First bike where you can remove the pedals to use as a balance bike initially?

[RedKites]

We are thinking of getting DS1, 3.4yo, his first bike for Christmas. He hasn't had a balance bike, but I like the idea of skipping the stabiliser stage. I've heard that for some children's bikes it is possible to remove the pedals and use them like a balance bike initially but the only one I know where that is possible is the Islabike, and that's somewhat more than we were planning to spend at this stage. Can anyone recommend any other bikes where that's an option? Thanks.

(I've reposted this from toys and games as I didn't get any responses there. Apologies if you're coming across it for a second time.)

You can remove the crank from most bikes - I buttered up a bloke in the bike shop and he did it for free. There are also loads of tutorials on Youtube showing you how to do it.

You can remove the pedals from any bike.

I agree you can take the pedals off any bike, but think about how much the bike weighs and whether the components are child sized. I think islabikes are fab and would be v wary of a steel bike from Halford's or similar, if it's heavy and unwieldy the child won't enjoy riding it.

I got DD2 a bike that was supposed to have the pedals off to begin with but it was far too heavy. By the time she was strong enough to use it she was too big. Also she was very disappointed at not having pedals and moaned about it, a lot!

I have heard that the islabikes hold their value so even though it is a lot to pay out initially you might be able to get some back later.

Would something like this do 2 in 1 Boomer Balance Bike

£99 here

But you can remove the pedals from any bike, best if you remove the crank too though.

Boomer looks like a great concept but the "sturdy steel frame" is 2kg heavier than the equivalent islabike and as a 12" bike it will not last as long as a 14" or 16" cnoc.

Thanks for your replies everyone, I really don't know much about bikes- I can ride a one, but that's it. So it's whether the crank can be removed that I need to check, rather than the pedals? Am assuming the crank is the bit the pedals go into? And will certainly bear in mind what you're saying about heavy bikes- I'm guessing that's more of an issue if you're using it as a balance bike, so I can't just go by reviews? And I'll certainly look at the 2in1 bike- do you have one Elaclaw?

No I don't have one and I do agree it is rather heavy, especially as a balance bike.

Alternatively buy a second hand balance bike the one we got was a Chico Red Bullet its ridiculously light and on gumtree for only £15 then get a bike with pedals when they have mastered That and are a bit stronger to cope with the heavier bike.

Both our kids have learned to ride a bike by taking just the pedals off and using it as a balance bike until they were ready. It didn't take long for them to gain their balance. Both bikes are the lovely, heavy ones from Halfords. Agree the lightweight bikes are better obviously but not necessary to learn. DS has just learned on a 14 inch I believe.

DH just used a spanner to remove the pedals and also put the seat up. One of the pedals will have have a left-hand thread so you need to loosen it clockwise.

If you are looking at lightweight bikes, Frog Bikes are a new entrant to the market and very nice bikes!