Balance bike or regular bike with training wheels for 4 year old bday?

Debating which to buy DD for her 4th bday. I think she's a little young still for a real bike but I don't know what age they normally start riding.

Is the balance bike a waste? DH thinks it's a dumb idea but I like them. Anyone have experience with them?

Any feedback is appreciated!

Re: Balance bike or regular bike with training wheels for 4 year old bday?

Regular Bike with training wheels. That's what DS got for his 4th birthday. He's 5 and still has the training wheels, but was riding great at 4. We have the balance bike for my 3 year old and he hates it. I know a lot of people love it though.

For DS's 5th birthday he got an ezy roller.

Balance bike or regular bike with training wheels for 4 year old bday?

Get the regular bike, and just take the pedals off to make it like a balance bike. I did this with my DD last year and she learned in a couple of hours, going down a small slope in our driveway with no pedals. My niece learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels at 4, with the help of a balance bike before hand.

We have the Ezy Roller also, great for my older son with special needs, since he will never be able to ride a traditional bike. My only complaint is that we have replaced the front wheel twice. They wear out so quickly.

Message edited 3/13/2015 11:31:18 AM.

Re: Balance bike or regular bike with training wheels for 4 year old bday?

My DD's never used the balance bike.

My older 2 have a bike with training wheels and a trike respectively and enjoy them much more.