Balance bikes

[AR-CoolC]

It's my boy's second birthday in July and we've been thinking about getting him a balance bike.

Any advise, things to look for etc? Is 2 too early?

Also, if anyone has a nice clean one tucked away in a dusty corner somewhere let me know I might be interested.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Not at all too early.

Here is a tip, and believe me it is a good one!

Start him off riding in water.

It is the secret that makes sense once you know it, like learning to juggle against a curtain.

 

[hamster]

It depends a lot on your child, but my second son was zooming about on his balance bike within 40 minutes. He didn't want to go on to pedals as his balance bike was faster!

Short mown grass or a smooth track with a gentle slope works well as a starting point. There's enough to bring up a bit of speed for the thing to balance.

 

[trickylad]

Hey.

This thread should be useful.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

Lots of members are big fans of islabikes. My two have got them. Often pop up on eBay if you keep eyes peeled. Model you need is the Rothan.

TL

 

[john]

Another hearty recommendation for islabikes. My lad has a rothan balance bike and loves it.

2 is a good age to start. We bought him the rothan at 20 mo, tbh he was a bit young. It went away until he was a bit over 2 and now he's away!

 

[Kentphil]

My son really liked his balance bike. Really helped him i think. Once he went onto his first proper bike he was soon riding about on his own.

 

[cyfa2809]

another option is to get a small bike and take the pedals et al off

 

[MikeD]

Good strategy with older kids, but you'll struggle to find a conventional bike that you can get the saddle low enough for a 2yr old to reach the ground to push

You can't tell if they're ready for a balance bike until you try. Eldest got hers a bit before she was two and didn't get the hang of it until 2.5 or thereabouts. Youngest was 2 a month ago and is pretty confident already. Try it and see.


Untitled by MikeDavis, on Flickr

 

[AR-CoolC]

Thanks for the comments so far, it gives me somethings to look at.

Does anyone have a balance bike in good condition gathering dust in their garage/shed that would be suitable?

 

[WD Pro]

Anyone tried the Specialized hotwalk :

Thinking of one for my daughters 2nd. We weren’t going to bother untill next christmas but she keeps asking for one !

WD