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Well, child number 1 took literally years to learn to ride a bike via the normal stabalisers route. She fell off a few times early on, lost her confidence then lost interest and only just learned last winter at 6 yrs old. Child 2 who is just 4 has been on a balance bike for the last year, blasting round lifting up her legs and coasting for as long as the momentum carried her. Got her on a pedal bike today and she was off straight away, literally no help from me apart from getting her set off. Brilliant, definitely the best way for a child to learn to ride.
Yep had the same, my two youngest children went along the balance bike route and the transition over to a pedal bike was unbelievable
Aye it is a magical experience to simply put on pedals and then watch them pedal off without actually doing anything
Mine could balance before they could operate pedals 😕
Never understood why they could not grasp it
Yeah +1 for pedal bikes.
Havin junior is legs up and balancing at 2 1/2 years.
My boy has been using his since he was 20 months and is now bombing around everywhere on it at 2 years old, his mum bought him a scooter and he picked that up in 2 minutes, he can almost push my skateboard too...
Whilst balance bikes are fun, I've never seen the need. Taught many many children to ride with conventional stabilizers. Once they can pedal, and can coast on a scooter, it's a small jump of about 4x10min to riding without stabilizers full time.
Just steer the direction you are falling. Kids can understand that.
My boy could ride his normal bike about 2wks after his 4th birthday. His sister could ride hers before her 4th birthday. She could ride no handed before her 5th birthday as well .
What did I deduct from this? Nothing, if a kid ENJOYS being on a bike it just needs 2wheels and the ability to steer. The kid will take care of the rest. My daughter did so well because she loves her biking AND she has a big brother to show her and give her the extra, older brother can do it so I can kick up the backside.
Everything else is parents wallet and pride talking
I did with my daughter. But my son was 7 when he learnt with normal stabilisers, then about 4 weeks later my daughter did it straight off at the age of 3.5 😀
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apologies as neither of them have beards but both ride ss.
taken today after they cycled a mile to the park first then after riding round it playing then they cycled back.
Ftw 🙂 *proud dad*
Balance bikes are awesome. Monkey jnr is not yet 3 yrs and he loves tearing around the park and BWs. Over the last 2 weeks he's been purposefully seeking out more and more cool off-road slopes to hone his skills. Proper proud of the boy :).
So what's the next step after your'e kiddywinkle masters the balance bike, where do you go from there?
Don't agree, my lad is 4 and has just about learnt to ride a bike after using stabilisers for 6 months, he was not interested in his balance bike one bit! As soon as he got a hotrock with stabilisers he loved it. I reckon in the next week he will have stabiliser free riding cracked.
Have to agree. Granted each child is different but it took a lot longer to transition from stabilizers than from balance bike (literally the first attempt). Mate of mine bough standard bike, took pedals off and used it as a balance bike for a few months until little un was cruising around. Sold him the idea of pedals on the grounds that he'd be able to go faster and off he went - first crack again. I think it's def the best way.
Both my lads used balance bikes and both were riding properly before they were four. Totally 100% the way to go.
Great day when the stabilisers came off my boy's little Action Man bike. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.
I think that the best thing about a balance bike is that little kids can go much faster than on a normal bike with stabilizers. This means they can keep up, enjoy it more so want to do it more. Our 26 month old loves his balance bike, he loves it as he can go faster than his walking mum and dad and keep his 4 (just) year old brother in sight who is on a pedal bike. He can do about 5 to 6 km on it and get up steeper hills than his brother on peddles.
The 4 year old was exactly the same, he progressed to a pedal bike on his third birthday and rode it straight away. Isla bikes are the best things we have bought for our kids, so worth it.
They are the way to go. My girl is 3 on Wednesday and she can ride a bike thanks to the balance bike.
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Ours were on balance bikes from just after 1st birthday, and switched to pedal bikes at around 2.5 yrs, taking about 20 mins to switch to pedals. Only issue is that they were too small for their feet to reach the ground, so a few faceplants, but nothing too bad...
IMO Stabilisers are a waste of time, as its the balance that is important, not the pedalling.
IMO Stabilisers are a waste of time, as its the balance that is important, not the pedalling
^^^This definitely.
geologist
Don't agree, my lad is 4 and has just about learnt to ride a bike after using stabilisers for 6 months, ..... I reckon in the next week he will have stabiliser free riding cracked.
I'm intrigued, which bit don't you agree with?
We don't agree that balance bikes are the [i]only[/i] way for kids to learn to ride.
Of course we don't. All kids are different, as are all STW'ers.
Yes, we are all individuals
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Yes, we are all individuals.
But, teaching a kid to ride a bike using stabilisers is simply out of date. From teaching adults and kids to ride bikes from scratch, you start with balance, then progress to pedalling, brakes then gears. They'll get there in the end whichever way, just quicker on a balance bike, in most cases.
Our wee man had balance bike from 1.5 was pedalling without stabilizers 3 months before 3rd birthday
He had other pedal things like a trike and tractors which taught pedalling, first time on with stabilizers he had major crash as tried to lean the same way as leaned balance bike so we got rid of those quickly
Our 2nd is showing no interest in balance bike at 2.5!
they're all different!
I have a problem.
Daughter, 3, [i]was[/i] just starting to get the hang of her balance bike: feet were starting to come up for little scoots etc.
Then she accidentally spotted the pedal bike I had hidden in the shed ready for the next step. 😕
Now I can't get her interested in the balance bike. That's "for babies" and she just wants to ride the pedal bike, with stabilisers, badly. To be fair she can do a mile on it, but she tips alarmingly from stabiliser to stabiliser and needs me running along next to her for when that goes wrong.
Thoughts? Should I try and get her back on to the balance bike?
take stabilisers off?
loose them?
take pedals cranks off and use as balance bike?
Balance bikes are awesome full stop.
[i]Balance bikes are awesome full stop.[/i]
Why is that then?
We did the balance bike thing with the boy. Transition to pedals took a little time as he couldn't turn the cranks properly, but he got it after a couple of hours of trying.
The best bit about the balance bike for us that it extended our range. Aged 2 he could do a 4 mile ride whilst we pushed his baby sister in the pram.
People seem to be teaching their kids to ride traditionally at about 4 and are balance bikes from about 2... I think an extra 2 years on 2 wheels has got to be beneficial.
Good point.
I bought a balance bike for my then 2.5 year old last summer but she's never wanted to ride it as it's "too scary". This year, been trying to get her to try it again and she says she want a bike with pedals, like daddy. Seems that seeing daddy ride a bike with pedals, she's concluded that one without is dangerous 🙁
This may be my task tomorrow. My sister and BIL aren't bike people so I am in charge of getting my nephew (4) on 2 wheels.
I bought him a balance bike, and he got the hang of it slowly. Then I got him an islabike for his 4th birthday. We took him out for a session and he didn't just get it, but was making some progress. Then we went home and because he hadn't got it straight away they put some stabilisers on rather than persevering. He bombs round on it and loves it, but isn't really balancing.
Tomorrow I'm looking after him all day, so the aim is to get him riding without them!
3 of my four learned on bikes with stabilisers - but never had the stabilisers on for that long. My other one learnt on his older sisters bike when he was about 4, by literally picking it up and trying until he could ride it. He was too small to pull the brakes or touch the floor whilst on the saddle but just wanted to ride a bike.
The sad bit is that whilst his sister carried on and still rides, has done a season in morzine and generally loves being on two wheels (has also done her cbt and is looking to get a bike). My eager 4 year old is now 20 and barely rides - even though he has use of my old orange. It makes me feel quite sad but I hope like many other teenage quirks it will be something he grows out of!
The youngest 2 are still very keen and are after road bikes atm . . . They are all different as has been said before
Typically STW - my way is best!
I guess both are fine methods if they get your sprog riding bikes.
Can't remember how old ours was when we took the stabilisers off (4 or 5), but it was really easy for her - got it 1st time.
I can see the merits of a balance bike though, so if it works for you, great!
I found great success with the following method:
Balance bike.
Too small bike (same wheel size as balance bike) minus pedals, preferably with brake.
Add pedals.
Move to decent bike once the above has been mastered.
Learn to do skids,
Both ours were slow, but I was nearly 8 when I learnt.
Eldest started on a heavy Raleigh Ollie with stabilisers, lost interest, outgrew bike.
Got him a decent bike that fitted (Ridgeback MX16), took of the pedals, watched him coasting down the hill on the playing field after a couple of goes. Put the pedals back on and away he went, just before he turned 6.
His sister went the scooter bike route and was riding by 5 years old. She is 7 tomorrow and is getting a 20" Carrera Luna having outgrown her brothers old Ridgeback. It will be appearing on the classifieds after Christmas so it can hopefully go on to a good home!
Well seeing as everyone is willy waving...
Both my lads were just under 4 years old when they learned to ride a proper bike (islabike cnoc 14). Both used a balance bike and the youngest in particular was quite partial to plonking his bum down on the saddle, lifting his legs up and doing a little track stand in front of the telly whilst watching cartoons.
Brilliant things, IMO the best way by a mile.
Youngest is 5 and a half now and is getting a micro mini race BMX for Christmas. It's all he wants 🙂
I have my 9 month old in training. She has special leg strengthening exercises and her own strava account. She's been standing for the last few months and can walk pretty well now.. wouldnt be suprised if shes copying her big sisters next summer on one of the balance bikes and should have a few KOMs by the time shes 3..
Eldest practising Skids @ climachX..
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Stabilisers are not that good but you don't need a balance bike. Either put some time in running behind keeping the kid upright while they pedal or take the cranks off for a bit. My physio had his daughter riding at 2 1/2, she was keen and she was getting grief from her older sister, my son learnt early because he hated his stabilisers.
Balance bikes might be fun for kids but they are definitely not the only way for a kid to learn.
Taught 3 of my 4 with pedal bikes and stabilizers - no 2 taught himself at 3 to ride his big sisters bike when he was waiting for his new bike for his birthday. Scary day in the park with a small boy riding a huge bike that he couldn't pull the brakes on - but he survived.
However balance bikes actually make me broody - but I figure it is wrong to want another child just so you can buy them a balance bike, will have to wait till im a grandma! I just think they are brilliant shame mine missed the chance to have a go
Cloudnine: she doesn't look that happy about it. Did you pick her up on her fore/aft weight balance? 😉
Whatever they want I ride is the best solution you'll get. Ours both loved the balance bike, which was great. Both started from about 20 months and both on pedals before 3 1/2.
Willy waving videos...
Number 1 - pretty much real time of first ever ride on pedals.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_b/2739076821
Number 2 - much earlier onto pedals as he wanted to do what big bro did. Which was great, but back breaking as I had to chase after him to catch him when he stopped as he couldn't reach the ground 😉
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_b/8349134203/
Never going to get your foot out on stabilisers 🙂
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/jon_b/8496994359/ ]Pump track frozen, dry, buff[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/jon_b/ ]Jonathan Bateman[/url], on Flickr
From accounts from my brother and parents, I started on stabilisers for about 2 hours with my first bike and just got frustrated that they stopped me leaning properly when turning. My brother took them off and I rode off fine.
Can't see why balance bikes are any different from normal bikes. You can scoot along and put your feet up with both,but one then lets you pedal off?
But when you have young/small toddlers a normal bike is too small to let them get their feet to the ground.
I'll join in the willy waving (sans willy). Balance bike at 19 months, pedal bike (no stabilisers) at 22 months. And at 3, this:
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*edit* oops sorry just seen this is an old thread brought up by spam...
Tried my eldest on a balance bike when he turned two and he really struggled, not helped by me not giving him enough practice. Left it 6 months over the winter, tried again, and now has picked it up really quickly with big improvements each time and I have to run to keep up with him now. Went to an inner city park at the weekend and he was the youngest on a `bike', and with the looks he got most people appear not to have seen a balance bike before which was surprising.
Seeing as this thread as popped up again - any tips for getting kids onto the balance bike.
Never mind the transition to pedal bikes, we can't get little 'un on the balance bike.
Despite best efforts she doesn't get the concept of just sitting down and moving legs, scooting.
Instead she just stands over the saddle and walks the bike around - which of course is awkward and pointless so she just loses interest by the end of the drive.
Any pointers? Assume just getting her out with other kids on balance bikes and hoping she wants to copy them?
Both of ours went through the same. We kept their (clean) balance bikes in the house for the first few months while they walked around on them, it was over winter mind. You just need to be patient and walk with them, eventually they'll sit down and 'walk' then they'll lift legs occasionally, or just one leg, then before you know it they're off.
Fitting a bell works wonders for interest levels too.
My son also just stood up walking round on it. Apart from lowering the seat and encouraging him to sit down I didn't try anything specific. I think the main difference was getting him on a surface outside where there is less resistance on the tyres and slightly downhill. Then he just sat down and shuffled before working out how to walk the bike with both legs momentarily off the ground.
Once we got outside I gradually (over days/weeks) raised the seat height to encourage them to sit on it more, making sure to keep it low enough that could always get both feet flat on the ground.
Hadn't thought of raising the seat - seems counter intuitive but makes a lot of sense as guess they'll be more inclined to sit without thinking about it...and adding a bell, great idea.
Will try both of those - obviously there's no rush, but would make a nice change not to have to carry the thing around the park..
My lad had a balance bike from about 18 months and was riding a pedal bike just after he was 3. Took him a few goes to stop pedaling backwards though.
My daughter though, couldn't give a toss about riding either her balance bike or her pedal bike! She just wants to sit on mummys bike, the lazy mare!
Horses for courses I guess.
Seeing as this thread as popped up again - any tips for getting kids onto the balance bike.
I would say don't try and force it. Just make sure the balance bike is available and eventually they will pick it up and use it when they are ready.
Scooting is definitely the best way to learn, because you don't have to try and teach balance; the child can acquire it themselves by initially walking the bike around and naturally progressing to paddling their feet, scooting and gliding. Stabilisers take control away from the child and remove feedback, delaying the acquisition of balance.
If the child is tall enough, an ordinary bike with the pedals removed works well. For younger kids, balance bikes let them get started earlier.
Just seen this
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/529668138/jyrobike-auto-balance-bicycle
Jyrobike
May make it easier than running by your kid to catch them when they over balance.
Jyrobike looks like a rather complex and expensive solution in search of a problem, and like stabilisers, it just appears to be an "aid" that gets in the way of learning how to balance.
Expensive electronic gyroscope with wireless controller versus simply putting the saddle down and getting your feet flat on the ground!
As kcr you really cannot force it just leave it available and at some point they may pick it up and try. My eldest ignored his for about three months as first time he tried it was a bit big. Then off he went on his own terms.
He rode a proper bike with stabilisers for a year alongside the balance bike (which he could balance stationary) because he wanted to pedal but wasnt ready in his head to do it on just two wheels.
A few days before his fourth birthday he said I am big I don't ride on stabilisers and off they came and five minutes later that was it. It was infuriating for me seeing him on stabilisers because I knew he had the balance and Co ordination but I wanted to fuel his desire to ride ahead of all else. The important thing is he had fun.
The youngest is just on the balance bike and also checking out big brothers old stabiliser equipped hot rock.
If he wants to go for it on stabilisers then he will get my blessing because it's supposed to be fun for them not point scoring for parents.
Cracking skills by the 3yo above. Just teaching my eldest how to make use of his body weight a bit more but chapeau.