I have a 2019 Orbea MX20 that I am just about to list on ebay tonight. In green, same as this https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orbea-MX-20-Park-20w-2019-Kids-Bike_127368.htm

I’d say don’t spend too much.
We got our girl a 20 inch bike two years ago, kind of thinking she’s just had her growth spurt. She’s eight in January and will need the next size up at least. Six year old already claimed her bike and it does fit him better.
And Twist grip has been fine.
And trigger shifters on my 26″ are fine for her too.

Bit out of left-field, but Cannondale Cujo 20 might be worth a look, if you can find one. Plus tyres, lovely frame, but usual cack ‘dale build bits n bobs though.

My 5 year old (120cm tall) girl is on it and I’m hoping to drag it out to her 6th birthday next year.

An Isla Beinn 20 large (or, indeed, the older Beinn 20 which is not a L or a S) is slightly bigger than it, which is where I’d put my money if he’s a bit in between.

FWIW my 128cm 7 year old is on a Saracen Mantra 2.4 (24″). It’s too big for him but he coped with a lap of Llandegla blue on it and loves it.

Just bought a Saracen Mantra for my 5 year old. One of the lightest around at a reasonable price, 8 speed and you can have it rigid or with a spinner air fork.

Also they are in stock which does not seem to be the case with most kids bikes I looked at.

Islabikes, Frog or Hoy will all be excellent. Most of what you can buy from an autospares shop would be as good as you can imagine.

Probably more chance of buying used rather than new. I would always recommend a used Islabike over anything else, new or used, at the same price.

Waiting to order a Commencal Ramones 20 for my Daughter for Xmas. In Chrome and white…. unless ‘last years’ Orange one is discounted shortly.

Cable discs, rigid forks and plus-size tyres seems to be the way to go unless you’ve got £1000+ to spend.

I’ll probably get some Deore hydraulics for it… but I’m worried she’ll panic brake over the bars, I’m on the fence with that.

5 years ago we bought a 20″ Islabike second hand for less than £100 in decent condition. Both my boys have ridden the wheels off the little thing but apart from a rear mech and a better shifter, it stood up really, really well to some “proper” riding. Its now gone onto a mates daughter. I know there are lots of shiney options out there now with bouncy forks and disc brakes etc but that little rigid Islabike did everything so well.

Waiting to order a Commencal Ramones 20 for my Daughter for Xmas. In Chrome and white…. unless ‘last years’ Orange one is discounted shortly.

Cable discs, rigid forks and plus-size tyres seems to be the way to go unless you’ve got £1000+ to spend.

I’ll probably get some Deore hydraulics for it… but I’m worried she’ll panic brake over the bars, I’m on the fence with that.

Got a 20″ Ramones for my 6-Year-old two Christmasses ago and they are a cracking little bike. She has really progressed her riding and is really confident on it. Santa is Bringing the 24″ version this year

I wouldn’t worry too much about hydraulic discs, the mechanical ones fitted are just fine. The only changes I made were to fit a shorter 127mm crank and sealed BB as the ones fitted are waaay too long and are made from pig iron. Also fitted some lightweight rotors. Between those three took nearly 2lb off the overall weight

Hey P-Jay – it was similar to this a cheapie from ALiexpress but decently light. Frog also sell their cranks separately on their website so that’s an option too

Here

That Raleigh is nice 8) I’d just look on Gumtree or ebay locally. Most bikes are much of a muchness. Disc brakes not necessary as not a lot of weight to stop.

I picked up a nice 20″ Trek for £20 recently for a friends kid.

I have a Raleigh Performance 20 available. Well used, but 100% serviceable. Includes Suntour XCR Jr fork and disc wheel, plus original fork and wheel, and a brand new unused rear wheel.

£150. And can post at cost. Based Central Scotland. Pm me if interested.