Jennifer decided that it was time for Seth to get a real bike, not just a tricycle. We wanted to get him a 12 inch bike with training wheels. I figured that I would buy one at DI, but could not find one for quite a while. I started to think that I would buy one at Walmart or some place like that. I was looking online to check prices, when I saw the idea of a balance bike. Sometimes called a running bike or a no-pedal bike. Strider is one company that makes these bikes. The purpose of the balance bike is to teach kids to balance on two wheels. Training wheels do not do this. For more info for yourself check out these links.
The only problem with Strider bikes, is that they are over $100. Thus I continued the search at DI.
We purchased this little beauty for $3. It was pink and purple when we got it. We took the off the pedals, the chain and sprocket to make it into a balance bike. Then we took off the wheels and the seat. We painted the frame white. We painted the seat green. We took the spokes and axles out of the rims and painted the rims green too. The tubes were in good shape with no leaks, which is surprising for a DI bike.
It was the perfect size for Seth. He started out slow, and mostly just walked. With time he will get the hang of balancing and will lift his feet and cruise along. When he is tall enough he will move up to the 16 inch bike that we have. He won't need training wheels, because he will already know how to balance.
Carter got a new bike too. It's Seth's old bike. He is very happy to have it all to himself.
1 comment:
That is so interesting about the balance bike I think that is a great idea! Something to think about before buying Zenick a bike obviously in a few years!
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