We have had a reasonably cheap progression (sub £300) from balance bike to first ‘real’ (geared / 24” wheeled) bike.
Much to my partners annoyance, we started with the hot walk when Roxy was 2 :
I had to cut the seat post down so her feet touched the floor as it bottomed on the inside of the frame.
Later in its life I needed a taller post but as it was 22.2mm, a section of old bent (Titanium !) MTB bars were cut down – hence my first picture in my post above.
From that we moved onto a generic Disney bike (age 4), yes, my partner won the argument on what to get this time … lol
The problem was, is that she also won the argument on leaving the stabilisers on (backwards or what ?). They only lasted one ride though as on a run to the local shop which Roxy had done loads on the balance bike, an off chamber ramp from pavement (sidewalk !) to road pitched her off as she couldn’t lean properly. At Roxy’s request, the stabilisers were taken off and she rode it perfectly from that time onwards.
Christmas just gone (aged 7) she moved onto a nice retro styled geared 24” wheeled bike.
If I am honest, all her bikes have been just a little bit to big when they were first bought and a little too small at the end of their life cycle – but not enough to hinder her or stop her having fun !
This 24” wheeled bike will last a while now, it’s the next bike that will be the expensive one …
WD :-)
