What's the requirement with the coaster brake? It has a front and rear brake, I would have thought that would be sufficient.
That is ridiculous. Only cashed up fools would buy that.
How have other people gone with brakes, or more importantly the transition to a pedal bike?
Al..
How have other people gone with brakes, or more importantly the transition to a pedal bike?
There seems to be a few brands using these. I worked in a bike shop so got one, also had a Byke with a brake I thought would be cool, and it would, but all brakes are too stiff for toddlers anyway I think(maybe not). The Byke weighed twice the weight of the Cruzee/Jet Black/strider? and had no chainstays to put feet on, so I sold it off. Also got a Giant throw out that I'll keep, but it too is twice as heavy. I'd like a Specialized or Comencal when she's more into for the better foot placement but doubt I'll bother.One of my little fellas has one of these, had it for around 10 months.
Pros:
seriously light (under 2kg), he can tote it round where ever he likes
smooth sealed wheel bearings, spin beautifully
very low stand over as well, had him on it at age 2
no steering limiter, when he hits deck the handlebars are flat on the ground
easily adjustable seat and bar height
Cons:
has plastic bushings where the headset should be so will wait and see how long that lasts,
plastic wheels have been ok so far but could be a durability issue,
solid tyres are wearing but they can be replaced with regular tubed versions.
Look for a cruzee second hand. I'm thinking Cruzee for first year then upgrade to something else, maybe with brake and better foot rests. Or straight to pedals like some of the lucky parents above.I'm in the market and am short listing the DK and cruzee. Can't make up my mind, sigh
I'm in the market and am short listing the DK and cruzee. Can't make up my mind, sigh
I'm at the same stage and torn. Just found today one lbs has a red Cruzee on the floor at a very attractive price. So it's the sort of thing that I could justify buying it and then getting the DK when he turns 2ish. He is currently 14mo and I think he could use the Cruzee at 16-17mo as he already has a decent go of the Kmart ones but they are a bit high and heavy.
I too was concerned about most of these balance bikes not having brakes but my daughter stopped just fine with the two great big brake pads that come on he bottom of shoes. Transition to pedal bike with coaster brake was a few hours before completely confident down hills.
I also find that most 2-3 year olds can't use calliper brakes effectively anyway as most of them are poor quality.