Balance bike recommendations

[Samila]

Hi all

I am looking for a balance bike for my 3 year old - one that will ideally last him till he is about
5. The last time i got his height measured he was 97cm.

So many balance bikes on the market no idea where to start!! Any recommendations please - i was thinking I'll prob need the 12 inch one that will last him about 2 years??

Ideally looking for one that is reasonable in price too - I came across the Foldable one by trunki and sold by Halfords but there doesn't seem to be many reviews on it as it's quite a new one so any advice much appreciated. Thank you

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DS (2) has had a banana bike since his second birthday and it's been okay. It was fairly cheap and lightweight. It lives in the car permanently and doesn't take up a lot of space. He can get up a lot of speed on it, but has managed to crash it hard enough to knock the handle bar alignment a few times - not an issue if your child is even moderately sensible. And easily fixed.

He's not far off your son's height and I'm already looking at getting him something bigger (proper bike). I don't think a 12inch would last until he's 5 (or even 4).

We went straight from a banana bike to a pedal bike at 4. I don't think you'll need it as long as you're saying.

Most balance bikes are pretty small, and designed for children of may 2-3/4. If you are waiting it until your son is about 5, look at the Frog Tadpole Plus and Stryder for larger models, but you may be surprised that he’ll be ready for a bike with pedals after a year or 2 on a bf slandered bike. Both my dc went from balance bike- pedal bike seamlessly at 3.5.

We had an Islabike Rothan , which was pricey but has the advantage of a brake and rubber tyres (smoother ride than plastic wheels, and can be replaced) and is very well built. It withstood plenty of crashes! We sold it after 5 years/2 children for £10 less than we paid for it.

• may = maybe ** waiting = wanting * bf slandered - balance

Frog tadpole ones are good - expensive but they hold their value for resale

What about getting a normal pedal bike and just taking the pedals off and using it as a balance bike for a couple of months whilst he gets his confidence on it, then put the pedals back on.

I'm into cycling and am planning on going the whole hog and getting DD one of the recommended lightweight pedal bikes eventually (Isla/Frog/Woom) but couldn't run to one of those brands just now for balance bike.

I got her a Decathlon own brand balance bike for around £40 (BTWIN RUNRIDER 520 RACING BALANCE BIKE - 10"). It is absolutely up to the job. I like that it has a brake as it means DD will get the hang of this prior to zooming off on a pedal bike. DD loves her balance bike and will happily do a couple of miles on it. She's a short just-turned 3 year old. I see they do a 12" version but its pricier.

I would say that you'll probably need to see what's available and start at that point as so many bikes are out of stock at the moment.

However she keeps telling me she'll 'get a pedal bike soon' so I'm now shopping for her Christmas present and looking out for a second hand lightweight pedal bike. I'm hoping by then that she'll fit a CNOC 14L or Woom 2. I like that the sitting position seems to be slightly more upright on these bikes than the Frogs.

We have an Early Rider balance bike. Both my kids love it.