I am looking for a half decent 20 inch bike for my 8 year old Daughter. I am very impressed by the Carrera Sol in *cough* Halfords. It has an Aluminium frame, proper brakes and RST forks, her friend has one and loves it.
What else is out there with a similar spec for around £150? I don't really want to send any more than that (at least the wife doesn't). But I want to mae sure she has a bike she is going to enjoy. Oh and the way the bike looks will be important to an 8 year old.
Ridgeback Harmony - http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027773/Ridgeback-Harmony.html?referrer=froogle.txt&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid1027773
merida 620
felt q20
might be worth looing at the felt q24 its a very small frame on 24" wheels so great for future use
What about one of the new Saracen range? [url= http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/jr/spice ]Spice[/url] is the 20" girls bike.
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If you have a choice, I wouldn't bother with suspension on a bike in this price bracket TBH. Heavier & probably won't work after a few weeks anyway - if they ever do.
Save the extra you need to get an Islabike, properly scaled bikes with proper equipment which works for kids.