Balance Bikes Buyers Guide
Want to teach your little one the basics of cycling from a young age?
A balance bike is a great way to help them pick up the keys skills of riding a bike from as young as 18 months old. They will be whizzing around the garden or local park in no time leaving you trying to catch them up!
Balance bikes don’t have any peddles or a chain and some of them don’t have brakes either. Your child simply travels along with their feet whilst practising the two of the most difficult skills of cycling, balancing and steering. If they are free wheeling, they just need to put their feet down to stop.
Developing these two skills will enable them to move on to a normal bike without the need for stabilisers from as young as 3 years old
Balance bikes come in two different wheel sizes, 10 and 12 inches, so you can get one which is the right size for your toddler. They also come with different types of tyres; EVA tyres and pneumatic tyres. EVA tyres are made from a durable foam/rubber compound so making them ideal for use in playgrounds whereas pneumatic tyres are better at gripping the ground and make for a more comfortable ride. The handlebars are designed especially for little hands with ergonomic grips to give them maximum control. Some balance bikes also feature brakes for extra piece of mind when they get more confident and start picking up a bit of speed.
Our range of balance bikes come in an assortment of stylish designs. Why not match your child’s bike to yours with this mini Pendleton Somerby Balance Bike with wicker basket. Your toddler will look super stylish and feel like a grown-up! With its step-through frame for hassle-free mounts and dismounts, a V-brake for dependable breaking and a wicker basket perfect for taking their favourite cuddly friend along for the ride, it is perfect for the fashion-conscious child.
Little boys will be able to follow in the footsteps of British Olympian, World Champion and Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins by starting their cycling career young with this Wiggins Pau Balance Bike! It features a lightweight alloy frame for athlete speed and a pinch-free brake lever to protect those mini fingers. Then when they are tired after completing their circuit, you can carry their bike along with the handy carry handle at the back of the saddle.
Cool tots will love the Carrera Coast Balance Bike. Its low stand-over alloy frame makes it easy for them to get on and off and the saddle height is adjustable for maximum comfort. It is very light making it easy for them to handle and the bright design is fearless and fun, just like them! To top it all off, it features a rear v-brake powered by a short-reach Tektro brake lever and grippy pneumatic tyres for extra safety.
Check out our fantastic range of balance bikes at Halfords online or pop into your local store and let your little one pick out their favourite design ready to start their cycling journey. If you’re ordering online, select our click and collect option or have the bike delivered to your door. We also offer unlimited lifetime safety checks on all of our bikes and a lifetime guarantee on frames and rigid forks*.
Take advantage of our great value Kids Cyclecare package which includes an annual Bronze service, unlimited puncture repair, unlimited safety checks and adjustments, free parts and accessories fitting, as well as 10% off accessories when you buy your child’s bike. In addition to this, you can personalise your toddler’s bike with a cute name sticker for a special touch.
Need some tips on how to teach your child to ride their new bike, why not take a look at our How To Ride A Balance Bike Guide + Video for an easy step-by-step guide.