Small Rider Balance Bike Review
Balance bikes are a relatively new type of training technique for early childhood. They can provide excellent support for a developing body and become an excellent equipment for full physical development. However, before choosing a specific model, it is useful to study the reviews on Small Rider balance bikes.
Consumer assessments
These devices are highly regarded by the audience. They are praised as suitable adaptations for younger preschool children. Even the most active toddlers will be completely satisfied. The positive properties of such equipment are considered to be its lightness and convenience. The designs are quite simple and show themselves well even when they are taken "for growth."
As the practice of using Small Rider products shows, they are no more dangerous than ordinary bicycles with safety wheels and parental handles. If a manufacturer claims that a product is designed for the smallest children, then this promise is guaranteed to come true. A number of models are designed to be suspended from a stroller. The seats only seem hard - in fact, no injuries or even bruises should be feared.
Other positive properties include:
- thoughtful and balanced design;
- excellent assembly;
- strength and stability even with intensive use.
Of the minuses, users note that a number of models of aluminum and plastic balance bikes cannot be assembled without the use of specialized tools.
Models
Consider the most popular models of the Small Rider brand
Roadster 2 Air Plus
A promising top-end modification. In the second generation, engineers were able to finally cope with the "childhood diseases" of the first generation and create magnificent devices. They are ideal for children from 2 to 5 years old.The developers have even provided for a special version that does not have brakes. Such products are lighter than conventional ones and can be useful even for children who, for physical reasons, cannot squeeze the brakes themselves.
Attractive features include:
- lightness and wide wheel width;
- frame made of carefully selected aluminum alloy;
- lightweight reversal mechanism;
- branded, carefully designed handles;
- illumination of wheels with LEDs;
- the presence of a footboard and miniature mudguards;
- bright and juicy colors.
There is even a speaker and the ability to simulate the "roar of a motor". Scrolling the knob that launches the acoustic motorcycle simulation is very easy.
Neon
Alternatively, you can consider the Neon model. As in the previous version, very bright colors are used here. The sports seat reaches a large size. Importantly, it will be possible to adjust its height even without a key. The steering wheel is also sporty, which makes the balance bike more comfortable than competing products. The distance from the ground to the lower edge of the seat is 0.34-0.44 m. The steering wheel is raised to a height of 0.65 m. The total weight of the structure is 4 kg.
Eva
It is also useful to take a closer look at the Eva model. This is also a lightweight aluminum balance bike, but designed for children from 3 to 6 years old. Given the increased activity of children at this age, it is not surprising that the manufacturer only gives a 6-month warranty. At the same time, in terms of functionality, the device is not inferior to other versions. The manufacturer declares that it is distinguished by its maneuverability and increased reliability of the wheels.
Both the seat and the steering wheel can be adjusted to the required parameters without a key. The seat is extra soft and extremely comfortable. The dimensions of the balance bike are 0.83x0.42x0.58 m.
Jimmy
If you need to buy a balance bike, Jimmy naturally attracts attention. This tricycle device is very lightweight and is suitable for children from 1 to 3 years old.
It is not in vain that the designers rely on the "wheelchair" concept - it allows them to take into account the needs and maximize the safety of the kids, "growing up" with them. The gurney mode does not allow balancing, but it gives an excellent opportunity to practice technical skills - this leg workout allows you to learn to walk more quickly. The distance between the rear wheels is 0.16 m, and the weight of the structure is 2.5 kg.
Foot racer air
The balance bike (especially the second generation of this model) looks very nice and graceful. Thanks to the aluminum frame, maximum lightness of the structure can be ensured. The metallic paint has improved the look.
Of course, the engineers took care of the ability to adjust the steering wheel and seat without special tools. The size of the inflatable wheels is 12 inches.
Tornado
The Tornado is also worth a look. It fully lives up to its name, allowing children to rush on a hard surface like little tornadoes. An important feature of the model (corresponding to the spirit of the brand as a whole) will be bright and juicy colored wheels.
When designing the device, the designers proceeded from the sporty style. Wheels are made of reliable polyvinyl chloride, rubber handles are maximally ergonomic.
Prestige Pro
Among the children's Chinese balance bikes, the Pro model stands out favorably. Rather - Prestige Pro. The manufacturer declares that this version is characterized not only by excellent quality, but also by an unusually graceful appearance. Both the steering wheel and the wheels turn very easily and freely. The product is geometrically well balanced.
The atypical “square” frame geometry has improved the aesthetic qualities of the balance bike. Along the way, another problem was solved: it became much easier to transfer the transport by the frame. The 12 ”wheels are very wide and designed for maximum comfort. It is not difficult to drive both on the asphalt and on the lawn. Maneuvering during acceleration is not a problem.
Drive 2 Air
And another version from the eminent concern - Drive 2 Air - is also deservedly included in the lists of the best models on the market. The combination of beauty and functionality turns out to be an important achievement. The use of a special mechanism using bearings helped to facilitate the turns of the steering wheel. Even after long periods of riding, the ergonomic steering wheel will not cause any particular inconvenience to children.
It is noted that PVC wheels run very quietly, and inflatable rubber tires do not differ in appearance from the wheels of a full-fledged bicycle.
Selection recommendations
Despite the appeal of the various models from Small Rider, it is clear that only one version has to be chosen.
- The so-called step size is of decisive importance. The leg is measured from the very top to the foot with a tailor's tape. It is necessary to subtract 0.02-0.03 m from its height - this will be the rational seat height above the ground in the lowest position. If it is larger, children will not be able to reach and push off or maintain balance.
- The weight of the structure is also important.... It is selected in such a way that the children could independently raise the balance bike and move it to a new place. At the same time, a sufficiently light product will not provoke serious injuries when falling onto a rider.
- Airless tires only suitable for driving in parks and other areas with good hard surface. If you have to travel not only there, it is better to choose a model with inflatable wheels.
For an overview of the Small Rider Roadster AIR balance bike, see the next video.