Best Balance Bike - The Ultimate Guide
A balance bike that fits an 18-month old will not work for a 4 year-old. So, how hard could it be to buy the best balance bike for your kid? This article will take you through some of the most crucial features to look out for when shopping for a balance bike.
Saddle (Seat) Height
The
first spec you need to look at in a balance bike is the minimum saddle
height. Nothing can be as disappointing as buying the wrong size bike
for your child. Measure your kid's inseam. The minimum saddle height of a
balance bike should be about 1-inch to 1.5-inches less than your kid's
inseam.Technically, your kid will fit a bike in which its saddle height equals his/her inseam, but the extra 1 or so inches will lessen injuries from a fall and make it easier to get on and off the bike as well.
Shape of the Seat, Material and Padding
Balance
bikes come with seats that have different shapes, materials and varying
thickness of padding. The two basic shapes of the seats are the
standard U-shaped and triangular-shaped bike seats. The U-shaped seats
are newer in the market and are designed to help a child stay on the
seat without slipping off.The material of the seat varies from hard plastic to leather. While plastic seats are durable, they don't offer padding. However, most balance bikes feature plastic seats wrapped in a vinyl fabric with different layers of foam padding.
Frame and Component Materials
Balance
bikes feature metal, wood and composite frames. Metal frames are
heavier and rust when chipped. However, they can support a heavier rider
of up to 100lbs. Bikes made from wood are environmentally friendly but
are less flexible than the metal bikes.On the other hand, composite frames are newer to the market and offer a light-weight frame with a higher weight capacity. The composite frames come without the concerns or chipping paint or rust.
Geometry
Besides
the quality and the lack of features, the main difference between a
cheap and a high balance bike and which most parents overlook is the
geometry of the bike. How easy a balance bike is to control, handle and
balance can be mainly attributed to the geometry or frame design of the
bike and should not be overlooked.Unfortunately, most toy companies spend very little time on these aspects. By having the seat further back on the frame, a child will experience better handling of the bike.
Handlebar Grips
Most parents tend to
overlook the design of the handlebar grips. Although seemingly minor,
handlebar grips will most likely be one of the top safety features on a
balance bike.Rubber handlebar grips with a knobby ends will protect kids' hands in case the handlebars run into a wall, tree, etc. Nevertheless, they protect kids' hands from hitting the ground during falls.
Tires
Lastly tires are the final decision you
need to consider. There are about six choices in the market today
including standard air, rubber honeycomb, EVA Foam, Solid rubber and
hard plastic tires. The flexing air tires offer traction and some
cushioning but pose risk of flats. The rubber tires offer minimal
traction without risk of flats.The EVA Foam tires offer minimal traction with no cushioning or risk of flat tires. Hard plastic tires do not offer traction or cushioning and are specifically designed for indoor use only.
Final Verdict
To conclude, remember
that the most critical factor to consider when choosing the right
balance bike for your kid is the sizing of the bike. After the sizing
everything else comes down to preference. It also good to remember that
balance bikes are primarily designed to teach balance so do not get
caught up in the details.Features such as footrests, brakes or the turning-limiters have minor effects and their presence should not matter that much in your decision making.
For more information about this topics, please visit- http://balancebikelab.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_C_Burgess
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