Balance Bike Options

[madbradd]

Hey everyone. I couldn't find another thread on this even though I'm sure I've read one in the past, so apologies for the repost if it is.

 

Looking to get a second balance bike for No2 and looking for some reviews. No1 has a Specialized hotwalk which is great, but they're pretty pricey - we got ours second hand in good condition. I really like the tyres as they're nice and grippy, some of the solid tyres seem to slip more when kids are riding indoors on tiles.

Anyone got any other recommendations on either what to get (or what to stay away from)? The Champion Bikes on takealot look a good option and we'll priced but I've never seen one in the flesh, so a bit sceptical. 

[OVERDRIVE]

1 hour ago, madbradd said:

Hey everyone. I couldn't find another thread on this even though I'm sure I've read one in the past, so apologies for the repost if it is.

 

Looking to get a second balance bike for No2 and looking for some reviews. No1 has a Specialized hotwalk which is great, but they're pretty pricey - we got ours second hand in good condition. I really like the tyres as they're nice and grippy, some of the solid tyres seem to slip more when kids are riding indoors on tiles.

Anyone got any other recommendations on either what to get (or what to stay away from)? The Champion Bikes on takealot look a good option and we'll priced but I've never seen one in the flesh, so a bit sceptical. 

Personally I'd stick with Spez-no need to look further. Happy hunting. 

[madbradd]

6 minutes ago, OVERDRIVE said:

Personally I'd stick with Spez-no need to look further. Happy hunting. 

If I could find another second hand one then great, but the price of them new is a bit steep so was hoping for a more budget friendly one. I see there is a Trek in classifieds but it looks like it's been pretty roughed up.

[OVERDRIVE]

2 minutes ago, madbradd said:

If I could find another second hand one then great, but the price of them new is a bit steep so was hoping for a more budget friendly one. I see there is a Trek in classifieds but it looks like it's been pretty roughed up.

here's something i've alwasy succesfuly done-depending on where you live. Head to Spez and ask them for one-they know their customers and would know where to get one for you? 

[madbradd]

16 minutes ago, OVERDRIVE said:

here's something i've alwasy succesfuly done-depending on where you live. Head to Spez and ask them for one-they know their customers and would know where to get one for you? 

Thats a great option. Thanks, will give it a try.

[OVERDRIVE]

15 minutes ago, madbradd said:

Thats a great option. Thanks, will give it a try.

2017 Specialized Hotwalk strider For Sale (pinkbike.com)

Specialized HOTWALK 12” wheels For Sale (pinkbike.com)

Depending on the shipping...

[Trashy]

My son had a Muna which really impressed me.

I really like that it has a brake as well. We often took him riding on the roads around our neighborhood and the brake saved him from numerous high speed falls!

If it really bothers you, I'm sure there are some sellers here that could spray it for you and slap an "S-works" sticker on it.

[V18]

I've been through at least 4 balance bikes with my two sons. Best and most abused by far, earlyrider big foot 12.

 

[Ispeed_V]

Not sure if they are still made, but my son had the Muna Pro. 

Lightweight and a drum brake mechanism

 

[117]

Get a First Bike - the end

It holds it value better than a Spez when you want to sell it. Takealot sells them new, but scratch around on market place and you'll pick up one for around R1500

[MORNE]

https://www.like2bike.co.za/sunglasses/kokua-jumper-balance-bikes

Kokua Jumper.

this is the best balance bike you'll get for R1850. see they are clearing stock. thats almost R1000 less than i paid for mine...and ALOT less what you'll pay importing it. They go for alot more in europe, something like $350. Google them. you'll see what i mean. German brand.  You can find them locally from here. they even have a 'rear shock' elastomer. I have one for my kid and it's awesome.  you can adjust the travel on the elastomer. It looks and feels like a mini real bike instead of a kids toy. Comes with Schwalbe tires and everything, proper headset, saddle, bearings, can take normal stems and therefor bars should you want to pimp it. add R200 for a front brake.

Kirsty is on here too.

kirsty@eventactive.co.za 

https://www.like2bike.co.za/sunglasses/kokua-jumper-balance-bikes

https://www.like2bike.co.za/sunglasses/v-brakes-for-kids-bicycle

 

a review:

https://www.twowheelingtots.com/kokua-like-a-bike-jumper-review/

 

some pics of them in their guises and some modded ones. 

Edited February 4, 2022 by MORNE

[Super Sywurm]

My son has an Avalanche Gooze cheap, but does wat it has to and it takes a beating.  Unfortunately, no brake.

[Trashy]

THIS is the balance bike you want to get.

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/kids-bikes/526788/husqvarna-stacyc-12edrive

[bleedToWin]

My daughter has the Kokua Jumper. That suspension really really helps with confidence when figuring out how to self propel.

[WR 1.0]

Those Spez bikes weigh a ton don't they? 

My daughter has a Chillafish - the only negative for me on that was its also pricey and the seat adjustment sucks. (also, no brakes) They are also a but pricey but we got ours for free (#winning!)

My son has a JD Bug - its held up surprisingly well for all the abuse he puts it through.

They have both technically outgrown these, but still prefer to muck around on them compared to the Muna Pedal bikes (16") I got them as they are still just a little too big for them

[madbradd]

16 hours ago, OVERDRIVE said:

2017 Specialized Hotwalk strider For Sale (pinkbike.com)

Specialized HOTWALK 12” wheels For Sale (pinkbike.com)

Depending on the shipping...

likely not going to import a second hand one. Thanks though