Yvolution Y Velo Junior Toddler Balance Bike | 9" Training Bicycle With Dual Rear Wheels | For Kids Age 18 Months - 3 Years

Product Information

Kids will ultimately grow out of whichever balance bike they get. As such it is easy to fall into the disposable balance bike trap. Again, regardless of the frame material you choose, target well-made and durable bikes that can be kept for the next child or sold/donated to another family. Leasing

Balance bikes are gaining popularity among parents because they eliminate the need for training wheels. They speed up the process and teach the rider to focus on balancing as opposed to pedaling (1). The Specialized Hotwalk is a well-built bike that would seemingly stand the test of time. Built with a durable aluminium frame and fork, spoked wheels, bearing headset and hubs, and a stem protector upfront for added safety, the Hotwalk is also well equipped. The solid foam tyres feel among the closest I’ve experienced to a pneumatic tyre’s grip and cushioning. However, what could be a great bike is let down by its hefty 4.22 kg weight and oversized footrests, which could obstruct some kids’ natural stride.Chunky and knobbly tread patterns are great for off-road loose and dirt surfaces, while smoother tyres will roll easier on hard, paved surfaces. Where possible, consider where your child will ride most and match the tread pattern to that surface. The bike has a banana-shaped frame that creates a low center of gravity. Despite its low weight, it’s durable and made of premium parts. Gomo wants to ensure your little boy masters the art of balance before giving him full reign with the steering. The turn limiter keeps him from swiveling out of control while riding along the path. Then he can put his feet on the footrest once he has built up speed.

While a balance bike is suitable for most children learning to ride, an adapted pedal bike might provide a more suitable longer-term option for older children. From the age of five, a balance bike will likely only play a very short part in the process of learning to ride a normal bike.

Expert Reviews

While trikes, tricycles, and stabilisers provided most of us with a successful development path, the very nature of these supported, three and four-wheel designs means the child does not require the same balance to ride. Furthermore, the child can become reliant on the assistance these supported designs offer, potentially delaying their development.By opting for a balance bike, the child can focus on enjoying all the fun a bike can offer while also developing these essential skills.

Just like frames, balance bike tyres come in a range of different forms and materials. Most bikes feature either pneumatic tyres with an inner tube or solid foam tyres. However, it is not uncommon to find hard plastic versions and tyres made from other materials. The Vitus Nippy is the lightest bike on test and features plastic tyres. This balance bike is ideal for indoor play. We allowed it to be used for several weeks inside our house and didn’t notice any marking on our hardwood floors.

Overall Take

Aluminium is another of the pricier materials but can often make for a lighter bike. Bonus rustproof and durability points for aluminium, making it a more suitable material if the bike is likely to lie outside or you are planning on multiple children. The steel Chillafish Fixie feels very robust mostly thanks to its 4.66 kg weight. One issue I didn’t foresee was my daughter’s insistence the Y-Velo was broken when we removed the extra rear wheel. Having seen the bike with two rear wheels, and then finding the spare wheel, she refused to ride the bike with just one rear wheel. The crankset slides into the bottom of the seat post in big balance bike mode. The pedals are also well sized and feature plenty of grip. Itching to get your young toddler on a balance bike? Many balance bikes are too big and too heavy for the very youngest riders to handle. That’s why we like the Yvolution Y Velo Junior balance bike. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

Balance bikes are a positive alternative to training wheels that help kids learn how to ride before making the switch. Balance bikes eliminate the need for training wheels in the first place, allowing for a smooth transition to pedal bikes. Kids can begin using balance bikes at a remarkably young age, allowing time for them to get used to balancing, develop motor skills and train their muscles to ride properly. Without pedals, kids push their feet against the ground to propel themselves forward. The reach on the LittleBig’s brakes is fantastic for a child. My adult hand just about fits behind the brake lever. The next step is to remove one of the rear wheels and convert the bike to a more traditional two-wheel balance bike. With just the single rear, the Y Velo weighs in at a respectable sub-3 kg weight and is then a true balance bike. Unfortunately, that is not enough to bump this bike onto my recommended list. However, that appearance is as good as it gets for the Fixie. The bike is heavy, the handlebar reach is enormous, and although my daughter really liked how similar this was to “Daddy’s bike”, she found it too heavy and awkward. She did want to ride it quite often and always rode in the drops (that’a girl!), but that always involved having me lift it into the open and helping her onto it, which was not the case for lighter bikes. Once sized correctly, a bike’s weight is the next biggest factor in how easily a child can manoeuvre and enjoy that bike. Despite having relatively few parts, some balance bikes can be incredibly heavy. A child may struggle to lift and move a heavier bike, which can be off-putting for the child.Footrests on balance bikes are a contentious issue. Ask any number of parents and you will probably find close to a 50:50 split on pro- or anti-foot rest. Test Subject A had one clear favourite bike – more on that in a moment – but she also helped us understand what is important to a growing child.We measured all bike weight and saddle height ranges on test for the most accurate results. The headset on the Y Velo is particularly stiff and makes for very heavy steering. Furthermore, the seat post clamp on the Y Velo restricts saddle height to just three preset heights: 35 cm, 32 cm and 28 cm. Far from the range of adjustability available on all the other bikes.