I researched this a little too much before buying my eldest daughter her first bike. Balance bikes, stabilisers, etc etc.
In the end I plumped for two bikes (of course). Both from Islabikes. A Rothan balance and a CNOC 14. The plan being to get her going on the balance and after a year or so upgrade to the CNOC without stabilisers. Bit more expensive but they're really designed with kids in mind.
Islabikes were brilliant. Amazing service and the bikes are lovely. Ashamed I ever looked in the bike section of ToysRUs....
Bought them in Nov last year. She took to the Rothan like a duck to water..
Click the link for the vid.
We then moved house at Xmas and only last week did I crack out the bikes. She promptly asked if she could have a go on the blue bike. She's petite and the CNOC is considerably heavier than the ultralite Rothan.
But, I took her down to the school playground and we she did ok. Pedalling and looking where she's going wasn't easy.
Anyway we went out again today. Bit more falling off and then jackpot....
Click the link
Magic. All on her own. Up there with seeing her first steps.
I can't say enough how watching her has convinced me that the balance bike has taught her everything she needed to know about 'proper' riding.
Hope you enjoyed this little tale and got some tips if have young kids (I have another 2) they'll be hopefully doing the same as their big sister.
TL
(Proud dad today)
In the end I plumped for two bikes (of course). Both from Islabikes. A Rothan balance and a CNOC 14. The plan being to get her going on the balance and after a year or so upgrade to the CNOC without stabilisers. Bit more expensive but they're really designed with kids in mind.
Islabikes were brilliant. Amazing service and the bikes are lovely. Ashamed I ever looked in the bike section of ToysRUs....
Bought them in Nov last year. She took to the Rothan like a duck to water..
Click the link for the vid.
We then moved house at Xmas and only last week did I crack out the bikes. She promptly asked if she could have a go on the blue bike. She's petite and the CNOC is considerably heavier than the ultralite Rothan.
But, I took her down to the school playground and we she did ok. Pedalling and looking where she's going wasn't easy.
Anyway we went out again today. Bit more falling off and then jackpot....
Click the link
Magic. All on her own. Up there with seeing her first steps.
I can't say enough how watching her has convinced me that the balance bike has taught her everything she needed to know about 'proper' riding.
Hope you enjoyed this little tale and got some tips if have young kids (I have another 2) they'll be hopefully doing the same as their big sister.
TL
(Proud dad today)