Trikes, Like-a-Bikes or Big Wheels?

Rebecca - posted on 05/27/2011

I was actually leaning a bit toward the Radio Flyer trike with the pusher originally. It is good to see that a lot of folks have had good experiences with them.

I have had her ride something similar to that trike in the park. I think, I'll save the surprise of the birthday present and go with her to the store to try out the different kinds of bikes.

Thanks for all the advice.

Rosie - posted on 05/27/2011

i tried a trike with all 3 of my boys. however my last child can't figure out how to ride one. my neighbor got him a big wheel for his 4th birthday and he does better on that one. i think big wheels would last alot longer for them as well, as mine all got done with their trikes by the time they were 3 or 4.

Jenn - posted on 05/27/2011

I just got my son a regular tricycle when he was 2. Now that I realize how back-breaking it is to push before they learn to ride - I'd go with the trike with the stick thing to push it.

Jenni - posted on 05/27/2011

I like the trikes with sticks. They're easier to pedal. Plus you can give em a little push when needed. Although my kids were always lazy on them, they do make a good alternative to wagons or push chairs. More interactive.

The big wheels. *thumbs down* both my kids have/had trouble pedaling them. They require a lot more effort. I find my kids just get frustrated with theirs and use their feet.

My SD used her feet until she got a two wheeler with training wheels. She does awesome on it now and she's nearly 4 yo.

I'm not sure about the gliders?

So I would go for a trike or a trike with handle bars for the parent.

Jennifer - posted on 05/27/2011

We got my son a "glider" bike with no pedals for his 2nd Birthday. He loves it and it's great for learning how to balance. You may also take the pedals off a regular bike and she can Skuut along until she gets her balance and then put the pedals back on.

Nicole - posted on 05/27/2011

My daughter just turned 2 and we got her a bike for her birthday. It's the smallest bike I've seen at any store but we got it at a garage sale for $5. It came with a basket in front and training wheels already on it and it's in excellent condition. We weren't sure how our daughter would react to it but she knew how to climb on and sit on it-refusing any help from us. She still needs a little help figuring out that she has to pedal to move it but if we push her, she's got the stearing down pretty good and how to go around things. Good luck with your decision.

September - posted on 05/27/2011

Cool! We got our son his first bike when he turned two as well. We went with a Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer & Stroll and he loves it! He's 2.5 now and learned how to peddle himself so we removed the push handle recently.

Bridgette - posted on 05/27/2011

If you want something they can and will use for a long time I suggest the big wheel, my niece who is 6 years old still likes to ride it sometimes just for fun! The other bikes are good as well but this one is the best investment.

I would save the balance type ones for closer to bike riding age, but that is just my opinion.

Joy - posted on 05/27/2011

We started out with a Radio Flyer Tricycle when he was two. He has never pedaled it...just scoots along. Recently our neighbor gave him a real bike (a toddler bike with training wheels) and he LOVES it (he's 3.5 now). He's actually pedalling now, most of the time. It can be expensive trying to test new toys to see which your child would like or be able to handle. Maybe when you're at the park and you're looking at the other bikes the kids have, maybe ask the other moms if your daughter could give it a test ride? Or maybe let your daughter ride a few in the aisles at the store. With us, we just kept buying different things and now they're collecting dust, pretty much.

Dana - posted on 05/27/2011

I also think the big wheel is really hard to figure out at first. The pedals are pretty much straight out in front of you, where as the tricycle, they are straight down below your waist, just like a regular bike. Which makes the transition to a regular bike easier.



I also think Big Wheels are hard to push at first. I recall being a kid and having to push really hard to get it going, then you have to contend with the wheels slipping easily, so you had to find that fine line of push hard but, not too hard to take off.

Kelly - posted on 05/27/2011

We had a tricycle and a "pre-bike" for J. The "pre-bike" was like a bike, but without pedals to help him learn to balance. It worked well, and he can now balance on his bike easily, but we live in a hilly area, and you cannot use the pre-bike think going up hill--you have to push, so you never get a chance to balance. It also didn't have breaks, so going down hill could be a bit scary too if you misjudge the incline. Over all, I recommend them for flat places, but if you get one of those, get a trike too :)

Dana - posted on 05/27/2011

We, like Krista E, have the classic Radio Flyer tricycle for our son. He learned really easily on that. There was no stick.



If you were to go with one of the 3 mentioned, I'd go with the trike or the like a bike with a stick.



My sister got a big wheel for my nephew when he was littler, he's 4, my son is 2 1/2. My son has mastered the tricycle and now a regular bike with training wheels, where as my nephew still doesn't know how to ride a bike very well.

Sapphire - posted on 05/27/2011

Fisher Price Rock n Roll Trike!

Ours was cheaper at Kmart! But that was also 4 years ago. Loved it! Very easy to asemble, but I will admit it had the cheap plastic wheels. In teh grand scheme of things, it was an inexpensive bike that we got him at age 2 as well. After a year, he was ready to move into to something more sturdy with rubber tires. I kept mine in great condition (indoors) and sold it on Craigslist).

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Rock-...

Amanda - posted on 05/27/2011

We have the trike with the push. We have been using it since my daugther has turned 1. Shes now almost 3 and will be losing her "stick" this year. Partly because its time she does, and mostly because the damn stick needs an alinment LOL. The bike now is always going left, god I hate pusing that thing around now. So depending on what you are using it for would decided what you want.

My daughter would ride in the bike to go shopping so we did the stick.

Krista - posted on 05/27/2011

I haven't tried all of them, but I like the trikes with the sticks coming out of the back, as long as the stick is removable for when the kid can manage on his/her own.

We just have a classic red Radio Flyer trike for our son. It does the job, it's sturdy, and it's really freaking cute.