Interested to get the lowdown on all things balance bike? We asked HKA Mum, Kate, and mini reporter, Jess, to put the Strider balance bike to the test. Here’s how they got on with their new wheels…
What are two of the most sought after big gifts for littlies? We reckon scooters and balance bikes are always high on the list. While you might be familiar with a scooter, the concept of a balance bike could be something new. It certainly was for HKA writer and Mum of one, Kate, who decided to test out just what a balance bike was all about (with her toddler tester, Jess, in tow!)
A TODDLER’S TAKE ON LEARNING TO USE A BALANCE BIKE IN SINGAPORE
What is a balance bike, and what are the benefits?
Good question. I wasn’t all that familiar with balance bikes before we tested out the Strider balance bike with Jess. I’d seen them in the park, but they did baffle me a little bit – where were the pedals?! It turns out, that’s the whole point. Balance bikes are all about taking it back to basics and teaching littlies to steer and balance on two wheels. By keeping it simple, balance bikes allow kids to focus on developing the fundamentals of balancing and steering quickly; something training wheels don’t cater for. Focusing on these skills also makes the transition to a pedal bike easy-peasy when it comes to upgrading to big wheels. But what does learning to ride on a balance bike look like in practice?
First impressions of a balance bike
Apart from being a bit dubious about the lack of pedals, my first impressions were that it looked pretty snazzy! If you’re opting for the Strider range, there are lots of colour options to pick from. We played it safe with red (which also happens to be Jess’s fave colour!). Jess didn’t look twice at the lack of pedals and was eager to get going on her new wheels.
Another fancy feature is the sturdy puncture-proof tires (no more bike pumps required!). I also loved how light the bike was (just shy of seven pounds), making it easy for Jess to manoeuvre. As it’s pretty slim, we could easily take it out with us and fit it into the pram basket, something I’d never be able to manage with a tricycle.
Setting up your balance bike
The easy set up is also a big plus, especially when you have an over-excited toddler trying to help. The handlebars and seat are fully adjustable, and you can get the right height easily using the tools provided. The super-friendly staff at the Strider shop will give you all the info and guidance. The sweet spot is for your little one to be comfy and not on tiptoes, but at the same time, not too low that their knees are completely bent when they sit. Something in between is optimum (check out this guide for more info on getting the seat just right). We played around a little bit until we got the right fit for Jess. Got a tall toddler? The bike works from 18 months to 5 years, so adjusting to find the perfect fit shouldn’t be an issue.
Balance bike introduction: And we’re off! (the early days)
Jess loved her bike from day one, so she didn’t take much persuading to give it a whirl. There’s often a flurry of excitement and play with most new things before kids quickly move onto something else. Yet, the bike seemed to remain a constant for Jess, which was great to see. I was surprised at how quickly she got the hang of using her feet for movement. We tested it on our balcony, to begin with, and all furniture and toes were still intact. She seemed to get to grips with the idea of steering and balancing quickly too. Stopping was a different matter… (there are no brakes), but lessons were quickly learned! Remember, a helmet is essential from the get-go!
Progress one month in
A month in and Jess has gained more confidence on the bike. She can quickly pick up speed but can control her steering and balance a lot better, without too many runaway train moments. We’ve also noticed that she is getting close to not always using both feet, which is a good sign that she’s getting to grips with the balance element. Julian from Strider Singapore explained that this can take time and vary from kid to kid, but they all get there! When your littlie has graduated to become balance bike pro, they can use the nifty footrests on the bike to zoom, stride and glide on their very own!
Overall verdict:
I wasn’t sure what to make of balance bikes before owning one and was doubtful if Jess would get the hang of it, especially at such a young age, but I’m converted! Yes, it does take time and persistence on both the parents and your mini-me’s part, but you can definitely see progress week on week. Jess has developed balance, coordination, and most importantly, confidence since riding on the balance bike, and it’s still early days. We can’t wait to get out and explore more of Singapore by bike!
So, there you go. Yes, it might be different from your first bike or tricycle memories, but times have changed, and we can definitely give a big thumbs up to the balance bike for helping our littlies learn to ride!
Thanks to Strider Singapore for providing a balance bike for our review!