Girls bike advice - "Raleigh Starz" ?
Discussion
We want to get a decent bike for my daughter's 6th birthday, something that will last her a while. To that end, we've been guided towards this:
www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product...
A "Raleigh Starz" bike.
Has anyone got an opinion or view on this bike - and or what better alternative there is? And, if it's ok, where's the best (cheapest) place to get it from - the best price I've seen is from Winstanley bikes at £150.
Thanks
JTW
www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product...
A "Raleigh Starz" bike.
Has anyone got an opinion or view on this bike - and or what better alternative there is? And, if it's ok, where's the best (cheapest) place to get it from - the best price I've seen is from Winstanley bikes at £150.
Thanks
JTW
Standard "get an Islabike" answer I'm afraid!
The Beinn 20" (large or small, depending on your daughter's size) is the closest equivalent.
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn20lrg.h...
OK, they're a bit more expensive, but where the Raleigh will get you ~30-40% of its original purchase price back on Ebay (about £50 seems to be the mark for the 20"), the Islabike will still be worth 60-70% (many are going for over £200), meaning in most cases the Islabike will be cheaper overall.
In the meantime the Islabike will be a much better bike in every area. My kids have had three (Rothan, Cnoc 14 and Beinn 20) and there's no way I'd buy anything else for them after experiencing what some of the bikes their friends have for not much less initial outlay.
Sorry to come across as one of those tiresome Islabike evangelists
but they really are great.
The Beinn 20" (large or small, depending on your daughter's size) is the closest equivalent.
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn20lrg.h...
OK, they're a bit more expensive, but where the Raleigh will get you ~30-40% of its original purchase price back on Ebay (about £50 seems to be the mark for the 20"), the Islabike will still be worth 60-70% (many are going for over £200), meaning in most cases the Islabike will be cheaper overall.
In the meantime the Islabike will be a much better bike in every area. My kids have had three (Rothan, Cnoc 14 and Beinn 20) and there's no way I'd buy anything else for them after experiencing what some of the bikes their friends have for not much less initial outlay.
Sorry to come across as one of those tiresome Islabike evangelists
but they really are great.Have a look what's on Ebay etc close to you.
At that age group, the bike often sit in a garage hardly used until they grow out of them, so there are some bargain "as new" bikes to be had if you can be patient.
Also, as the bike will inevitable get bashed, scratched, and generally abused there is no point buying new, let someone else take that hit.
I'm a stingy bugger who hates spending money
At that age group, the bike often sit in a garage hardly used until they grow out of them, so there are some bargain "as new" bikes to be had if you can be patient.
Also, as the bike will inevitable get bashed, scratched, and generally abused there is no point buying new, let someone else take that hit.
I'm a stingy bugger who hates spending money
CoolC said:
Have a look what's on Ebay etc close to you.
At that age group, the bike often sit in a garage hardly used until they grow out of them, so there are some bargain "as new" bikes to be had if you can be patient.
Also, as the bike will inevitable get bashed, scratched, and generally abused there is no point buying new, let someone else take that hit.
I'm a stingy bugger who hates spending money
I agree with your view - There's not much local to me though At that age group, the bike often sit in a garage hardly used until they grow out of them, so there are some bargain "as new" bikes to be had if you can be patient.
Also, as the bike will inevitable get bashed, scratched, and generally abused there is no point buying new, let someone else take that hit.
I'm a stingy bugger who hates spending money
james_tigerwoods said:
CoolC said:
Have a look what's on Ebay etc close to you.
At that age group, the bike often sit in a garage hardly used until they grow out of them, so there are some bargain "as new" bikes to be had if you can be patient.
Also, as the bike will inevitable get bashed, scratched, and generally abused there is no point buying new, let someone else take that hit.
I'm a stingy bugger who hates spending money
I agree with your view - There's not much local to me though At that age group, the bike often sit in a garage hardly used until they grow out of them, so there are some bargain "as new" bikes to be had if you can be patient.
Also, as the bike will inevitable get bashed, scratched, and generally abused there is no point buying new, let someone else take that hit.
I'm a stingy bugger who hates spending money
Her current (14") bike sat, unused in the garage for nearly 2 years after her third birthday - It's been well used in the last 6 months, but before that, was an expensive carbunkle.
Well, it cost £80 from a bike shop so can't really complain. Trouble is, it's only me that takes her out and I have a road bike which makes keeping my speed low enough to match hers difficult (and I can't justify buying another bike at all).
It had tassles and a "bear" seat and a bag on the front - And weighed more than several small buildings...
I don't mind buying a decent bike, but when the costs spiral, that's when I mind - hence this thread
Well, it cost £80 from a bike shop so can't really complain. Trouble is, it's only me that takes her out and I have a road bike which makes keeping my speed low enough to match hers difficult (and I can't justify buying another bike at all).
It had tassles and a "bear" seat and a bag on the front - And weighed more than several small buildings...
I don't mind buying a decent bike, but when the costs spiral, that's when I mind - hence this thread
loudlashadjuster said:
Standard "get an Islabike" answer I'm afraid!
The Beinn 20" (large or small, depending on your daughter's size) is the closest equivalent.
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn20lrg.h...
OK, they're a bit more expensive, but where the Raleigh will get you ~30-40% of its original purchase price back on Ebay (about £50 seems to be the mark for the 20"), the Islabike will still be worth 60-70% (many are going for over £200), meaning in most cases the Islabike will be cheaper overall.
In the meantime the Islabike will be a much better bike in every area. My kids have had three (Rothan, Cnoc 14 and Beinn 20) and there's no way I'd buy anything else for them after experiencing what some of the bikes their friends have for not much less initial outlay.
Sorry to come across as one of those tiresome Islabike evangelists but they really are great.
I am looking at a 24. The issue I have is £350 is a lot for a bike for an 8 year old. Yes I might get some money back after it's done 3 children but unlikely as it's going to have to take a huge battering. Besides, I am riding a battered hybrid with a bent wheel which I do 5 hours a week on and I don t' want my son beating me.The Beinn 20" (large or small, depending on your daughter's size) is the closest equivalent.
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/bike_pages/beinn20lrg.h...
OK, they're a bit more expensive, but where the Raleigh will get you ~30-40% of its original purchase price back on Ebay (about £50 seems to be the mark for the 20"), the Islabike will still be worth 60-70% (many are going for over £200), meaning in most cases the Islabike will be cheaper overall.
In the meantime the Islabike will be a much better bike in every area. My kids have had three (Rothan, Cnoc 14 and Beinn 20) and there's no way I'd buy anything else for them after experiencing what some of the bikes their friends have for not much less initial outlay.
Sorry to come across as one of those tiresome Islabike evangelists
but they really are great.richardxjr said:
^ It's a £100 [= 1 crap bike] per child. Good value. Evans' Pinnacles are worth a look too though, and Dawes Academy range.
That's a thought. He's currently got a lighteight (carbon fibre I think) specialized but it needs about £100 of repairs (it was a freebie from a friend). I now wonder if the repairs are worthwhile.
I've checked those others out and they are on the list should we replace thanks
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