monkeytusmc

My son is 1 year 9 months and I want to get him started early. Looking for any recommendations for balance bikes. Also looking for training recommendations. Thanks

Mike

Carbonfiberboy 

The first time I saw balance bikes was touring in the Czech Republic. Tourists would pull into town, unload a balance bike out of the trunk, and take off shopping, wandering, whatever. The kid kept up with the parents, they didn't mess with him or her, and the little bike didn't get lost like a kid gets lost in a crowd. The kid has a great time, not being nailed to their parents. I couldn't figure out why everyone didn't do that, everywhere.

But sorry, that's all I got. I know 2 is not too young, that's all.

downtube42

At that age, there's a lot of variation is size and body control. If there legs are long enough, and he can walk, is give it a try. If he's not ready, he won't water to much time with it.

One grandson got a Strider, the other a lesser known brand. Both are fine. Light weight is important.

Russ Roth

I bought a strider for my kids and none of them would ride it, all wanted pedals and training wheels. As to training recommendations, just let them ride, take them to a park and ride along with them. Just let them play and enjoy the bike and they'll figure out how serious they want to get later.

iwazi

We were all about getting our son on a bike early and bought a balance bike. We made a few mistakes though.

First, our son had some medical issues and surgeries early on that weakened his core, and he was small for his size. Bottom of every growth curve at the time. So we expected too much, too soon. The balance bike was too heavy when we introduced it at around age two. He really wanted to ride it, but it, but he didn't have the strength. That turned him off and he got frustrated. He had a tricycle that he preferred as he got a little older. Because of his early experience with the balance bike, he refused to ride it until he was about four and a half. By that point he was almost too big for it. When he did start riding the bike again, he picked it up pretty quick. In about a month, he went from zero time on the balance bike to pedaling his first bike with 12 inch wheels. I definitely think balance bikes are the way to go.

The balance bike we got was a Kinderbike Mini. We were happy with it, but the heaviness of it made it harder for my son to manage when he was younger. I recommend going for something lightweight if you want to get him started soon. Part of why we picked the Kinderbike Mini was how low the seat could go. It would fit my son when he was little, but like I said, it was just too heavy for him. Whatever you get, make sure the seat goes low enough for him to put his feet flat on the ground the first few times he uses it. Then once he starts to get it, keep inching the seat up little by little, so that he doesn't realize it. Eventually, he'll be able to scoot himself along using his toes, and figuring out balance will just come naturally. Another recommendation would be to make the balance bike the only riding toy available when you introduce it. He might get frustrated, but if it's the only thing available, he'll come back to it.

We have a sloping driveway. Once our son was riding okay pushing himself along the sidewalk, I drew a curving chalk track down the driveway, that led onto the sidewalk. He was able to pick up his feet and just roll down the slope of the driveway, and about another 30 feet down the sidewalk before he had to put his feet down. That's when I knew his balance was good enough for a pedal bike.

Darth Lefty 

It depends on the kid. My oldest kid wasn’t able to get the idea at one and a half when he got his strider. At two he had the idea, but wasn’t good enough. At 2 1/2 he got it, and at three he outgrew the strider and needed a bigger balance bike, because he didn’t get pedaling til four.

For the second round we had twins. They got their balance bikes at age 2. The girl got it at about 2 1/2. they are 3 1/3 now. The girl can go around the block and is maybe ready for pedals, except she hasn’t figured out the brakes yet. But the boy is only just getting the balance bike.

some of it is just practice. My first kid got a weekly ride/stroll with the twins in the bob stroller to a donut shop. But the twins did not get that, because we moved to a house that’s too far from the donut shop.

Prodigy4299

We got our daughter a Vitus Nippy balance bike, and have been extremely happy with it. Based on personal experience, the #1 priority for a first balance bike is weight. For a small toddler, every kg counts. For this reason, we went with a bike that has solid rubber tires, as opposed to metal wheels that have 'real' tires. This makes a HUGE difference weight-wise.

Prodigy4299

As for training recommendations, just let the child tell you when they're ready. We first introduced the balance bike when she was around 15 months, and it took about six months for her to really get the hang of it. Now she's unstoppable and loves 'biking with dad'.

monkeytusmc

Thanks everyone for the great feedback, will definitely make sure the bike is lightweight as i see that as the common theme here. Also not pushing it onto him but allowing him to go after it when he is ready. This really helps me and will help me ensure he is doing because he wants to. =)

Rachel Thwaites

I think key is going out as a family. The younger kids see the older ones enjoying themselves.

Viich

Supercross BMX Balance Bike - they look terrific. Actually, the DK Nano, Strider, all kinds of them are really good. Just look for decent bearings, actual pneumatic tires, spoked wheels, etc. Then show up at your local track to 'race' (or at least watch!). There is little as adorable as the balance bike classes at BMX races - there's a free one-day membership to try, and if you want to keep going it's $30 a year, and balance bike races are free. (when you start full track pedal bikes, it's $60 and $10 - your prices might be slightly different)

BillyJohnLee

Just teaching my 5 year old to ride, she never had a balance bike but I do wish she had. Would have made the process quicker and earlier. I'd say get one with proper geometry. Not just a seat with bars type

thejohnreyes

I love the title of this thread. I don't think there is a specific age. As long as they like it. My son got into running races with me. He seems to like riding too.

Axel93

We started both of our kids on balance bikes at around 2 years old. Key was to get a wooden one instead of the cheaper metal ones. The wooden one was lighter for them, so easily to maneuver but also safer for them if it fell onto their legs. Both kids would get great speeds and had no issues before eventually graduating to proper bicycles.

Het Volk

Get a balance bike, and if possible, bring it inside for them to try it out. They are more comfortable inside, and will begin to trust it more than outside.

autonomy

When my daughter was 2.5ish-4, we would haul her kick scooter with us. Much better than even a travel stroller, she could roll around town without getting too tired, and when she did she would just stand and I could just push her. Think the highlight for her was kicking around the skate/cycling park in Innsbruck with all the cool kids