OK, so here's a negative post on Islabikes……
Their tiny bikes are the best around, and I've just picked up a Rothan for my youngest.
But – the bigger bikes just LOOK rubbish to me. I know they are light and well made, but they look "geeky".
For bigger bikes I settled for Giant, or Specialized as they are about the same weight and function but look much better.
Once the wheels get to 26, surely it's better to buy second hand off the classifieds and get a proper MTB? – Just picked up a mint Commencal for my eldest for 200 notes.
It is surely important for the kids to want to be seen on the bikes and not be left with "suspension envy" of the halfords crap their friends have.
Oh, and before anyone says I am by no means a bike snob, and for me I definately go for funcion and price over looks.