E is getting to the age where were have been thinking about getting him his first bike. I think by next summer when he is 3 and a half it will be a perfect age for his first bike.
I remember teaching N to ride a 2-wheeler bike. We did the whole tricycle to training wheels route. The problem was once we got to the stage where we needed to take the training wheels off. N had the worst time learning to keep the bike balanced. He eventually got the hang of it, but not before a lot of bumps and bruises.
When I found out that there might be an easier way to teach E to ride a bike that didn’t involve training wheels, I was all ears! The STRIDER balance bike is a new way of teaching your child (even as young as 18 months old) to ride on two wheels. These bikes focus on the fundamentals of balancing, leaning, steering, and propelling the bike in a natural way without the the distractions and complications of pedals or training wheels.
Some features of the STRIDER balance bike include:
- STRIDER bikes are ultra light weight and easy to control.
- STRIDER bikes increase balance, coordination, and confidence.
- STRIDER bikes allow children to focus on learning balance first.
- STRIDER bikes are free of chains, pedals, and protrusions that can harm a child.
- STRIDER bikes provides a safe, smooth, and natural transition to a pedal bike.
Did you also know that having your child learn to ride a bike using a balance bike will help them develop earlier in their physical and athletic endeavors later in life? It’s true! This early-riding development has been scientifically proven to increase overall balance and coordination which will help in all aspects of your child’s life. Check out this chart which compares other methods of learning to ride to the STRIDER bike. (Click the picture to see the full chart)
I am so excited about E getting this bike this year. I already know that he is going to love it and I can’t wait to see how quickly he picks up on it. The idea that we might be able to completely skip over the training wheels stage really makes me happy too!
You can purchase STRIDER bikes in a variety of colors and styles from Amazon.com for approximately $109. They even make ones that look like little dirt bikes too. They are too cute! If you have a child that is right at the verge of learning to ride a bike like E is, I highly recommend checking the STRIDER bike out!
Trying to find the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season? If so, check out Third Stop on the Right’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.
