Should I Buy a Metal or Wooden Balance Bike?
The big dilemma. You are at a park and see a toddler riding a balance bike; that evening you go on to your computer and Google "balance bike". At this point you find out how popular these bikes are getting and along with that comes several different brands, sizes, designs and materials that the bikes are made out of. Like most people, you ask yourself, "Which balance bike is better?"
Here's a little background on the various materials that balance bikes are made out of:
Wooden Balance Bikes
Wooden balance bikes in almost all cases are made out of baltic birch plywood of various numbers of layers that are glued together. This method of using a plywood for the bike is far better that say using a solid piece of wood that is susceptible to warpage and cracking. Birch is used due to its lightness yet very strong, durable and is a renewable resource. Common balance bikes that are made out of wood are Smart Gear bikes, ZUM balance bike, Wishbone Designs Bike and Kiddimoto balance bikes. Wood balance bikes weigh anywhere from 9-12 lbs. There are many people that believe these wooden balance bikes will warp easy. This is not necessarily true - the 10-12 ply baltic birch plywood construction and clear sealer protects from the affects of mild exposure to water - although bikes should not be left out in the rain.
Metal Balance Bikes
Metal balance bikes are typically either made out of lightweight steel or aluminum. These metal balance bikes are made using tube steel or aluminum and welded together to from a frame. You can gauge the quality of the manufacturer by examining the welds on the bike. Depending on the thickness of the steel used both aluminum and steel frames often weigh the same. Strider balance bikes are made of a thin-wall steel and weighs approx. 6.9 lbs while the aluminum frame Kinderbike Laufrad E Series weighs in at about 8.1 lbs. Other metal balance bikes usually weigh between 8 and 12 lbs. AS you are aware, steel bikes should not be left out in the rain for extended periods of time due to risk of corrosion which will affect the performance of the bike. The handlebars and seat posts attach to the frames in the same way a regular bike does.
Composite Bikes and Plastic Balance Bikes
Composite bikes are injection molded bikes made up of plastic resins and in some cases mesh material for strength. These should not be confused with a some injection molded plastic toys whereas the materials are composed differently and are not of the same strength and durability as injection molded composite bikes. Bikes made of this material will resist warping, cracking and corrosion and will be of weight a little less than a wood or metal bike but not that significant.
One of the only injection molded composite balance bikes available in the USA is the FirstBike.
Summary
It is our belief that the 3 materials mentioned above create a product that will truly benefit your child and teach he/she to transition to a pedal bike while gaining confidence, coordination of happiness. The most important feature to look for when buying your child a balance bike is the fit. You want to make sure you measure your child's inseam and compare that to the bikes seat range. Your child should have 1" of clearance below their crotch area and the seat.
Here's a little background on the various materials that balance bikes are made out of:
Wooden Balance Bikes
Wooden balance bikes in almost all cases are made out of baltic birch plywood of various numbers of layers that are glued together. This method of using a plywood for the bike is far better that say using a solid piece of wood that is susceptible to warpage and cracking. Birch is used due to its lightness yet very strong, durable and is a renewable resource. Common balance bikes that are made out of wood are Smart Gear bikes, ZUM balance bike, Wishbone Designs Bike and Kiddimoto balance bikes. Wood balance bikes weigh anywhere from 9-12 lbs. There are many people that believe these wooden balance bikes will warp easy. This is not necessarily true - the 10-12 ply baltic birch plywood construction and clear sealer protects from the affects of mild exposure to water - although bikes should not be left out in the rain.
Metal Balance Bikes
Metal balance bikes are typically either made out of lightweight steel or aluminum. These metal balance bikes are made using tube steel or aluminum and welded together to from a frame. You can gauge the quality of the manufacturer by examining the welds on the bike. Depending on the thickness of the steel used both aluminum and steel frames often weigh the same. Strider balance bikes are made of a thin-wall steel and weighs approx. 6.9 lbs while the aluminum frame Kinderbike Laufrad E Series weighs in at about 8.1 lbs. Other metal balance bikes usually weigh between 8 and 12 lbs. AS you are aware, steel bikes should not be left out in the rain for extended periods of time due to risk of corrosion which will affect the performance of the bike. The handlebars and seat posts attach to the frames in the same way a regular bike does.
Composite Bikes and Plastic Balance Bikes
Composite bikes are injection molded bikes made up of plastic resins and in some cases mesh material for strength. These should not be confused with a some injection molded plastic toys whereas the materials are composed differently and are not of the same strength and durability as injection molded composite bikes. Bikes made of this material will resist warping, cracking and corrosion and will be of weight a little less than a wood or metal bike but not that significant.
One of the only injection molded composite balance bikes available in the USA is the FirstBike.
Summary
It is our belief that the 3 materials mentioned above create a product that will truly benefit your child and teach he/she to transition to a pedal bike while gaining confidence, coordination of happiness. The most important feature to look for when buying your child a balance bike is the fit. You want to make sure you measure your child's inseam and compare that to the bikes seat range. Your child should have 1" of clearance below their crotch area and the seat.
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