Over the Summer, whilst I was off on maternity leave, I decided to make my mission to teach Lucas to ride a bike. He was 6 1/2 and we’d tried before but he just couldn’t master the balancing with the pedalling. Tyler who’s 4 1/2 is a little better at pedalling, but we hadn’t taken his stabilisers off.
I decided to concentrate on Lucas and tried holding onto he seat at the back and letting him go, but I was getting know where. Not forgetting I had a baby to keep an eye on too.
I was then given a Likeabike Hardy balance bike which was the best thing ever. I had looked at these in the past and thought they seemed a bit pointless, they’d still have to learn to pedal. I was so wrong. It’s good to teach them to be able to balance and go, once this is mastered the pedalling part is easy. They are designed for 2-5 year olds. They are made for little body’s and they fit them perfectly. They are well made and look great too.
Lucas’ friend at school, his little brother who is 3 is awesome on his balance bike. He zooms about all over the place. Once I saw this, I knew a balance bike was the way to go. You can see him on our balance bike in the video with Lucas in it.
However, at 6 1/2 he is a little on the old side for it. I’d say the best age is 2 to begin with. I did let him have a go on it, he didn’t let me take any pictures, but it helped tremendously and after a day on this he could balance and free wheel a along with his feet up no bother. My boys are a little on the old side for this, hence the reason they look a bit big on it, but if you get it when they are younger it would be awesome. You can see my friends little boy on it in one of the videos below.
The next day, I tried him on his bike without stabilisers and I’m not kidding after 5 minutes he was off and there was no stopping him. I was stunned, so proud and amazed. What a proud moment seeing your son ride his bike and love it.
Tyler had been practising on the Likeabike Hardy balance bike to and could do it with ease. He idolises his big brother and wanted to do the same thing and go his bike without stabilisers. After showing off with using the Likeabike Hardy balance bike without any issues, he progressed onto his bike without any stabilisers and off he went. I could not have hoped for a better few days. I had not 1 but 2 riding their bikes without stabilisers and they were both pleased as punch. Both daddy and I couldn’t believe it and our hearts swelled with pride.
As a reward we said we would get them a bigger bike each, which they got and loved, until the weather turned. Living in Scotland, there won’t be much chance of getting out on the bikes over the Winter months so they are away until the Spring. Then we’ll master the brakes!!
I really can’t praise the balance bike enough, my only regret is I didn’t get it sooner. Both boys loved riding on it and had a lot of fun. They felt safer than a normal bike as they could easily steady themselves and go as fast or slow as their little legs could take them.
If you’re looking for a great gift, which will last your child more than a year. I’d highly recommend getting them a Likeabike Hardy balance bike from Santa. This will be on Aria’s Christmas list as soon as she turns 2. They are certainly far better than I ever could have imagined. Well made, sturdy, they look great and are a great price too.
Have you used balance bikes?
Disclaimer:- I was sent the above items as stated in the post. I’ve not been paid further for mentioning any of these products in this post. All words and opinions are my own and the links have been included out of courtesy.
This post is protected under copyright. SusankMann 2009 – 2014
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