My sister bought Liebling a bike when he was 3. He was completely not fussed about it. Getting him on and pedaling was a nightmare, he just didn't want to learn. A year later his bestie, age 4, was riding a bike with confidence and ease. Liebs could pedal but gave up quickly.
Age 5, he wants a bike. His little bike is too little, so we go out and buy him a bike. He jumps on and rides. He still needs stabilisers, but it has been so cold and wet he hasn't been out a lot on it. But he cycled to Church last week; about 1.5km away and up a steep hill.
I'd say wait until he wants one, but then I tend to do that with Liebs anyway as it saves me headaches.
The girls have had run bikes from when they were 2 and DD1 rode without training wheels before she was 4 - I would recommend a BYK bike and using it as a runbike first by removing the pedals and lowering the seat.
I agree with Trav about it being an individual thing. DD1 got a bike at 3.5. She was chomping at the bit and could pedal easily. We got her a 16", but she is a seriously tall kid and we've already had to upgrade to a 20".
DS has shown no interest in a bike. Well actually we tried to get him on one in the shop for his 3rd Birthday and he ran away lol. He's only just learned to peddle and shows an interest now at 3.5....but not enough to want to 'try' a bike. Santa's bringing him one.
I don't think your DS2 will even notice the difference TBH. Christmas is usually such an exciting day, it's usually us that worry more about the actual pressies.
We got DS a balance bike with removable pedals when he was 2.5 years. He rode that for about a year and then went to the pedal option at around 3.5. I would just make sure if going that option that they can definitely reach the ground as DS could only just and he is tall for his age. We got the Hipkids bike and it is good value.
We bought the girls bikes about a month ago, M loves it but has no idea (due to her disability) however A loves it and she is pedaling, she needs a little help still as sometimes she gets stuck but she is picking it up quickly, she is still learning to pedal and steer, I am confidant that she will be able to ride along (with training wheels by Christmas). We got the bikes that are two wheeled with training wheels and the pole at the back so we can help push, the pole is easy removed along with the training wheels so it will be a normal two wheeler when they are ready, this may be a good idea for you also.
We have a balance bike but the girls haven't shown much interest.
Both of mine have had one since they were one - started with a push pole then they had a balance bike - DD has had no training wheels since she was 4 and DS is probably ready now but we have been lazy - we have an assortment of bikes in the yard and they ride on the deck as well as all around the yard and over steps in the yard!!
DD was given her cousins old bike when she was 2. It was only yesterday that she decided that she wanted to ride it. Before that she wouldn't even sit on it as it wobbled (it has training wheels on). She is riding it well. She turns 4 in 2 weeks
I thought I would add to have a look at GT bikes. The guy at the bike shop said they are slightly better than the Mongoose, but of course DS wanted blue and of course there wasn't a blue GT. There is red though.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks