I recently came to the realization that BM is WAY too big for his bike. We didn't think he would outgrow it anytime soon, about a year ago when we decided to buy LM a bike.
I guess we forgot how FAST they grow. Yeesh!
Let's face it though, moving up 4 inches in size isn't very practical (even if he is way too big for his 16").
I have been searching out a 20-incher with gears, which isn't very easy to find.
I did see one at Target, but I figured I was crazy because I can't find anything about it's existence (online) in a 20" size.
I was going to drag dh and BM to Target today to check it out, and maybe stop by Wal Mart. (Admittedly, this bike did look huge. Not 24+ inch huge - but rather big for BM).
But, I lucked out. The Craigslist bike pickings have been slim. A lot of way overpriced bikes and such. I figure this rare bike would be near impossible.
But I checked anyway, before we headed out, and I found it. It looked like a pretty decent bike for $35. Had 10 gears, was well cared for, etc.
The seat had to be lowered with a wrench, but guy said it lowered. We hadn't really sized him on any 20-inchers, so we took it. I was going to have a talk with BM before we got there, but hadn't. I didn't want him whining if he didn't like the color, etc. Let's face it - this is as good as it gets.
No problem - he immediately fell in LOVE with the bike, even though it was a bit big and hard for him to handle.
When we got home we realized the seat did not lower after all. I was a little bummed that this bike was not going to work currently. But no huge loss, we could certainly sell the thing (even at a profit). It is a nice bike.
I started perusing 18-inchers (didn't think to look before - didn't seem practical since on size charts he is "too big."). I perused the Wal Mart reviews and wrote down all the 18/20-inchers with good reviews. I figured we would do some sizing for something that would work NOW.
I would have spent some time trying some 20-inchers on for size, but they were all too high up, and I figured I could drive the sales people nuts pulling down a bunch of bikes for me. The 18-inchers were much smaller and I got a couple of them down (all the ones I had seen online were in stock - phew).
BM was too in love with his other new bike, so he wasn't very enthused. But I talked him into a shiny bike with both handlebar and coaster brakes (probably good for transitioning). I assured him we could keep the other one and he will grow into it soon enough (certainly by next summer). He's only really a couple of inches too short for the seat level.
As far as recommended size for 18-inches? Pfffft. He will obviously fit it well for a while. It fits perfect with room to grow.
The funny thing is the new bike came with training wheels. Those came off immediately!
So our household is complete with 14", 16", 18", 20" bikes. LEt's face it - it will be nice to have some extra bikes when his friends come over.
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I can not say enough good things about Wal Mart's bikes. It is *the* place to buy a bike. The same bike was $100 at Target, and had glowing reviews. It was $70 at Wal MArt, and already assembled.
I knew it was the place to go, because we got such a good deal on my bike. The pre assembly is definitely worth something! (Though when I was at Target it looks like they now do the assembly too). Wal MArt's selection is hard to beat though.
I try to avoid Wal Mart, because I just don't like the store. It's in a terrible shopping center, etc., etc. BUT, we will likely buy any future bikes there.
When I was shopping high end bikes in the spring, for myself, never thought I'd end up at Wal Mart. !
Wal Mart Bikes
September 7th, 2009 at 02:30 am
September 7th, 2009 at 05:38 am 1252298306
September 7th, 2009 at 03:51 pm 1252335119
September 7th, 2009 at 08:27 pm 1252351660
September 7th, 2009 at 10:33 pm 1252359202
September 8th, 2009 at 02:06 am 1252371973
I think Surge was a little cheaper - we got the Kobra! It was a Kent though, which is apparently what his first bike was. No complaints about it - served him well and should serve LM well too, when he outgrows his 14". It had pretty superior reviews, BUT not sure most kids will put it through the same paces that BM will. We will see...
September 8th, 2009 at 02:07 am 1252372054
September 8th, 2009 at 03:05 am 1252375551
Oh wait - no - it had TWO handlebar brakes (as opposed to just 1). Yeah - that was why we got it. How quickly we forget!