Girl's Bike for 10 year old - Need advice

[JaceyK]

My daughter is getting a new bike for her 10th birthday. She wants a "mountain bike"...more specifically, one that has brakes on the handle bars. She is fitting good on a 24" but I worry that she will outgrow it fast. Should I look into seeing how she would fare on a 26"? I don't know what to do. The differences between bikes are few and then big...like some 26" look bigger than others? Why?

 

Help! I want to make a good and sound investment! She wears her bikes down hard!! You should see her little girly bike! LOL!

[scrabbler]

Go to a bike shop. They are unbelievably helpful in finding one that she can grow into but fits on too. It has been a few years since we bought my dd a new bike but they explained how the frame vary and which fit who best.

 

Most have some wonderful deals on them too. We have always had wonderful luck with the bike shops taking money off the price or throwing in something.

[heatherbade]

My daughter is the same way. We bought her a bigger bike because otherwise we would end up buying another one this year. Kids adapt easily with bigger bikes. As long as she can reach the peddles while sitting on the seat she should be fine. Going to a bike shop can be VERY expensive. Good luck!

[peppysfireball]

My son is 12 and he still rides a 20 inch. I have a 26 myself and I barely fit. There is no way he could ride it without doing some injury to himself in a bad spot. I have 6 grandchildren and the three older ones all ride 20 inch. A 24 is possible, but you can go right in Walmart and try them out. My son rode his up and down the aisle.