Recreation Dispatch

While most parents learned to ride a bike using training wheels during their childhood, the invention of the balance bike has revolutionized the way kids learn to bike. Unheard of in the United States just ten years ago, balance bikes (bikes without pedals) are growing in popularity as parents have realized they are more developmentally appropriate for young children.

Before you buy a bike, take the time to read balance bike reviews as there are big differences in quality between manufacturers. Balance bike reviews can help you compare features to determine the best training bike for your child.

One of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to purchase a wooden balance bike or a metal balance bike. Two of the best-selling wooden balance bikes are the Skuut and the LIKEaBIKE. Two of the best-selling metal balance bikes are the PV Glider and the KaZAM.

All four balance bike brands are popular with consumers, which makes it tough to select just one. Reading parent reviews of these balance bikes on consumer forums, blogs and store websites will help parents purchase the best balance bike for their child's size and personality.

Skuut balance bike reviews note that parents like the eco-friendly wood material. The Skuut bike has an adjustable seat to accommodate growing children and pneumatic tires for a smooth ride. Skuut reviews note that the seat adjusts to 16.5 inches. While this is adequate for a 2-3 year old, some reviewers noted that it could pose problems for a taller 4-5 year old.

LIKEaBIKE balance bike reviews also rave about the eco-friendly wood material and the light weight of the bike. LIKEaBIKE has a cotton seat and comfortable rubber grips for the handle bar. LIKEaBIKE reviews note that many parents purchase leather seats as an accessory in order to upgrade the bike. The LIKEaBIKE has an adjustable seat, which extends to 17 inches. Parents may buy a seat pole extension for taller children. The seat pole extension adds an additional 2 inches. This is an advantage over the Skuut which only adjusts to 16.5 inches.

Wooden balance bike reviews note that these products require special care. Wooden balance bikes such as the Skuut and LIKEaBIKE require some ongoing maintenance. For example, bolts may loosen from movement and vibration. Parents are advised by the manufacturers to check the bolts on wood balance bikes for tightness before each ride.

Although the Skuut and LIKEaBIKE are protected by a lacquer veneer coating, the manufacturers advise consumers not to leave a wooden bike outside for long periods of time as the wood is susceptible to warping and rotting from too much exposure to the elements.

Metal balance bikes are a better choice for parents concerned about durability and ongoing maintenance. Metal balance bike reviews praise the durability of both the PV Glider and the KaZAM bike. In particular, reviewers raved about how well these metal balance bikes stand up to abuse, rugged play and the elements.

PV Glider reviews and KaZAM reviews also compliment the adjustable seats and adjustable handlebars, which enable the bikes to grow with children. An added advantage is that parents can change the seat height on both the PV Glider and the KaZAM without tools. Although both the Skuut and LIKEaBIKE have adjustable seats, neither bike has adjustable handlebars.

Since both bikes are so well-liked by reviewers, it can be difficult to choose between the PV Glider and the KaZAM. The KaZAM reviews note that KaZAM is the only balance bike on the market designed with an integrated foot rest, which differentiates it from the competition.

Before making a purchase, read available balance bike reviews yourself to find the best balance bike for your child.

About the Author:

Deborah Lillian read hundreds of balance bike reviews before selecting the Kazam Bike for her child. The KaZAM is an award-winning balance bike for children ages 3 to 6. KaZAM makes learning to bike safe, easy and fun.

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