What size bike do I buy for a 5 year old?

[karmasabiotch]

J will be 5 in July.  He's short but has outgrown his tricycle and wouldn't want the almost Kindergarten aged cool kids to see him around on it anyway. 

Is 10-12 inch the right size of do I buy the next size up from that one? 

[tsdk]

My son is 4.5 y/o, 41-42 inches tall. He has a 16 in bike.

[CrazyLucky]

DS is almost three and has a 10" that fits him fine. My guess would be 16". Is it a surprise? If not, take him with you and have him sit on a few bikes to see what you think.

[karmasabiotch]

Thank you! I guess it will be more fun to let him pick one out and I can judge the size in person.

[shepoz]

Get the 16" - a 12" will be too small for most 5 year olds.

[KKD]

Em has a 16" bike. She was around 40 inches tall when we got it for her fourth birthday, and she's around 44 inches now.

[jgb]

He will outgrow the 12" fast. I also recommend the 16".