JacBrand Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) Thread revival... So here's a list of some of the features of balance bikes that I'm not sure how to rank and weight. Can you kind folks with experience help out, as the thread gave me some ideas but I'd like to get this right. Steering limiterPneumatic tiresLight weightFoot restsBrakesI might be overthinking this, and availability might dictate what we buy... JD Bug ticks all those boxes except for the foot rests, but have a special pedal box that can be fitted.Both my kids had these. They are very well built and nearly indestructible. Edited January 14, 2021 by JacBrand
Edge_Design Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 I recommend these - https://firstbikeafrica.co.za/collections/firstbike-with-brakes My son is on the "fatbike" version and those tyres make such a difference when he leaves the tar. Not the cheapest but we're nearly 1 year in and it still looks like new - will ultimately go to the second when he gets to that stage.
ChrisF Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Light weight, Pneumatic wheels, proper fit.In the correct colour ....
bleedToWin Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 its easy.thishttps://www.specialized.com/za/en/hotwalk-carbon/p/188009?color=303781-188009&searchText=94021-0005I know you're kidding, but you have to allocate zero weighting to brakes, foot rests, and steering limiter (and affordability)...
Long Wheel Base Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 its easy.thishttps://www.specialized.com/za/en/hotwalk-carbon/p/188009?color=303781-188009&searchText=94021-000LOL was also going to post this little beast.
bleedToWin Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 JD Bug ticks all those boxes except for the foot rests, but have a special pedal box that can be fitted.Both my kids had these. They are very well built and nearly indestructible.Bulky chainstains on the TC20 model looks to be adequate foot rests.Any local retailers that stock these?
Super Sywurm Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 I just bought the cheapest one I could find. Pity, I forgot to check for one with a brake. Mine is brakeless.
JacBrand Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Bulky chainstains on the TC20 model looks to be adequate foot rests.Any local retailers that stock these?As far as I know, Toy Kingdom sells these, otherwise, buy second hand.
Kuys Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Thread revival... So here's a list of some of the features of balance bikes that I'm not sure how to rank and weight. Can you kind folks with experience help out, as the thread gave me some ideas but I'd like to get this right. Steering limiterPneumatic tiresLight weightFoot restsBrakesI might be overthinking this, and availability might dictate what we buy... Most important is saddle height off the ground. Lowest I could find was the Strider, it was a great little starter balance bike. Very light weight and low. No brakes was never an issue as my kids hands were too small to pull brake levers anyway. Foot rests are important, as they progress they can put feet on there and stand up Pneumatic tyres not that critical, unless you do a lot of offroad riding. We eventually progressed to the Spaz balance bike, also a good option ChrisF 1
Kuys Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 I recommend these - https://firstbikeafrica.co.za/collections/firstbike-with-brakes My son is on the "fatbike" version and those tyres make such a difference when he leaves the tar. Not the cheapest but we're nearly 1 year in and it still looks like new - will ultimately go to the second when he gets to that stage. They look really tall and short and have no foot rest
bleedToWin Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) Okay, I've added fit (saddle height) to my list, and moved foot rests higher up. Brakes remain bottom, and low enough to not be a requirement.My little girl is 95th percentile for height, so I'm actually concerned about her outgrowing a bike before being ready to advance... Edited January 14, 2021 by bleedToWin
WR 1.0 Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 (edited) We have 2 JD Bug's, which is bomb proof.My daughter used a Chillafish BMXie, it has a footrest, but we've never used it. (edit: the chillafish must have one of the worse saddle clamping systems around. If we didnt get the bike for free, I would not buy it, just for that saddle adjustement system)Have a look on FB marketplace and get a second hand one, the kids grow out of them after a year or so Edited January 14, 2021 by WR 1.0
Kuys Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Okay, I've added fit (saddle height) to my list, and moved foot rests higher up. Brakes remain bottom, and low enough to not be a requirement.My little girl is 95th percentile for height, so I'm actually concerned about her outgrowing a bike before being ready to advance... How old is she? We started early at around 18-20months, thats we really needed a low bike
bleedToWin Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 How old is she? We started early at around 18-20months, thats we really needed a low bikeShe'll be two in a couple weeks when she receives the bike (bow and all) ChrisF 1
Pure Savage Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 https://www.islabikes.co.uk/products/rothan We had this, was great.
bleedToWin Posted January 14, 2021 Posted January 14, 2021 Look what this mad lad can do using rear suspension and foot rests:
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