February 21, 2010
Ask any bike shop and they will most likely tell you it’s never too soon. The sooner a child starts to learn how to balance, the better. I have heard parents tell stories of helping their children begin to learn balance by using small scooters, such as this one. Other alternatives include using a pedal-less push-along bike such as this bike – known as the Skuut Bike.
In this case, my niece is 2 years old and had yet to ride or try to balance on anything with two wheels. We considered buying something like the Skuut bike, but at half the cost of a pedal bike, and with the ability to “skuut along” using a pedal bike with training wheels, we decided the real bike would last longer and be something she could grow into. For toddler bikes with working pedals and a drive train, tires start at 12″ in size and are fully pneumatic.
Tire Size: Available in 12″ – 24″ Tires (12″ pictured)
12″ Frame Size: 338″ Stand-over Height
Material: Aluminum
12″ Price Point: $169.00 – $219.00
Paint Schemes: Lots to Choose From
This bike is solid. It’s built with the same craftsmanship any serious rider would expect from an adult’s mountain bike. That said, this machine is truly overbuilt. I’m 185 lbs and 6′ feet tall. I got on the bike and rode it around – lots – with no problems. Not even the slightest creaking sound. The welds are bold, big and nicely stacked. The chain is chunky and solid as are the front and rear hubs. Even the head set is beefy. Best of all, this bike has a nice long seat post allowing the child to grow into the bike thereby making much more sense in the investment as this bike can last for a child from 2 to maybe 5 years old. All said, this bike is expensive considering who’s going to be using it. It is certainly geared more toward parents that ride who are looking to get what they know is a “decent” bike to start their child riding. If it’s any importance to you, the paint schemes and details on these bikes are stellar and would inspire girls and boys alike to get excited for the bike as well as the ride. As for my niece, she was stoked to see this bike and made us push her around on it for quite a while.
If you are going to drop this kind of coin on a starter bike, you may be able to get the shop you buy the bike from to throw in a kid’s helmet at no cost. We did. In fact, it came with the bike and the shop proactively told us. They’ve got some great helmet designs to choose from that match the bikes and the helmets are serious duty – just like you’re used to on the trail (see pics at very bottom). Also, your kid is gonna look like a rock star on this bike. The paint is just that cool.
Hi!
I was looking through the web to find how much does 12″ Hotrock weigh. Could you be so kind give that information?
Thanks in advance!
Really good question. I never weighted it. I suggest calling Twenty20 Cycling in Hamden, MD. They have a 12″ on the floor and I am sure they will weight if you. Tell them I referred you. Phone: (443) 759-5620
Hotrock 12″ weighs in at about 6.9 kg (around 15.3 pounds).
Hotrock 12″ weigh in at about 6.9 kg (around 15.3 pounds).
Thanks!
Unless your children are taller than most, I would say the glide bikes (without pedals ) are a better option for kids ages 2-4.
In our neighborhood, we have all kinds of kids, and only the ones who start off with glide bikes, actually go on to ride real bikes.
The reason is they will get bored on one with training wheels before they learn or get interested in riding.
Both of my boys started with glide bikes before they were 2 years old, and now one is riding a pedal bike at the BMX race track. He just turned 5.
Training wheels are for 4-5 year olds if you are just starting out. Younger kids do not usually have the cordination to pedal and steer.
Just my pov.
Thanks Niko!
I highly recommend a glide or balance bike. They are much lighter – won’t hurt kid when it lands on them and easy for you to sling over your shoulder when kid gets tired.
My daughter switched from tricycle to running bike at 2.5 years and at 3.5 years could pedal a normal bike without ever using training wheels. My personal favorite is Strider bikes at 6.9 lbs. Your daughter may benefit from reduced front wheel swivel found on the Skutt Bike and many other wood running bikes.
Just make sure her knees are bent enough for her to get a good stride going with both feet on the ground.
Just Google balance bike for all the options.
Thanks Michele!
I purchased this bike for a 2 1/2 y/o. She loves it. The bike is great and strong. Love it! My husband and I both ride specialized and belong to COTT here in Ohio. This is a great starter bike. She will have it for a year or so. The money is worth it. Pays for itself. I didn’t have a bell put on yet. I didn’t want any distractions. She has had the bike now for about 2 months and we just rode to the playground. She is getting better everyday. Worth it!
That’s awesome. Nothing cooler than learning how to ride. Glad you guys are enjoying yourselves and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Get the glide bike first. Then he or she can go to a real bike without any need for training wheel. My kid just turned 3 and he picked up a real bike in seconds, because he had experience on a skuut. He rides tjis specialized 12″ pedal now. And he is a cautious kid. My younger kid is a daredevil and will prob be on it even earlier.
Or Stryder. Totally agree. Glad to hear your kids are ripping it up!
Thanks for the review. I thought the hotrock 12″ would be less than 15 lbs. I bought the trek jet 12″ used because I couldn’t find a used hotrock 12″. The trek weighs 18lbs but is steel. My daughter just turned 3 and she went from a strider(7lbs) to the trek jet without training wheels and could ride on her own the first day. Balance bikes are the way to start!!
Cheers,
Matthew
Thanks Matthew. That’s great to hear about your daughter! Tell her we said PEDAL HARD!