Today there are many attractive balance bikes available in the market for your kids. However, when I came to know about the hobby balance bikes I was very surprised and convinced. It seems likes any “real” bike. Also, its unique features make it different and distinguished from the other balance bikes. For a 2.5 year old kid it is a perfect choice. The hobby bike grows with the child as his skills improve. Every person knows that to ride a bicycle at an early stage is a great achievement for any child. No doubt, it is better to learn riding a bicycle at a younger age but to learn riding a hobby-bike at an early age builds confidence and dexterity in a child as he develops significant motor skills in this age. Remember that a child develops some of his physical abilities like steering, balance, coordination and pedaling on a two-wheeler faster on a hobby-bike as compared to the bikes with training wheels on them.
The parents should not be scary in teaching their child on how to ride a hobby balance bike. The three steps to learn riding a hobby balance bike are:
- To Balance- In this the knees should be slightly bent with the two feet flat when seated. In this way a child can push or swing freely or run and stop a fall in any situation. Your child can also shore downhill and gently learn to move up the feet. In this way a child can control and balance the bike while in motion. There is also a hand brake but the bike can be controlled and stopped using both the feet for safety.
- To Steer- Once the child learns to balance, the next step is to steer the hobby-bike sideways.
- To Pedal- Once the above two steps are cleared, learn the pedal system. A child can enhance the bio-mechanical efficiency by raising a bike’s position.
Now, I would like to emphasize on the reasons why I love hobby-bikes the most amongst all bikes. Firstly, it has very lightweight. As a result it can be comfortably taken to the park without any problem. Secondly, the stylish look of the bike attracts many others as it looks like any “big boy bike”. However, there are many other bikes that are made of wood but do not attract a child. Apart from this, there is a small little mascot that attaches to the bike’s handlebars so as to offer your child a small pal if he wishes. I would definitely say that riding a hobby-balance bike builds confidence in him at a very early age to know different motor skills. At last the major reason to love this bike is the simple pedal attachment provided in it to convert the bike from a balance bike to pedal bike as required. Once your child has learnt the art of balancing the bike, do not purchase any other bike; simply add the chain and pedals. The handlebars and seat is also adjustable. So, a Hobby Bike balance bike is a fantastic bike and there is no reason in not buying it for your child.
The idea is brilliant, and all is good as long as the pedal mechanism works well (which we didn't get to adding until a year later), which in our case does not work and which a bike shop said they could not fix!!!!
It is a fine a bit heavy) balance bike, and a non functional bike (chain keeps coming off- a design and manufacturing defect). I hope they respond to my emails soon, as my son was soooo disappointed that his pedals didn't work.
Posted by: sr | 09/05/2011 at 11:33 PM