Choosing the right balance bike might seem simple in comparison to a pedal bike. After all, there are fewer moving components, they appear easy to operate, they are small, and they cost far less than a full-sized kids pedal bike. But don’t be fooled, there are many things to consider ensuring you choose the right balance bike for your child.
Below are the key elements you need to consider when choosing the right balance bike.
1. Bike Size
Bike size is the number one thing to consider when buying a balance bike. Don’t think of a balance bike the same way as a pair of shoes, the bike needs to fit your child right now, not in 6 months.
Getting a bike that is too big or too small can make your kid feel uncomfortable and lead to a negative experience. If they aren’t happy on the bike, they won’t want to get on it.
The most common size for balance bikes is either 12”, 14” or 18” which relates to the size of the wheels. Although wheel size is a useful measurement, it is not indicative of the frame size or seat height of the bike. As well as looking at the bikes tyre size, be aware of the minimum and maximum seat height.
- Consider a few of the following questions when figuring out if the size of the bike is right.
- Can the child easily stand over the bike?
- Can the child walk the bike while standing over it?
- Can the seat be adjusted as the child grows?
- Can the child easily reach the handlebars when sitting on the seat?
Unlike regular children’s bikes, Balance bikes are scaled by inseam rather than the wheel or frame size. Your child should be able to sit on the saddle with their feet flat on the ground. Measure your child’s inseam with shoes on to see whether the bike is a suitable fit.
If the bike has a minimum saddle height, then this should be the same length or slightly longer than your child’s measured inseam. If your child’s inseam is longer than the bike’s maximum saddle height, you’ll need to get a larger sized bike!
With their body leaning slightly forward, your youngster should be able to reach the handlebars easily. Balance bikes with a longer arm reach help your child ride faster and with a more aggressive, forward-leaning position.
2. Seat Height
Seat height can vary a large amount and isn’t dependent upon the size of the bike or tyres.
The seat height of balance bikes will typically begin at 30cm and can go right up to adult-sized balance bikes measuring at more than 90cm. The best way to know if your little one will fit the bike is to get them to stand over it. Failing that, measure their inseam and allow 2cm – 3cm” leeway to the seat.
For example: if your child’s inseam is 32cm, the seat height for their balance bike cannot be over 32cm”. Be sure to measure your kid’s inseam without shoes on.
2. Weight
Your child should be able to easily push the bike if it is as light as feasible. The frames of children’s balance bikes are often constructed from aluminum alloy, steel, wood, or plastic. Aluminum alloy is the greatest material for balance bikes since it is rust-proof and considerably lighter than steel.
Wooden balancing bikes are lovely, but they don’t have brakes. In contrast to cheaper motorcycles built of normal plywood, ones manufactured of marine plywood will not distort or delaminate when wet.
3. Price
Price is a major consideration for many parents, but ultimately, what you pick is determined by the bike’s intended usage.
A more costly bike will often be lighter and last longer, have better components, better customer service, and a higher resale value. Most high-quality children’s bikes utilize actual bike components that can be repaired and changed by a bike shop, allowing the bike to perform smoothly for longer.
Cheaper bikes might seem to be the same as their more costly counterparts — there are plenty of knockoff brands, but they often lack attention to detail and build quality. As stated below, they often lack crucial equipment like brakes, air tires, and ball bearings and can’t be easily repaired at a bike shop due to the lower quality parts used on these low cost bikes.
4. Wheels
The finest wheels to look for are air (pneumatic) tires, alloy rims, and steel spoke hubs. Your youngster will feel more secure with air tires since they give additional cushioning and grip. Tires with a broad, nobly tread will grip better on uneven terrain and roll quicker than those with a narrower smooth tread.
Some manufacturers employ E.V.A. foam tires, which are puncture-resistant but give little traction. They can’t be changed after they’ve worn out, so you’ll have to purchase a completely new wheel, rather than nylon (plastic) bushings, which may rattle and wear out quickly.
5. Brakes
Some balance bikes have no brakes, while others just have a rear brake, while yet others have both front and rear brakes. Instead of side-pull brakes, look for V brakes. Because V brakes are much stronger than side-pull brakes, your child will be able to stop securely. Short-reach brake levers designed specifically for children are required to guarantee that little hands can utilize them.
6. Points of Contact
Instead of harsh plastic, look for a cushioned saddle. Make sure the material is durable and won’t tear easily. Wooden “saddles” with foam padding on top are common on wooden balance bikes, although they are not as pleasant as a completely cushioned saddle.
When it comes to grips, soft rubber is preferable to plastic. Rubber grips are more gripping and pleasant than plastic grips. The only reason companies use plastic is to save money.
A ball bearing or cartridge bearing headset is standard on the finest balance bikes, allowing the handlebars to spin and steer easily. Some less expensive balance bikes have rattling plastic bushings that can’t be repaired.
7. Adaptability
Most quality balance bikes are designed like a true adult’s bike, with actual bike components that can be repaired and changed as they wear out, ensuring that the bike lasts for many years. Other less expensive balance bikes are more akin to toys, with components such as plastic bushings and molded proprietary parts (handlebars, wheels, and so on) that are difficult to get locally.
How Much Do Balance Bikes Cost?
Balance bikes range in price from $69.95 to over $1,000, with many of the quality models falling between $169.00 and $450.00. Kidvelo balance bikes are unusual in that they can be converted to a kids pedal bike. These types learner bikes are also known as a convertible balance bike or a balance bike with pedals. These 2 in 1 balance bikes adapt as your kid develops, providing long-term value for the child and parents.
What Is the Best Way To Purchase A Balance Bike For Your Child?
After you’ve studied the information on this page, there are a few options for determining which is the best balance bike for your kid. Consult your friends, read reviews, watch some YouTube videos, or stop by your local bike store to speak with a competent bike employee who live and breathe kids bikes.
Check for third-party reviews since some bloggers only suggest bikes from shops with affiliate connections, such as Amazon, which skews the results significantly.