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When it comes to learning how to ride a bike, parents usually rely on training wheels to get kids started. The problem with training wheels is that kids don’t learn the hardest part of bike riding – how to balance.
GlideBikes has solved this problem with their kids Glider Bikes.
A balance bike, or glide bike is a training bike that helps kids learn to balance and steer a bike safely. Balance bikes do not have pedals, crank set, and chain or training wheels. Glide Bikes are built for small children and special needs kids who are ready to learn how to ride a bike. Glide bikes utilize Downhill mountain bike geometry to achieve a very low speed balance point of less than 2mph and are light weight 8lbs for the Mini Glider and 10 for the Go Glider.
Balance bikes are small enough so children can walk the bicycle while sitting comfortably with both feet on the ground. Children learn by walking the glide bike sitting on the seat. In time, children become comfortable enough to run and “glide” while riding the bicycle and are able to lift their feet off the ground and balance on two wheels. Kids as early as 24 months can learn to glide a balance bike with practice.
It took my son a long time to learn to ride his bike without training wheels, and I remember how hard he struggled with the balance. The second they realize that they are balancing, they panic because they just aren’t used to it. Imagine a bike that is low enough for the smallest child to use. A bike that never allows them to come to rely on training wheels for balance.
My daughter is going to be three and she wants a “big girl” bike but I’ve been hesitant to but her one of those mini kids bikes with the training wheels. They are glorified tricycles and while from a child’s mind they LOOK like a “big kid” bike, they don’t actually teach them to ride. Glide Bikes gives kids the freedom to be able to ride the “big kid” bike, even if it’s merely with their feet flat on the ground, all the while teaching them how to balance. Training wheels don’t do anything but delay the inevitable. They don’t train kids to do anything except become comfortable using them as a crutch. They don’t have to worry about pedaling, that’s the easy part!
The Glide Bike was easy to assemble, is sooo cute, looks very much like a “big kid” bike and even has a kickstand. The seat is adjustable enough to grow with them, and I love that the tires do not require air, they are plastic. The Glide Bikes also have a hand brake!
Check out this video of kids riding the Mini Glider;
Look at those kids go!
I don’t know how anyone could consider buying a child a bike with training wheels after seeing Glide Bikes in action. Glide Bikes come in 3 sizes, the Mini Glider for ages 2-5, the Go Glider for ages 5-10 and the Super Glider for ages 10+. Glide Bikes come with a limited lifetime warranty.
You can purchase a Glide Bike on their website or Amazon.com.
