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I know now is not the best time to be looking for bikes, but youngest is definitely needing one. He's 6 next month and his 12" wheel bike (with stabilisers he's refusing to let me take off despite lots of encouragement) is too small. I tried him on a 16" wheel bike and the fit is pretty perfect, he's quite short for his age. He even managed to pedal a bit by himself without stabilisers which was awesome to see.
I'm hoping that a new (to him) bike will be enough to sway him to ride without stabilisers like it has done with the others before. Not much choice new and don't want to get a heavy generic one if possible, would probably make it more difficult for him especially given his size. I've checked ebay but none local to me and not many willing to post.
Has anyone got anything? Or any suggestions?
Thanks
There's a nice Islabike in the Classifieds at the moment - if anyone in the Midlands (Matlock) could help with posting or transport?
We got a riprock for our kid at that size. Had it sans pedals for a bit then bolted them on when he was confident. Cheap, lightish, good quality parts. Now upgraded to a riprock 20
Orange Pop, lightweight, cartridge bearings on everything, all the kit is decent. A very nice bike, head & shoulders above most of the usual suspects.
Early Rider bikes are pretty low. As are Islabikes.
In 14” wheels we have a CNOC14S and a Frog 40 and the CNOC is definitely a few cm shorter.
Sophie had a commencal ramones 16.
Thanks for the replies, I'll keep an eye out for the suggestions and anything else that may be suitable.
If anyone knows of any others for sale or any other options, that would be great too.
Thanks
There are a few really good Facebook groups for used kids bikes. IMHO Islabikes are he best build quality but very impressed with Wild (apart from struggle to find mech hanger for the 20). Frog honestly not as good but go for same money. With Isla you pay more for newer models which are generally lighter and slightly better wheels - even the oldest is still good if been looked after (wheel bearings usually get neglected).
A used CNOC16 for £200 might only cost you £50 for a couple of years of ownership.
We actually have one but need a few months more to transition up to the Wild 20".
We got a Wiggins branded bike from Halfords and it's great, you may find one at a sensible price on FB marketplace or eBay ?
Gnusmas,
How handy are you with a set of spanner’s? How picky are you on colour (or handy with a spray can?).
I’ve got an Islabike here (which IiRC has 16” wheels). It’s been sitting in a very damp shed for years waiting for me to give it the TLC it deserves before selling. Needs new cables, brake blocks, all bearings greased etc. And might need new tyres after all this time. It’s scratched and battered having been through a couple of kids and at the back of the shed with other stuff on top but I think it’s a days work for someone who has the time (I don’t). It is purple though which may be an affront to the masculinity of a youngster!
I’m pretty sure it’s a Beinn 20L if that would fit (I’ll check details later in the week).
@poly really appreciate the offer, would definitely be interested in that, thankyou very much.
I enjoy building bikes and tinkering, it helps pass the time and is quite therapeutic. Even if its the next size up, I have a garage I can keep it in til he fits it so that wouldn't be a problem either.
My email is hoodahell (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk if its easier than messaging through here.
Thanks again.
@poly If it’s a Beinn 20L it’ll have 20” wheels though?
I was going to say you won’t go far wrong with a s/h Isla if you can find one but just watch as there are some ridiculous asking prices about for ancient bikes. As @boombang says you will get most of your money back.
Our (tall) 6yo was on a Beinn 20L (which her petite 8yo sister is still riding). If your lad is small, a Beinn 20S (or Cnoc 20 which is the same but singlepeed) might be the thing?