Photo Courtesy: https://www.kiddies-kingdom.com/blog/safety/everything-you-need-to-know-about-balance-bikes-for-all-ages/
Introduction
Over the last 5 or 6 years we have converted many bikes from a traditional kids’ bike with training wheels to a balance bike. We have done it on 12″, 14″ and 16″ wheel bikes. All this to help kids quickly learn to balance and have confidence on a bike and then we returned the pedals and chain to restore the bikes, and the kids were off to happy riding like “big kids”.
So what is a balance bike?
A balance bike, also known as a run bike or a training bike, is a small bicycle without pedals or training wheels. It is designed to help children learn balance and coordination before transitioning to a traditional pedal bike. Balance bikes are a popular choice for parents who want to introduce their children to cycling at an early age.
Age-old dilemma
The most funny and ironic thing is that most people who do not know about balance bikes refuse even to talk about them! They insist on their kid being on a bike with training wheels. Therefore, their kids start with training wheels on their first bike 12″ wheels, and transition to 14″ wheels two or 3 years later, still on training wheels, then move on to 16″ or 18″ wheel bikes “STILL” on training wheels… while all the time worrying that their kid on a bike with 4 wheels (2 main wheels and 2 training wheels) can fall at any given time! While a parent with a kid who has a balance bike is more than certain that their kid with only 2 wheels on the bike will not fall and even IF they did, they wouln’t be hurt. Within days and in some cases weeks or months, the parents with kids on balance bike see so much confidence on their kids riding and handling the bikes, that when they purchase their kids a bike with pedals, the kids are riding in minutes in most cases AND they STILL are not worried about their kids falling as compared to those with kids on bikes that have training wheels.
Benefits of a Balance Bike
Balance bikes offer several benefits for young children learning to ride:
- Develop Balance and Coordination: By learning to balance on a bike without pedals, children develop their core strength and coordination skills.
- Build Confidence: Children can gradually gain confidence and improve their balance at their own pace, without the fear of falling over.
- Smooth Transition to Pedal Bikes: Once children have mastered balancing on a balance bike, they can easily transition to a pedal bike without the need for training wheels.
- Enhance Safety: Balance bikes are closer to the ground, making it easier for children to control and stop the bike if needed.
- Fun and Enjoyable: Riding a balance bike is a fun and enjoyable activity for children, promoting a love for outdoor play and physical exercise.
Converting a Kids Bike to a Balance Bike
If you already have a kids’ bike and want to convert it into a balance bike, you can follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Remove the Pedals
Start by removing the pedals from the bike. You will need a pedal wrench or an adjustable wrench to unscrew the pedals from the crank arms. With the wheels on the ground and the handlebar in front of you, get close to the saddle, and turn the wrench towards the back wheel to loosen the pedals and remove them completely.
So if you are on the right side of the bike, that would be unscrewing counter-clock-wise, and if you are on the left side of the bike, that would be unscrewing clock-wise.
Step 2: Lower the Seat
Lower the seat of the bike so that your child can comfortably touch the ground with both feet. If possible until their knees bend a little. The idea is that if they lose balance, the bike will slide between their feet… and it is the bike that falls, not the rider (explain it that way to the kid, and they will never worry about falling). This will help them maintain balance and control while learning to ride.
Step 3: Adjust the Handlebars
Ensure that the handlebars are at a comfortable height for your child. They should be able to reach the handlebars easily without straining.
Step 4: Practice Balancing
Encourage your child to practice balancing on the bike by walking or running while straddling the bike. Show them a few balance bike videos (especially racing ones, once kids learn to walk, they want to be fast) from any social media channel. Try to find videos with kids of same age or height. To practice balancing, they can use their feet to push off the ground and glide on the bike, gradually lifting their feet off the ground for short distances.
Step 5: Gradual Progression
As your child gains confidence and improves their balance, you can gradually raise the seat height and introduce them to the concept of pedaling. BUT let them be the ones to ASK for a bike with pedals. When they are confident, they will ask. Don’t push them to grow so fast, let them enjoy every moment. Some kids grow to get bikes with pedals, but always come back to balance bikes, because they enjoy the fun.
When ready, start by attaching the pedals and allowing them to practice pedaling while still using their feet for balance.
Remember to provide constant support and encouragement to your child throughout the learning process. Each child learns at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate their progress.
Conclusion
Converting a kids’ bike to a balance bike is a cost-effective way to introduce your child to cycling and help them develop essential balance and coordination skills. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily transform a regular kid’s bike into a balance bike and provide your child with a fun and effective way to learn how to ride.
A balance bike, also known as a run bike or a training bike, is a small bicycle without pedals or training wheels. It is designed to help children learn balance and coordination before transitioning to a traditional pedal bike. Balance bikes are a popular choice for parents who want to introduce their children to cycling at an early age.
Last Minute Question
Can adults learn to ride a bike?
Yes, we have helped no less than 8 women over the last 5 years learn to ride a bike from ZERO, using “similar” information and techniques of balance bikes. As a matter of fact, adults can learn to ride in less than one hour!
From the team at your favorite bicycle store!
Cycle Omania
