Best bike for 5 year old and 14 or 16 inch?

[strath44]

Hi folks,

my little girl has outgrown her balance bike both in size and ability (she needs pedals now according to her!).

I was looking at the Ridgeback 14 inch bike.

https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/ridgeback-honey-14-...

Trying to keep the price under £150 if possible!

I see Specialized, Koa and Trek have similar good offerings but a tad dearer just wondered if anyone had any advice, particularly if I should be going for 16 inch rather than 14!

Many thanks.

[nadger]

I’d go 16 inch personally, but obviously it depends how tall your daughter is!

[strath44]

She's 119cm just now

[PomBstard]

At that height I’d try her on a 20” bike - my son’s a little taller and won’t be on his 20” mtb for much longer.

[nadger]

Halfrauds suggest that she’d be fine with a 16inch wheel, but also might be ok on 20? Thinking about it, my son went onto 20 inch wheels at 5 or 6, and he’s relatively small! https://www.halfords.com/bikes/expert-advice/findi...

[strath44]

Thanks for the replies! Really that's interesting to know quite surprised!

It helps a bit as the 16 inch onward ones seem a bit better value for money!

[nadger]

strath44 said:

Thanks for the replies! Really that's interesting to know quite surprised!

It helps a bit as the 16 inch onward ones seem a bit better value for money!

No worries! If you want a relatively decently priced mountain bike, my son has the Carrera blast, which I picked up 2nd hand for bugger all (£12 iirc!). They’re alloy with Sram gears and my son absolutely adores it!

[strath44]

Cheers I'll have a look at that now!

[PomBstard]

nadger said:

strath44 said:

Thanks for the replies! Really that's interesting to know quite surprised!

It helps a bit as the 16 inch onward ones seem a bit better value for money!

No worries! If you want a relatively decently priced mountain bike, my son has the Carrera blast, which I picked up 2nd hand for bugger all (£12 iirc!). They’re alloy with Sram gears and my son absolutely adores it!

Similarly I paid AU$40 for my son's Trek - he managed two 24km mtb trail rides with me on the weekend, so price isn't everything. Its not the lightest thing, either - he's going to fly when he gets on a decent frame...

Also, at that height, I'd be looking at a used bike - 119cm might see her just a short growth spurt from a 24" bike.

[bristolbaron]

I’ve recently bought a 16” for my 116cm daughter and my 106cm son is fine on it. We’re now looking at a 20” for her.

For the money you’re close to used frog territory, which you wouldn’t lose a penny selling on again. I’d be looking at a 48 (16”)or 52 (20”) as best all round options.

[sjj84]

strath44 said:

She's 119cm just now

My 104cm son is one 14" bike and doesn't look small on it, it'd be far too small for your girl.