of the question, I suppose, which size?

mulveyr 

I can't imagine there are a lot of 3-year-olds who can use geared bikes in any sort of useful fashion, so I can't see the need for a HotRock.

There are plenty of single-speeds in 16/20" wheel sizes, so I'd just pick up a used one and go with that. As a previous poster noted, it will be outgrown in no time flat, anyhow.

oboeguy

I am concerned about it being outgrown, for sure! I believe, though, that it's a single-speed bike, or am I missing something?

Any thoughts on this bike? Looks heavy and expensive but the marketing is intriguing.

mulveyr 

Ah, yep, you're right. The 16" HotRock is singlespeed. My kids had the 20/24 inch versions, which are geared.

As for the other one - well, yeah, they are doing their best to engage all possible marketing-speak. ;-) I can't imagine what could possibly make a 16" bike worth $250. Honestly, a $50 WalMart bike in that size would be perfectly fine.

BigHuf

my son who is tall does not fit on a 12"(actually found it impossible to get him to go more than 30ft on a 12", he was so uncomfortable)... go to a BBS, and see which wheel size in your price range he can sit on and pedal (and always, wants to ride) I would look at the 16" first these are the second size up ones which usually have training wheels included, but would not go past 18" a 20" is a big bike and mosts kid will not be up for any kind of hills for a while on a bike that size, that will definitely limit participation around here. my son is around 37" tall (also 3) and 50lbs and the 16" fit great at a lower seat height. the general breakdown is a 16" is generally considered 5-8 y/o range if that helps any. as far as it being outgrown, it will be, period, and for kids that are tall, within 2 years, so I wouldn't spend a fortune on it.

oboeguy

That's really helpful, thank you! My little boy was past 40" back in February (turning 3 next month) so it sounds like 16" is where it's at for him.