Any good recommendations for my niece who is about to be 9, 4ft 6 and going to be tall. Trying not to spend too much of my sisters money..
islabikes, do a trade in too when you need to upgrade.
Thats the way I would go but I think it's outside her budget.. Was hoping to spend 150 quid ish..
Islabike http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn24.html . I recently made the mistake of buying a 24" bike for my medium height 8 year old niece in the hope that she will grow into it. It's still too big as she has little stand over height that causes her to lack confidence off-road. A 20" bike would've been much better even though she would need another in 2 years time. Bikes that are too big put kids off riding.
A bit more direction may help, though to be fair to the Islabike suggestion, you seemingly don't loose a lot of money buying one of those, in the long term
So rigid commuter for school, hood's for a trainee athlete, or a basic mtb so she can go riding with her uncle?
Decathlon have a good bike http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rr-5-junior-id_8151094.html fits up to 5'1". £109.99 online price. Only 6 speed though.
unfortunately she has outgrown her carrera 24 inch.
z1ppy - MemberA bit more direction may help, though to be fair to the Islabike suggestion, you seemingly don't loose a lot of money buying one of those, in the long term
So rigid commuter for school, hood's for a trainee athlete, or a basic mtb so she can go riding with her uncle?
Good point.
I think commuter that might just about pass as an mtb to go riding with her uncle would probably do it, she has pretty much outgrown her 24 inch bike (which has been nicked now anyway).
I guess I really need a steer to the best quality catologue type bikes as ..
Halfords kids bikes are OK. My 10 year old girl rides one.
So your're looking for a 26" bike?
What about one of these http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-51-c2-2011-id_8167190.html in a small? £149.99, 21speed gripshift and be upgraded.
I've got a very good 24 inch wheeled Gary Fisher Tyro girls that I haven't got round to putting on Ebay yet. I was hoping to get £90 or thereabouts for it.
a bit over budget unless you have some bits hanging about but worth a look:
My 11 year old is now 5ft2 and has outgrown it - would be ideal size wise for your little 'un
[url] http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Toys-R-Us/Bikes-and-Rideons/Bikes/Girls/MuddyFox-24-Dream-Bike(0083629) ][/url]
this seems OK if built right (going thru same thing with our daughter atm
stevemorg this would hit the spot. email me about complete bike.
YHM
Steve. YHM
Mostly balanced. Have looked at the tyro it might do even thoguh it has small wheels. Can you send me pics.
Sorry pics will have to be tomorrow as I didn't bring my camera to work today.
Just been through this with my partners youngest girl (7)
We went for a 20" rigid Cuda Mayhem (about £150 new) as we figured that cheap childrens suspension forks would be worse that none (her big sister has a 20" Marin with suspension, but I'm not convinced they do anything other than pogo up and down).
Seems to be a good wee bike. They do a 24" wheeled version £150 new here http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B4668.html but it has suspension forks 😕
Agree that you would be better getting a better / lighter second hand bike for the same money, but if that fails the Cudas don't seem any worse (or heavier) that the big brand kids bikes, and are alot less money.
And +1 for going with 24" wheels if you can. We have 7 and 9 year olds, they are both still on 20" wheels and can really throw the bikes around. We will move the 9yr old upto 24" wheels next year. I agree bikes that are too big (for them to grow into) cause problems...