We've decided to get the kids some new wheels for their birthday this summer. They've outgrown their toddler bikes and trikes and are ready for some real two-wheel fun (four wheels counting the training wheels).

I've spent my weekend running around town looking at bikes and prices -- a 12" for my younger DD and a 16" bike for older DD. If you're in the market for some new bikes for the kids -- I can save you some gas money.

Once again, Wal-Mart has the best deal. I hate to keep shopping there, but...damn...if no one else is going to compete, well, then, Wal-Mart it is. Their bikes are not only cheaper (by as much as $5 to $10 for the same EXACT bikes that you can find at Toys R Us, K-mart and Target), but they come assembled -- for FREE. Toys R Us actually adds $10 to the price of the bike to put it together (and the price of the bike is already $5 o $10 over Wal-Mart's prices). For instance, the Dora bike I had my eye on for my younger DD is $59.99 at Toys R Us, $69.99 assembled. At Wal-Mart, it comes assembled for $49.88. Ditto with the older kids' bikes.

So, apparently, it's Wal-Mart for the summer wheel deals.