Babble Best Picks:
Kids Bikes
What's more indicative of childhood summers than learning to ride a bicycle? If you've been out of the kid-toy loop for a few years, you'll be surprised to see that kids bikes extend beyond just training wheels, with a range of new options, from basic balance bikes to tricked-out trikes. To help you narrow down your search, we found the best of the best bikes for tiny toddlers all the way up to big kids. Don't see your kid's new bike on the list?
Nominate your favorite here. Happy trails! - Michelle Horton
Best Overall | Wishbone Bike
Yes, our "Best Overall Kids Bike" pick doesn't even have pedals - but we have our reasons. This 3-in-1 bike is designed to grow with your child from 1 to 5 years, starting as a running tricycle - providing a secure, stable introduction - and then converting into a lightweight yet sturdy two-wheel balance bike, which grows into one of the biggest balance bikes on the market.
As far as pre-bike preparation, we much prefer balance bikes (or "running bikes") to tricycles. Besides being a more intuitive playing process (even the smallest toddlers can hop on and scoot with their feet), balance bikes teach the most important bike-riding skill: balance. Unlike a tricycle, which focuses on pedaling, a balance bike teaches a kid to glide on two wheels, correcting the tilts on their own, and makes it easier to introduce pedals later on. And because kids are just using their feet to power the bike, there are less scary falls and frustration that might instill a fear of bikes.
While there's no shortage of balance bikes on the market, our favorite is the Wishbone Bike for its incredible craftsmanship, design, and longevity. The bike is made from kiln-dried, preservative-free plantation wood and organic cotton. Wishbone also offers Limited Edition bikes, designed with original artwork that addresses a particular topic or issue. For instance, the Wollemi Wilderness Bike depicts the Australian Wollemi pine tree (one of the oldest and most endangered plants on the planet), as well as indigenous Australian animals.
Even the standard Wishbone bike can be jazzed up with pretty Wishbone stickers and nameplates. You can also cover the seat in different colored silicone covers, which are non-toxic, water-repellent and fully recyclable.
Best “Big Bike” Preparation | STRIDER PREbike Balance Running Bike
If you have a little one who envies his or her big sibling racing down the sidewalk on a big-kid bike, the Strider PREbike looks and rides like a regular bicycle – just minus the pedals. Although it takes more balance than, say, a YBIKE, even the smallest toddlers can comfortably ride a Strider and learn the necessary balance skills. And when your little one gets especially good at balancing on two wheels, the bike’s foot rests allow him or her to cruise along without feet. The only thing left to learn is pedaling, which is arguably the easiest bike-riding skill to master.
The Strider PREbike’s handlebars and seat adjust for kids 30-44 inches, with an optional attachment for kids over 4 years old. But after a few years practicing on a Strider PREbike, we think your 4-year-old will have no problem transitioning right to pedals.
2 Responses to “Babble Best Kids Bikes 2011”
Features
If you are looking for the most functional balance bike here’s proof that Strider is it!
http://www.stridercup.com
My 2 1/2 year old has been riding his Strider since he was 20 months old. He LOVES it! It was hands down the best purchase we have ever made for him. Now at 2 1/2 he is not only “running” with it – he holds both feet up and balances on both wheels. He is even starting to use the launch pads (foot rests) for his feet. I swear because of this bike his gross motor skills are great. We have neighbors that used balance bikes for both their children (now 6 and 4). Both of them just picked up a pedal bike at 3 no training wheels. We bought from http://www.bikesthatteach.com. They offered a lot of assistance in selecting the right balance bike for our child. Much better than buying from a store that doesn’t know about balance bikes.