Yet another Orbea pair here, MX20 and 24. They are a good weight and have a good spec for the price. Crucially, the reach is right – I found many kids bikes other than Isla just too long.
The only changes I’ve made are shorter stems, Avis Speed Dial levers for their adjustability and quality, and some Chromag Radar Youth pedal for the eldest as he’s doing some proper riding and the stock pedals aren’t up to much (are they ever)… We went with Vs over discs, no regrets there.
A few of his 8 year old school friends are on small framed 27.5. Totally understand a parents need to try and get value/longevity from everything, but they are all normal height and the bikes look (and are) HUGE under them.