TykesBykes Balance Bike Review

When my daughter was 4, we bought her a bike with training wheels for Christmas. She loved it and actually started riding it in the house that day. We were so excited to teach her how to ride a "big girl" bike, but after we took the training wheels off....Things progressed very slowly. Why?..... Because she could not balance, and never thought to catch herself by putting her feet down when she started to fall. The training wheels actually made it harder for us to teach her to ride!

With our son, we are using a TykesBykes Balance Bike. The difference has been astonishing! 

Photo Credit- TykesBykes' website

A TykesBykes Balance Bike a small 2 wheel bike... nearly identical to a regular bicycle but it doesn't have any pedals!!! 

Have a good idea what you are thinking... "What?! No pedals?!!!".... Honestly, that was my first thought too, but after just one afternoon outside with his new Balance Bike my son was "riding".

I was sent the Balance Bike Blue 2011 with 14" Wheels, and it is the perfect height for preschoolers. TykesBykes also has a smaller version with 12" wheels that would work great for even smaller children.



One of the best features, and the first thing I noticed, about the Balance Bike when we opened the box was that it had a handbrake. Not only is my son learning to stay steady on 2 wheels, but he is also learning to stop himself using a handbrake with a standard caliper design on the rear wheel. This will certainly help him transition well when he is ready to go on to a larger bicycle. 

Here's a short clip of my son riding his TykesBykes Balance Bike in our driveway.  =)

I will say that the Balance Bike requires some assembly. Luckily, not only are the instructions included in the box, but TykesBykes has an excellent video on their website that talks you through the process. This made attaching the hand brake and other parts much easier.

TykesBykes also offers accessories for the Balance Bikes on their website... including noise makers, bike parts and tools, water bottles, helmets and more.

 

My overall opinion of the TykesBykes Balance Bike is... I love it! Not only does my son get himself going and balance, but I love the fact he isn't learning to rely on training wheels to keep him from falling. It is truly amazing to watch him balance so well after such a short time, especially since I was so skeptical this little bike without pedals could actually work! 

Our neighbor's son has even started coming over to ride my son's Balance Bike because he can balance and "ride" better on it than on his own bike with training wheels! I have to watch those boys like a hawk because they have become so comfortable with the TykesBykes Balance Bike that I have actually caught them trying to ramp it! Now is a good time to mention this Balance Bike has had a rough road with those two boys, but is still no worse for the wear!

If you are thinking about getting your kiddo a 2 wheel bicycle, I highly recommend a TykesBykes Balance Bike over a bicycle with training wheels. Your child will learn to balance naturally, and have a blast at the same time! =)

Be sure to check out and follow TykesBykes on Facebook HERE. 

Who would like a Giveaway?!!! 

~That's right TykesBykes has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway of 1 Balance Bike!!!! To enter simply go HERE! =)

*Giveaway will run from September 20 through October 3, 2012. =)


*Coupons and Lesson Plans is not responsible for prize or prize shipment. As that is the responsibility of the sponsor. Though I received this product free for reviewing purposes, I was not required to write a positive review. As always, all opinions {good or bad} are my own. See Disclosure.