Good advice (I'm a cycling instructor).

Starting on a balance bike is MUCH better! It's proven that stabilisers prolong the child's ability to learn on a regular bicycle. That is the case for most trainees and balance is the main factor in learning to ride.

We are offering FREE cycle lessons in Easter Half Term on Wandsworth Common so if you wish to come to the Popcycle Training Club, then now is the time to pick our brains. (I'm from Luv Handles a local bike shop)

info@luvhandles.co.uk

We have 2 children decathlon bikes. They are 1.2kg heavier than an isla bike and 50-60% cheaper than them. The shop is in canada water. Kids can go, choose their bike and accessories (helmets, baskets, horns, whatever!) and ride them to try in the huge aisles. They will fit your breaks as you like them (front and back ones can be changed according to being in england or the continent).
Then everything is like isla bike: everything has been designed for little kiddies hands. So it is all to their size. The staff know their stuffs and can advise you.
You can check online before you go there.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Very useful !

Hi hjm, thank you for info. Had more time to read up and yes the scoot is heavier by just over 4lb, as details are in lbs not kg. :D

Hi pixi, on looking for best recommended balance/running bike for my 2yr. old grandchild, have found websites with useful detailed information.
My opinion from what I have read, it is best to start on a balance bike. Even at age 4yrs old ( depending on height, check each bikes min-max height ) as learning to balance is harder than learning to pedal. So once they have the balance technique, will find it much more easier to ride a big bike without stabilizers.
If you decide to go with the balance bike, the lighter the better. Ridgeback Scoot although just over 4lbs heavier than the Isla Rothan is too heavy for a 2yr. old but ideal for a 4yr. old. Also available in local outlets such as Evans Cycles in Clapham SW4 or Wandsworth SW18. Where you can see/feel before you buy. They are £85 and XL £89.99. On their website you can also buy ex-display at only £59.
http://www.evanscycles.com/search?query=scoot&x=13&y=9

The Islabike Rothan is slightly lighter but comes at a higher budget of £129.99 and also has a waiting list for stock availability. Can only be ordered from Islabikes direct.

If you go straight for the pedal bike with stabilizers, then that's also possible. My older grandchild did it this way ( as did I and my children ) but lots of back bending in holding the back of bike when teaching. Never mind all the falling off. Awww all part of the fun of learning I suppose! I am hopeful the running/balance bike will shorten this change over period.

All the best,
nannys

The weight. The islabikes balance bike is 3.6kg according to their website and the ridgeback on is 12kg. On that basis the islabikes is clearly going to be easier for a 2yo to handle.

Btw the way, in my previous post I was referring to the conc 16 for a 4yo. I've never actually used an islabikes balance bike.

Hi all,
I have been doing some research on this also and can anyone tell me the difference between Islabike and Ridgeback Scoot balance bike for 2yr old. ( hopefully any answers will help OP too. ) Apart from price and availability. They both seem to measure the same and the Scoot can be bought from outlets so can see before, compared to Islabike.

Thanks,
nannys

I agree with the previous poster. Islabikes are amazing. They are so light compared to other bikes. We did some research on eBay before buying and I agree they hold their value. My daughter has one and managed to ride it first time we went out without stabilisers (although she had a balance bike previously).

A lot of people swear by Isla Bikes - they are really expensive but really light so easy for kids to learn to ride on. They also hold their value second hand so friends of mine who have them just sell one and buy another when their kids grow. I didn't have the cash for three isla bikes so bought mine rusty second hand ones from Fara for £10 - it took them a bit longer to learn to ride as they weren't as light, but my kids are happy with their bikes and have never noticed that they don't look too smart.

Hi
We're looking to buy the first bicycle for our 4 year old son.
Any suggestions, recommendations of brands, models, shops would be highly appreciated.
Thanks