Lyla can ride a bike without stabilizers..well…just about..she’s got the balance and the pedaling no problem but she cant seem to steer very well or start or stop due to the sheer weight of her teeny tiny bike. It is HEAVY!
The first feeling of freedom that being able to ride your own bike gives you is amazing and one of my first memories is riding my bike for the first time with no stabilisers.
THE ISLA BIKE
Word on the street is that the ultimate first kids bike is the Islabike
I know a few people who’s children can ride these bikes without stabilisers at 3 years old. Which I think its pretty impressive. The thing about the Islabikes is that they are so light compared to other first bikes of a similar size.
The first bike they do with pedals is the Cnoc14 which is only 6.1kg amongst other things that you can check out on the spec on the website.
The other key thing worth noting about this fantastic bike is the price which is £249.99. Which we can’t afford, although if we were richer I definitely would as I think its well worth it. They also re-sell really well. You can’t pick one up second hand for less than £150 so really are worth it if you can afford it.
I did a bit of research to see if I could find some other lighter bikes to look out for second hand.
I looked at ‘First Bikes’; 12″ & 14″ wheels, suitable for average ages 2½ up to 5. You need to really measure your child’s inside leg measurement for the right size in each different brand of bike as they seem to range by quite a lot and there is definitely no standard sizing from what I can tell.
We have a Giant Little Puddin, (12 inch) and it feels so heavy
Their website says ‘The most accurate way to determine any bike’s weight is to have your local dealer weigh it for you. Many brands strive to list the lowest possible weight, but in reality weight can vary based on size, finish, hardware and accessories. All Giant bikes are designed for best-in-class weight and ride quality.’
If fact it was quite hard to find the weights of bikes. Raleigh and specialized don’t have weights for their first bikes on their websites and never replied to my tweet.
The ridgeback Honey is 14 inches is 18.5 pounds is which is 8.39 kilograms. Over 2kg heavier than the Islabike.
http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/Honey
http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/jnr/bella
Starts at 16 inch at weighs in at 8.6kg
FROG BIKES
The only bike I found that even came in close was the Frog Bike
https://www.frogbikes.com/lightweight-kids-bikes/first-pedal-bikes/frog43.aspx
6.7kg- So the next lightest by far compared to Islabikes 6.1kg and cheaper retailing at £190. £60 cheaper than the Islabike. They also have a wider range of colours and ‘leapfrog’ which is a second hand scheme where you can trade in your old bike to any Frog Bike stockist when it is outgrown and people can see listed pre-loved Frog bikes on their website.
supermum and other disguises 
Yes!! Thanks for this!!
LikeLike
You are welcome!
LikeLike