ScottieDog

Hi,

Looking for a Mountain type bike for my 4/5 year olds. Any suggestions... Cheap as possible (lol) - Of course they will grow out of it pretty quick so think itīs best to get cheap as poss.

They have been on bikes without pedals so far, mountain bike style but push along only, they love them so much, they zip around, do jumps and throw them around like a pro BMX rider (no brakes on them either ROFL) - Itīs time to step up to pedal cycles I think..

Any advice ? Not too young are they ?

Kobe 

Two of my three kids ride mountain bikes, the oldest rides a hybrid. I got them all used off Craigslist or in trades. Yard sales are also a good place to find smaller bikes.Kids only ride them for a few years so they should still be in good shape. I like the Mt. bikes because they take a beating and kids ride over everything. I would stay away from BMX style bikes, they are only good for one purpose, doing tricks.

If they are tall enough look for something with a 24" wheel, they should be able to ride that size for a few years than move up to a 26" bike. Also look for a bike that came from a Bike Shop, like Trek, Raleigh or Giant. They are much easier to replace parts than on Wal-mart bikes.

NormDeplume

My 6.5 year-old just got moved up to a 20" with gears, after only getting rid of the training wheels three months before. Every kid is different. Take them to a bike shop and let them try out some options. What will work for them will become obvious in just a few minutes of test-riding.

ScottieDog

Went to the bike shop today and got the boys one each, the 4 year old had a 16" frame and the 5year old a 20" frame, same bike for both of them. They both jumped on a couple and started riding round the shop - lol - They chose what made them comfortable and both were so happy this afternoon when riding round in our cul-de-sac. Great fun and so good to see them happy on new bikes. The 20" is just slightly too big for the 5year old I feel, but the shop guy seemed very comfortable with it, and so did the rider, so went with that - We did get him on the smaller 16" but it was defo too small.

Until these they had mountain bike "type" bikes without pedals, the push along ones, they were throwing them round so much I thought it wouldnīt take them long to get used to these new bikes. they arenīt using the pedals properly yet, but have their balance and I expect real pedaling in due course :-)

Was interesting for them with the new idea of "Brakes" - Both were rather shocked. LOL.

Did have stablilizers on the smaller ones, but he made me take them off after an hour, and with his balance being so good I saw no problem with that. They both were so good at throwing the old pushbikes around that did them the world of good as practice.