Need help buying a bike for DD for Xmas

[camouseketeer]

I have two DD's, 5.5 and 4. Currently DD5.5 has a 14 inch bike and DD4 has a12 inch bike. Both bikes are two years old and way too short.

I know that DD4 should get a 16 inch bike from Santa.

I don't know what to get DD5.5. She'll turn 6 just after Xmas. She still uses training wheels, doesn't have the best coordination, and doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get rid of the training wheels.

Her inseam is 21 inches. From what I've read, you should get a bike that is about 2 inches lower than the inseam, so that would be an 18 inch or 20 inch bike. But I've also read that bikes taller than 16 inches are less stable and usually don't come with training wheels.

But doesn't a 16 inch bike seem too short? I had her try some at TRU and I had to hike the seat up on the 16 inch bike so that her legs were extended properly when she rode. She seemed to fit the 18 inch one well and the 20 inch seemed too big.

So do I go with the 18 inch? It's not a common size.

Any suggestions for a training wheels bike for an almost 6 year old girl?

 

[jrmasm]

I'd take her to a bike shop and have a pro fit her.

 

[camouseketeer]

But if I do that, I'd feel obligated to buy a bike from them, and I really don't want to pay a lot for a training bike.

Is it ok to go there and use their services (measuring, fitting, etc.) and not buy from them?

 

[Luv2DressEmUp]

I am by no means an expert but I do work for a program that teaches children with disabilities OR children without disabilities how to ride bikes without training wheels, so I may be able to give you a little advice.

You are right on for your 4 year old (I have one too!)- I would get her a 16in and lower the seat as low as it can go until she can reach the floor FLAT FOOTED (I know that bike shops and "real cyclists" will disagree but for beginning riders flat footed is best)

Now for the almost 6 year old I would take her to any store that sells bikes and let her "Try them on". She needs to be able to -again- sit on the seat and touch flat footed. When we teach our kids to ride, we use a handle in the back which makes it much easier to teach than training wheels. I'm not sure if I can name the name brand so if you'd like please PM me and I'll give you some tips!

 

[littleteapot]

But if I do that, I'd feel obligated to buy a bike from them, and I really don't want to pay a lot for a training bike.

Is it ok to go there and use their services (measuring, fitting, etc.) and not buy from them?

We just bought a couple new mid-priced bikes from a bike shop for DH and oldest DS. I was happy to see that they also had several reasonably priced "kid bikes". You might find a bike store with a wide range of prices.

eta: If you don't find a bike in your price range, you could always pick up a water bottle, lock or other accessory