Cycle Sprog were at the Trade Day of the 2016 Cycle Show, on the hunt for what’s new and exciting in the world of family cycling. We were really pleased to see so many stands have a balance bike or two on display. Here’s our summary of new developments in the world of balance bikes, as well as some old favourites.
Kiddimoto Karbon balance bike
This was by far the most expensive balance bike at the show! Kiddimoto were proudly launching their new carbon fibre balance bike, which retails at £999.99 and weighs next to nothing. We felt that this required an article of its own – Kiddimoto Karbon carbon fibre balance bike.
Early Rider balance bikes
Early Rider balance bikes are beautifully designed and well built, so it was great to see the entire range together in one place.
We recently featured both the Early Rider Road Runner and Bonsai in our “5 most desirable balance bikes” article, so it was great to see people admiring them (and hopefully agreeing with our opinion!).
With it’s drop handlebars and raw metallic finish, the Early Rider Road Runner 14″ is simply stunning to look at. It’s been on the market for some time now and is available online at Evans Cycles and at many independent bike shops across the UK.
The Bonsai, with it’s single sided swing arm at the rear is beautiful to look at close up.
Again, this is an established model, and is available to buy from Chain Reaction Cycles and many independent bike shops throughout the UK.
Wishbone 3 in 1 balance bike
Balance bikes really are proving a fertile ground for innovation at the moment, and it was good to see the Wishbone balance bikes on display.
Available as either ‘3-in-1’ or ‘2-in-1’ models, these bikes cleverly grow with your child so that one bike can go from a trike to a small balance bike to a taller bike. This also featured in our “5 most desirable balance bikes” article as we love the way the new model is made from reclaimed carpet fibres rather than virgin materials.
The Wishbone bikes can be customised with seat pads and stickers, all of which are available at Tredz bikes
Kiddimoto BMX and MTB style balance bikes
With the Karbon stealing the show, it was easy to overlook the fact that Kiddimoto have other new ranges coming out soon. Available in time for Christmas will be a BMX style balance bike (available in blue or red) and a mountain style balance bike (available in black or orange and pictured here with the forks the wrong way round after a rack failure – Kiddimoto not at fault!).
Both balance bikes have a lightweight alloy frame with a dual bar system which improves stability for more adventurous riders. Both the BMX and MTB version have pneumatic tyres with a cool retro white wall look. A quick release seatpost helps make height adjustments on the go easy. The BMX balance bike, which we did not see, comes equipped with classic BMX style handlebars, whilst the mountain bike version comes with straight bars.
Both the MTB and BMX balance bikes will have an RRP of £120 when released by Kiddimoto in November.
Kiddimoto Valentino Rossi Balance Bike Range
The Valentino Rossi range has taken over a year to get over the finish line, but finally it’s been signed off by the legendary motorcyclist and will be available in the wooden balance bike (which resembles a small motorbike) and the more traditional balance bike style, which was on display at the show. Emblazoned with Rossi’s trademark number 46, it should be a hit with kids and motorcycle fanatics alike.
A full complement of accessories (helmet, gloves and bell) in the Rossi Sun and Moon Design are available to complete the look.
The Kiddimoto Valentino Rossi range is due to launch November 2016.
BMW Balance Bikes
Whilst BMW are mainly known for cars and motorcycles, they also have a range of bikes and these were on display at the Cycle Show.
The BMW Kidsbike starts off its life as a balance bike, but as your child grows its possible to fit pedals (supplied at time of purchase).
This means the bike can last from age 2 up to about 5 or 6 years of age.
The BMW Kidsbike retails for £299 and is sold via their dealer network and online via Amazon
Cubie Action Team Balance Bike
Cube brought their full range of kids bikes to the 2016 Cycle Show. Their smallest offering is the Cubie Action Team balance bike, which uses the same red and blue colour scheme as the Cube sponsored Enduro World Series Team.
Cube have also sponsored the kids test track, so wanna-be riders will be able to try them out and have some fun!
The Cubie balance bike has an RRP of £119.99 and is available online and at local bike shops.
Islabikes Rothan
Over at the Islabikes stand the big news was about the new Pro Series and the launch of the Imagine Project. However, their Rothan balance bikes were situated at the front of the standard range display, showing their commitment to getting children cycling from a young age. Plus if you can get a 2 year old hooked on cycling they could be loyal customers for well over a decade.
More details of the Islabikes Rothan (£149.99) are available on the Islabikes website.
It was great to see so many balance bikes at the 2016 Cycle Show. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to see everyone, so there will have been some we missed.
To see our other write ups on the 2016 Cycle Show, click here
You may find these other articles useful:
- 20% discount code for 2022 Cycle Show
- What is a balance bike?
- 9 things to consider when buying a balance bike for your child
- Choosing the best balance bike for your child (a closer look at the makes and models available)
- The best balance bikes as recommended by parents
- Are these the 5 most desireable balance bikes ever?
- Islabikes Rothan 12 balance bike review
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