Kid's bike advice - Dawes Blowfish

[Kerplunk]

Now I know the proper answer is Islabike but the budget doesn't stretch that far. (re-sale value doesn't really come into it if you haven't got the money to buy it in the first place.)

My 5 year old has outgrown the BSO we got him a couple of years ago. He's never really taken to it despite being keen on having a bike, mainly I think due to the sheer weight of it meaning it was a struggle for him to get it moving. So for his next bike I'm trying to find something a bit more lightweight but I'm also thinking that handing the old one down to his little brother will just be repeating the problem so need two new ones. I've had a quick look around and Dawes Blowfish range look like they may be a good buy. Anyone got one for their kids?

 

[1duck]

what about the specialized hotrock? from what i gather thats quite a popular alternative as a first proper bike, ridgeback mx16 i've seen mentioned as well...as an alternative.

Just a thought but what about a bmx? ok it doesn't have gears but you can get a nice late 90s bmx for next to nothing and to a child a bmx is a full sized bike.

anyway i can't help really beacuse the last bike i bought the little madam threw a fit and decided she wanted the purple,pink and silver one from toys r us. Maybe she'll learn a lesson from her choice, in the mean time she can develop her calfs riding a bike that weighs nearly as much as my bike.

 

[BertR00t]

My daughter had the equivalent of a Ridgeback MX-12 to start with, can't remember but it was pink instead of blue, till she was about 5 and then shifted to a micro mini race BMX, a GT Power Series and now rides an Intense Junior IIRC.

Worth looking at the smaller race BMXes as they weigh virtually nothing and instil confidence.

This sort of thing -

then onto this -

You can pick up used minis, micro minis and other kid size BMXes reasonably cheap, around 100 quid, if you have a local club nearby or check one of the forums like BMX Talk.

 

[Kerplunk]

Not keen on the Hotrock only having a rear brake and a coaster brake at that. Dawes Blowfish is quoted as being 7.5Kg which is a Kg less than the Ridgeback and the same as the Islabike which was why I was tempted by it. Think a bmx will be too big as he's a small 5 year old but will have a look. What kind of weight are they?

 

[BertR00t]

Cannot find weight data for the GTs anywhere for any year but easily cartable in one hand. They are also tiny if you go for a micro mini, my lad is just 3 and can straddle the GT but needs a bit longer on his Ridgeback before he progresses to that.

http://www.bmxtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45650

That could be more suitable with an 18" wheel, would need a front brake but I have one knocking about if you get stuck in red IIRC.