[Swahili]

Both of the kids want a 'big' bike for Christmas this year, so I've been looking at various bikes in different shops. I can't decide whether to buy one from a bike shop or from somewhere like ToysRUs/ Target etc. The difference in price, including a helmet, is around $80 each, so an extra $160-$180 for the two kids.

Is it worth paying that extra money for a bike shop bike? Or is it a bit of a waste of money?

[DS1979]

I think it depends on how old they are and where you're going to be riding.

We got our sons bike from Big W; I think it's Huffy brand and it is pretty good for what he uses it for (bike tracks, small hills, grass). We got our daughters from Toys R Us, it's not as good as our sons but she only rides on mainly flat bike tracks and the footpath so it works well for that.

But if you live in a hilly area or an area where the roads aren't mainly smooth it might be best to spend a bit extra so they last a bit longer/are a bit easier to ride.

[tothebeach]

We buy bike shop bikes for our kids once they are onto real bikes (no training wheels). For us the advantages are: better bikes, pre-assembled so you know they are safe, free 3 month service and a relationship with the bike shop so that you can pop in and get help if need be.

DS1 got his first real mountain bike at 5 (Giant mountain bike with suspension). The bike shop sawed off some of the seat pole to fit him. He is nearly 8 and the bike still looks like new and will fit him for another 2 years. I doubt that a cheap bike would have held up as well. It is also light and easy for him to ride on mountain bike trails and the suspension makes a huge difference.

[lozoodle]

I wouldn't bother at the little kid training wheel stage.

DD got a $50 k mart bike last year for her 3rd birthday and its still going strong.

[Chelli]

From my experience, they outgrow their first bike pretty quickly so I'd save the expensive ones for when they are much older. The exception would be if there are others to pass the bike down to, then it might be worth the investment.

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

But if you live in a hilly area or an area where the roads aren't mainly smooth it might be best to spend a bit extra so they last a bit longer/are a bit easier to ride.

agree with this

From my experience, they outgrow their first bike pretty quickly so I'd save the expensive ones for when they are much older. The exception would be if there are others to pass the bike down to, then it might be worth the investment.

and this.

DD1 will pass her first 'real' bike on to DD2, so we went for a bike shop bike. I think it was about $120. We figured that was reasonable if it was going to do 2 kids.

[Swahili]

Thanks for the replies-both of them would be on training wheels, so I'm leaning towards the cheaper option. We'd only be riding on the local cycleway.

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

Thanks for the replies-both of them would be on training wheels, so I'm leaning towards the cheaper option. We'd only be riding on the local cycleway.

sounds like a good idea.

[seayork2002]

We were going to get a whizz bang one but then I thought it is his first one he will take a while getting used to it (alright falling off!) so we picked up one for less than $100 at Target, good job he has had it for a few months and been on it about 3 times.

When he gets to be more independant on a bike we will go to a bike shop then (and he has outgrown this one)

[unicycle]

whatever you choose, don't be tempted to go up a size to get more wear out of it. when learning to ride, a smaller bike makes for greater confidence and success.