Wood Vs Steel - Which Balance Bike is Best?

My answer is simple: it's your preference.

Balance bikes come with composite, wood and metal frames. Metal Bikes come in aluminum alloys or pure steel, which contributes to the total weight or weight capacity of the bike. Steel bikes are heavier and can rust easily when chipped. However, they can hold a heavier rider. Aluminum bikes have a lower weight capacity, but they are lighter. Wood bikes are environmentally friendly but are less adjustable than metal bikes.

Wooden Balance Bikes

Wooden bikes are constructed using various layers of birch plywood held together by bolts or screws, and glue. The advantage of using plywood is that plywood is not susceptible to cracking and warping.

The Baltic Birch is a preferably used because its lightness, durability, strength, and it is also a renewable resource. The lacquer veneer is used for finishing, this protects the bike from the mild effects of water exposure.

The lacquer veneer also prevents the wood from rotting. Although, the Birchwood is not a waterproof material, most bike manufacturers have taken the extra step and used marine-grade wood.

Wood bikes are usually Kiddimoto bike, ZUM balance bike, Smart Gear bikes and Wishbone Designs balance bikes. And they normally weigh approximately 9 to 12 lbs. Many manufacturers use non-toxic materials as an added safety feature for wooden bikes. If you want to know more about this type of bike, then you visit expert site like Balance Bike Lab.

Metal Balance Bikes

They are usually constructed using aluminum or lightweight steel welded together to form a frame.

Both steel frames and aluminum often weighs the same but this can vary depeding on the thickess. The Strider steel balance bikes weigh approximately 6.9 lbs. Aluminum framed Kinder-bike (Laufrad E-Series) weighs approximately 8.1 lbs. Steel is durable, but it’s susceptible to corrosion if exposed to water or rain.

The steel framed balance bikes are more durable while the wooden structure may not tolerate any hard impact. Therefore, wooden bikes are not an ideal bike for a kid who plans to use the bike for a ride or more adventurous pleasure trips.

The two materials mentioned above can produce a product which will really benefit your kid and teach him/her to shift to a balance bike while achieving confidence and coordination of happiness that comes with the joy of riding. The greatest feature to look for when purchasing your kid a balance bike is not only the material but also the fit.

5 Ways You Can Improve Your Kid’s Biking Skill

Photo Credit: Balance Bike Lab

There is a new bicycle that has been designed specifically to by-pass training wheels by incorporating a pedal-less and brake-less system,especially suited for kids. These bicycles offer separation of steering, and balancing from the different sets of skills that involve riding like pedaling and braking.

They give young kids the experience of balancing before they are ready for bikes with pedals.

Choosing The Right Balance Bike

A balance bike with a locked front wheel is the best for your kid to start out with. With a steering limiter on the front wheel and pneumatic tires, the bike has a wooden frame, and comes at very reasonable prices on the market. 

When Buying The Bike

Avoid buying a bike too big for your child, and assuming they will grow into it. Buy a bike that your child will be comfortable and have fun with. It should also have the right safety gear like a helmet and pads for the safety of the child while learning.

Eliminating The Use Of Training Wheels

The use of training wheels is not a bad idea at first as most of us learnt to ride a bike on them, but use them cautiously until your child is comfortable and ready to balance on his or her own then take them off.

Learning To Brake and Pedal

This can be quite tricky for the kids as they have been used to bikes with none of these systems, but it's all with steps. You can start by teaching them to break like pushing them off a small hill. This will create confidence before they are ready for pedaling.

Riding As A Unit

Kids can learn quickly when you ride as a family or you as their dad or mom goes out with them on your bike too. It gives them confidence as they learn and good for bonding. They will ultimately learn more quickly with you by their side.

Conclusion

So, if you hope to make your kid to enjoy the experience of learning to ride a bike, then these simple above steps will really go a long way to helping you. I have a three-year-old  son, and the joy that he exhibits when I ride with him. So, I hope this helps you too.