My son Ryan will be 5 in April. He’s a little mini daredevil and is good at athletic activities (unlike the rest of us in the family), so I knew he would be interested in riding a bike earlier than the other two were. Don’t get me wrong, they had little trikes and bikes with training wheels. But, Ryan sees his older siblings (14 & 10) on big kid bikes & being on a “baby bike” just isn’t good enough in his mind.
When I was asked to review the FirstBIKE Balance Bike, I jumped at the chance. I ordered Ryan the Street FirstBIKE in red. When the box arrived, he couldn’t wait for me to put it together. I worried that it would be difficult to put together but it really wasn’t! It took about 20 minutes to get it all together (might not have taken as long if there wasn’t “help” involved from Ryan lol “What’s this?” “Can I do that?” “Ryan! Bring the wheel back!” “That’s called an allen wrench and if you don’t bring it back, your bike will never get put together!”)
After putting the bike together, we took the FirstBIKE outside & I showed Ryan how to get on it. After that, he didn’t need any more help or prompting. The FirstBIKE Balance Bike let Ryan get the feel of a big kids bike but also helped to feel confident that he wasn’t going to tip over.
So, what makes the FirstBIKE Balance Bike different than a typical bike? Well, the first thing you will notice is that there are no pedals. This bike helps kids develop the skills to balance, like they would on a regular two-wheeler. But that’s not all that different. Here are some of my favorite features:
- Tools-free seat, which means you can adjust the seat up or down just by turning a knob, sliding the seat up or down & tightening the knob again
- The “horse saddle” shape is very comfortable, plus the shape of it ensures that a child won’t slip off when riding downhill
- The frame is flexible (but still very strong!) and that allows for shock-absorption and protection of your child’s spine
- The frame is made from a high-tech, injection-molded composite frame. It won’t scratch, splinter, swell or rust
- There is a hand-controlled rear drum SafetyStop™brake that ensures gentle & gradual braking. Plus, the braking power can be adjusted.
- There are no sharp edges or protruding screws anywhere on the bike
- There is a steering limiter in place so younger rides can’t over steer and fall
- The FirstBIKE Balance Bike eliminates the need for training wheels, which are actually counterproductive and do not support proper posture or spinal development
- FirstBIKE is designed for ages 22 months to 5 years. You can order the Lowkit™ lowering kit, which allows kids to ride FirstBIKE from an earlier age (starting from 22 months old).
- You can basically customize your bike since you can choose style, color, add a bell, basket, the lowering kit and even a MonoSki™ ski attachment!
I was worried that Ryan wouldn’t be able to brake but he got the hang of it real quick. Watch the video below to see his review on it but remember two things before you do. 1). He isn’t wearing a helmet and I am fully aware he needs pads & a helmet (buying those very soon!). 2). I am a moron that can’t turn her phone the correct way to take a video so sorry for that! I could redo it but I don’t think I’d get the same reaction and I love hearing him talk about his bike.
You can visit FirstBIKE on their site to check out all the styles, colors & accessories. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ & Youtube.
One very lucky reader will get a FirstBIKE of their own! You will get a Street Bike just like Ryan’s in your choice of color (Red, Green, Blue or Pink). This is a $160 value! Please enter below on the Rafflecopter & GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations to our winner, Kimberly!
Lori Thomas says
FirstBIKE is Accredited and Awarded Around The World
Jim Weaver says
The Bike has no pedals
Heather Hayes Panjon says
I Learned FirstBIKE Is The Perfect Training Bike For Kids Ages 2-5 !
Audra Weathers says
I learned that the frame is lightweight and won’t rust or splinter.
valerie says
that it was designed in germany. comes in so many cool colors
Jeanna says
I learned that this bike grows with your child until they are ready for pedals!
Katie Mack says
I love love love love this bike!
Stephanie Larison says
I learned that there’s no pedals on the bike
Tian A. says
I learned that FirstBike has development of balance feature; provides a no-stress method of learning to ride a bike
nicole barr says
a child should start riding a balance bike starting at age 2
Birdie Skolfield says
LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FRAME & FORK!
5-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL OTHER PARTS!
Angela Yeremenko says
The weatherproof frame doesn’t scratch, splinter, swell or rust.
Debbie F says
I didn’t realize that training wheels are counterproductive and do not support proper posture or spinal development. That is what I figured you should use.
Breenah says
It supports the child’s development and it’s no stress, which is always good!
Laura Jacobson says
Oh I learned that FirstBIKE is Accredited and Awarded Around The World!
Taryn Pasco says
I learned that this bike would be great for my 2 year old!
joanne gentry says
I like the non slip seat and the non slip safety grips…those are two things that are very important when little ones are learning! I love this bike, the look and the safety features..perfect for a new learner.
ken ohl says
love to win for my niece the non slip seat and safety grips sound great
Mahri-Lyn Stedwell says
LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FRAME & FORK!
5-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL OTHER PARTS!
Iain says
That video is priceless.
Why do you love the bike, “I love it because it doesn’t have those bike thing” meaning pedals.
Oh that is fantastic.
On another note, that bike does look like it is a very good buy for a kid. I mean he had no time breaking or balancing on it.
One he masters those, he will have no problem dealing with a big bike. He will be half way there already.
Thanks for the great review.
Tara says
Thanks, lain! He was able to brake the first time he tried it 🙂 He’s a natural!
Christina Howell says
I learned that the bike is extremely lightweight. Also that it is made up of igh-tech, injection-molded composite frame doesn’t scratch, splinter, swell, or rust like wood or metal frames (GFT™ frame is made of 30% glass fiber reinforced nylon composite).
Melissa G says
I love that you can get bikes with all sorts of different wheels! I like that they are designed by a cyclist.
Kerrie McLoughlin says
it’s the best bike for a kid 2-5, and i have a 3-year-old!
carol says
I learned about the low center of gravity that makes learning to ride much easier
Brandi Price says
The handlebar doesn’t fully rotate… helps keep direction.
Helga says
The hand brake has wonderful features like the rear controlled safety stop
renee walters says
I Learned FirstBIKE Is The Perfect Training Bike For Kids Ages 2-5! Thanks!