Should you Start your Child on a Balance Bike?
We’re still recovering from our whirlwind trip to New York City for the 2011 International Toy Fair. After catching a 6:00 a.m. flight on only 2 hours of sleep, I’m admittedly a bit foggy on the details but there are several companies that stood out to us in the crowd. We’ll be sharing many great toys and companies with you in the coming weeks but I wanted to start with an introduction to Glide Bikes. Not only does Glide Bikes made some fantastic balance bikes that include great attention to detail in order to keep kids safe, but they also make two larger size balance bikes, one for older kids and one for adults. The larger balance bikes are perfect for kids with special needs, taller kids, or older kids who are still trying to master riding a bike.
Balance bikes have been a huge trend in the past few years. I had not even heard of them when my oldest son was learning how to ride a bike and they are still a bit tricky to find in local stores, but the past few years at Toy Fair there have been more and more companies offering balance bikes. Balance bikes give kids a chance to learn the hardest part of riding a bike, balancing, before they put all the pieces together and add pedals to the mix. Balance bikes are an alternative to a tricycle or training wheels and they often help kids move to a regular two-wheeled bike earlier than they would have otherwise done.
I had a chance to sit down with Michael and Ed from Glide Bikes and talk with them about a few of the great details they include in their balance bikes that really set them apart from the competition.
My cousin’s kids love these and the parents swear by them.
Hey,
Great interview. Yes, the whole balance bike trend is really picking up steam. My son has been testing out a Glide Bike and he really likes it and feels completely comfortable on it. One of the cool things is that there is no chain – so no grease or mess with it. This has been great for us because my son rides it inside! I know that sounds a little crazy, but with no chains and no pedals, we have not had any scratches or problems. If this snow ever melts we will get it outside and test some more.
I am really excited about glide bikes. I remember, painfully, the first few weeks after my bike’s training wheels were removed a rosebush that had my name (and blood) on it. I wobbled down the street praying all the way that there would be no cars, then turned the corner and toppled right into it – over and over again. I’d like my son to avoid a similar situation.