The question on mom and dad's mind when selecting a bicycle for their youngster is what what type of bicycle will help them learn to ride easily. Most parents limit themselves to a tricycle or training wheel bike. A trike seems most simple, but it doesn't really get a little boy or girl any closer to riding a bike. Bicycles and training wheels are another popular choice, but it's nearly impossible for a little guy or girl to control them. So what other options are there?
Parents shopping for a bike for a child between the ages of 18 months and five will be intrigued by a revolutionary product known as a balance bike or todlier bike. These bicycles have no pedals or a chain. A child will operate the bicycle with their feet. Designed to accomodate a toddler rider, the bikes are smaller than normal bikes but still vary in height and weight, so fathers and mothers need to think through the following before making a purchase.
1. The height and particularly the inseam measurement of a child are critical factors in selecting the right bike for your child. Consult a balance bike sizing chart online to check the bike's seat height. Make sure the bike seat will lower to an inch less than your child's inseam.
2. Materials and the benefits of each are considerations as well. Balance bikes come in wooden versions and metal/aluminum framed models. Some children may enjoy the fact that a wooden bike looks like a toy. Bikes made from steel are stronger and have a greater range of adjustment available as a child grows.
3. The weight of the bike is also a very important aspect of a balance bike purchase. Fortunately, a wide selection of balance bikes are 10 lbs lighter than the weight of a traditional pedal bike. Despite this major difference, there are still balance bikes that weigh less than their counterparts.
4. What the tires are made of is another part of the decision process. The vast majority of toddler bikes have either air tires or foam tires. Tires pumped up with air boast better traction and a comfortable ride, but the EVA foam tires are puncture-proof.
5. Cost is certainly another factor to guide your decision. A toddler bike is a well-engineered product that will cost a little more than a bike from a department store or sports outlet. Balance bikes retail for between $100 and $150. You may feel like that's a lot to pay for a kid's bike, but consider all the advantages of a toddler bike. A child who learns on a balance bike, picks up the skills needed naturally in a way that's fun and safer than training wheels.
Some criticize balance bikes because they argue that kids learn to balance so quickly, the bike without pedals becomes obsolete too fast. While it's true that they should be able to make a quick transition to a pedal bike once they've mastered balance on their toddler bike, the majority of kids who ride balance bikes continue to enjoy their bike as a fun toy. Kids appreciate these specially designed bikes that are easier to maneuver than a pedal bike and continue to enjoy them much as they do a scooter or skateboard they ride around after they have learned to ride a bike.
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Learning to ride a bike can be a daunting experience for many young children. Remove that fear with a balance bike from Balance Bikes 4 Kids. Children learn quickly and easily on a wood bike or metal balance bike.hostgator promo code
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