At about age 4 to 6, your child will be ready to put aside the once-beloved tricycle. When the time comes, finding a good first bicycle (with training wheels, of course) for under $200 should be easy with these suggestions.

Here are three tips to point you in the right direction:

• Stick to bike shops, or sporting good stores where they work on bikes. They can help find the right frame and wheel size to fit the young rider.


• Avoid bikes you have to assemble yourself.


• Pick a bike your child likes, including color and style. The more they like the bike, the more they will want to ride it.

1. Little Kitty. Adorable, very "girlie" bike with the Hello Kitty brand. Features light, bright Hello Kitty colors, a basket and bell, and heavy-duty training wheels. $109.99 (www.Nirve.com)
2. Diamondback Octane. Clean lines, good for the road or mountain biking with Mom and Dad. Shimano-made drive train, adjustable seat and suspension fork. Experts love the Diamondback brand. $189.99 (www.Diamondback.com)
3. Electra Hawaii. Pink or pale blue with flowers on the frame and seat. Cute, but a little more "grownup" looking than Little Kitty. Shimano drive train, comfortable spring seat. $160 (www.Electrabicycle.com)
4. Trek Float. Experts praise Trek as one of the better-made brands for the money. Features rugged, BMX look. $159.99 (www2.Trekbikes.com)
5. Raleigh Retro. Classic beach cruiser look in hot pink, with matching fenders and chain guard, and colorful tassels hanging down from the handlebars. $119.99 (www.Raleighusa.com)

• Five-year-olds should ride only with close adult supervision, and should not ride on large or busy streets. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that kids 8 and under should ride on sidewalks only.
• Kids must wear helmets; in some states it's the law. Parent-bicyclists can lead by example.

See more great bikes for kids.

Does your child have a birthday coming up? Why not throw an Ultimate Bike Birthday Party!