Science and technology are working both as a blessing and a curse for modern parents. Even two decades ago parents used to get a training wheel bike for the toddlers. There were no other options to choose from. Now, this is not as easy as there is a new product called “balance bike”. Parents around the world are gradually falling in love with the no-pedal bikes. But there are grandparents or other elderly persons who are telling that bikes with training wheels are the way to go. So many parents are getting confused by this debate. The balance bike vs Training wheels debate is stronger than ever. We know this, so we will try to solve this debate quality time for all in this article today. We are going to talk about all the aspects of both balance bikes and bikes with training wheels. In simpler term, we are going to compare them to make it easy for all you parents out there.
Starting age
The no pedals bikes are made for kids aged between 2 to 5. A brand like Strider makes these bikes with adjustable seats. Parents get to use the same bike for a couple of years. Thanks to the adjustable seat option the bicycle riding lesson can begin at the tender age of just 18 months. For a bicycle with training wheels, the lowest age is at least 3 years old.
Weight
Balance bikes could be very lightweight. Some of these no-pedal bikes weigh only 3 lbs. So, your kids can easily take care of these low weight bikes by themselves. There are some new age bikes which bike helmet are lightweight, but adding a pair regular cycling of training wheels always makes them heavy. Parents always need to bright colours be there when kids are taking out their cycle with training wheels.
Safety
This is the major reason why even doctors are now advising the parents to opt-out of balance bikes. Kids, even toddlers cannot fall off from balance bikes. Safety is a big concern when it comes to product bike riding made for a kid to make physical activity. Bikes with training wheels can not guarantee the same level of safety. Kids often fell off from the bike with training wheels.
Kid’s choice
Most little kids may not like to ride bikes with training wheels as they are heavy. On the contrary, a balance bike weighs like their other toys. These bikes are also very colorful so your kids will easily get attracted to the kid’s helmet. Therefore you do not need to pursue the kids to go out and play.
Price
Brands like Strider has been selling balance regular cycling bike at a really cheap price. These bikes are hugely popular all over the world as they are very safe to use. Not all parents like to buy a real bike for kids aged 3 or 4. For them, a balance bike is a great option.
Adult supervision
A bike with training wheels is not anything special. It’s a bicycle that has two extra wheels so that the first time riders find it easy to balance. You cannot give your kid a bike with training immune system wheels and leave them alone. You have to be there. At the same time, a balance bike has no-pedal and it’s specially designed for toddlers. Even very small kids will be able to bike riding to ride them independently. They will learn to balance on a real bike all by themselves thanks to the no-pedal bikes.
Balance Bike vs Training Wheels
Balance Bike | Bike with Training Wheels | |
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Image | ||
Pedaling | Balance bikes has no pedals. If children learn to ride using a pedal bike with training wheels, they will not develop their balance as the training wheels keep the bike straight. After lifting the training cycles the child has to learn many bad habits that cause immediate balance and training cycles. | With a balance bike, the child first learns to balance and run, then progress to pedaling on their own time. Learning the pedal is much simpler than learning the balance, and since the child can comfortably go to the coast, there is no urgency. |
Cornering | Especially in cornering point balance bikes are more helpful. | As the bike moves by leaning and the training wheels keep the bike straight, they can be difficult to turn. |
Weight | These bikes can balance easily because of less weight. | Compare to balance bike these Bikes are more weight because it has training wheels with pedals. |
Wheels and Tyres | These bikes uses either rubber tyres or EVA foam tyres. Compared to EVA foam tyres, rubber tyres are much better because rubber tyres provides better cushioning and more grip, especially in turning in corner point. | These Bike always come with rubber tyres,and little training wheels are made up of hard plastic. |
Saddle Height | Saddle height is quit low. | Saddle height is high. |
Brakes | Some balance bikes are brake-less. | Bikes with Training wheels should have both front and rear brakes. |
Best Balance Bikes for Kids
Image | Products |
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AFFORDABLECruzee Ultralite Air |
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BEST BUDGETThe Early Rider Sports |
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BEST OVERALLEnkeeo 14 |
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KaZAM v2e |
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The Croco Aluminum |
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ENKEEO 12 Sport |
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Radio Flyer All-Terrain Balance Bike |
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Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike |
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Banana Bike LT |
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Woom 1 Plus |
Bike with Training Wheels
Image | Products |
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BEST OVERALLDiamondback Bicycles Mini Viper |
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BEST BUDGETRoyalBaby BMX Freestyle |
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AFFORDABLERoyalBaby Honey & Buttons |
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Nice C BMX Kids Bike |
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Schwinn Koen Boy's Bike |
Conclusion
A balance bike is like pre-school which gradually makes the kid ready for the future. A survey proved that kids learned to use a real bike quicker when they used a san Fransisco bike coalition balance bike. It’s a great invention, childhood falling off from bike accidents can just be a thing of the past with the use of balance bikes.