Can I put 14" wheels on a kids bike?

My 4 year old daughter is ready for a two-wheel bike w/training wheels. When we went shopping for bikes I noticed she is way too big for a 12" bike but she felt very unstable and hesitant on the 16" wheeled bike. It looked too big for her. They had a couple of 14" bikes at Toys R Us, none of which we liked, but she seemed most at ease on those and seemed to be best fit. Instead of buying a 14" bike this summer and another 16" bike next, I was wondering if I could buy a 16" bike (that we actually like) and just put 14" wheels on it until she is ready for the 16" wheels. And if I can, where do I (and can I) find 14" wheels that makes sense it terms of cost?? Doing custom-order would defeat the purpose.

Thanks so much for the feedback. I hadn't thought about the frame sitting lower. I'll probably find a cheap used $12 just so she learns and then when she is confident switch her to the 16" - who knows maybe she'll be ready for it before I know it! I'd rather her be confident as you mentioned. Thanks so much!

This might work. You need to keep in mind, everything about a 16" bike is scaled up. Everything is bigger, not just the wheels.

Anyhow, the first problem will be with hand brakes. The hand brakes won't be in the proper position to squeeze the rim of the wheel if you put a 14" wheel on a bike made for 16" wheels.

Putting 14" wheels on will also put the pedals closer to the ground which may cause your daughter to drag a pedal on the when turning. If she drags hard enough, it might flip her right off!

Finally, finding 14" wheels is going to be a pain. Consumers just don't go out a buy 14" wheels. Thus, I suspect, if you can find the wheels, they will be cost prohibitive.

In my humble opinion, a small bike is easier for a kid to learn to ride. They feel more in control of a bike they can put their feet down with. In the dear, dead days of my youth, we started our kids on a little tiny bike with 12" wheels. We promised to get them a "real" bike as when they learned to ride. In next to no time, the training wheels came off and they learned to ride. Good to our word, we got them "real" sized bikes and they were pleased as could be with themselves. My daughter was just over 4 when she learned to ride and my son was about 4 1/2.

Hope this helps.

I don't think that is a good idea. The pedals will be too close to the ground. Look around - different brands 'fit' differently, she might find a larger bike that is comfortable for her.

Yes, this will work perfectly. Make sure the axle is the right size for the dropouts of the bike. They are usually 3/8" size, so you will be fine.

You can ALWAYS adjust the brake pads to fit the rim, so that your child will be safe and sound. This is a very complicated job however, and unless you have worked in a bike shop, it will be almost impossible to achieve. Take it to a Local Bike Shop. Any shop will do it, for varied prices.

I hope I helped you today! -Troy