Over at Bike Shop Hub, a site supporter and a darn near close name, the talk of balance bikes was brought back up. Many thoughts are racing between my ears currently, but before I say anything outlandish or make claims I can’t support by test data, I want to ask you all some questions.
Questions for you
- Do you feel your children needed training wheels?
- Do you have fear for your children?
- How outside of the box can most parents think?
My kids didn’t ever ride with training wheels–we just waited for them to want to ride, and then took them to a big empty parking lot to practice. They all learned to ride the same they decided they wanted to.
I think I’d be more inclined to take pedals off a real bike temporarily than buy a balance bike–but either one seems more appealing than training wheels.
Posted by MarvinK | 25. Jun, 2010, 9:33 pmI like the idea of balance bikes. If they are still around when I have grandkids, I will get them one.
Alos, even though the websites both have Bike Shop at the front, anyone who is having trouble telling a girl from a hub needs to get out more. A lot more.
Posted by Triangle Bicycle Commuter | 28. Jun, 2010, 9:54 amI work in a bike shop and try to explain the benefits of balance bikes to parents but most seem content with thier children riding a pedal bike with training wheels until they are 8 .I feel bad for the kids.I think balance bikes are a great learning tool. Training wheels just cause dependence for the child.
Posted by flatblackcapo | 03. Jul, 2010, 7:39 pm