Carbon fibre balance bike goes on sale for £999.99

WARNING THIS POST CONTAINS FAKE NEWS:  Since writing this post it has come to light that the Kiddimoto Karbon is not the world’s lightest balance bike. To read about how we found this out click here.
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Regular readers of Cycle Sprog may recall that last year we got a sneak preview of Kiddimoto’s new carbon fibre balance bike at the 2016 Cycle Show. It was definitely VERY light (as our technical editor Chris demonstrates).

The thought of a carbon fibre balance bike was certainly pulling the crowds in, although the penny-off-a-grand price tag was resulting in a lot of watering eyes.

Since the unveiling last year, we’ve been waiting to find out when and where the Kiddimoto Karbon would go on sale, and this week it’s been announced that the Karbon is available exclusively at John Lewis for a price of £999.99

So, if you’re a lucky lottery winner, a premier football player or a Russian Oligarch what do you get for your money?

Firstly, you get your hands on what is claimed to be the world’s lightest balance bike – weighing in at just 350g.

Secondly you get a balance bike with the frame, forks and handlebars made from 3K carbon.

Your money also buys pneumatic tyres and a luxury gel saddle which has been designed to allow a child’s weight to be evenly distributed so you know your little one will have a lovely comfortable ride.   Please note that the bike will require some basic assembling by your staff on arrival.

There are no brakes on the Karbon, which is in line with other Kiddimoto balance bikes.

How light is a carbon fibre balance bike?

For those of you not certain how 350g compares to other balance bikes, then the Early Rider Road Runner which is made from lightweight aluminium with a carbon fibre seat post weighs in at 3.6kg.  Yes – that’s over 10 times heavier than the Karbon – and that’s a balance bike that’s traditionally be renowned as being lightweight.

The Islabikes Rothan (the standard in lightweight kids bikes) is 3.2kg (but has 12″ wheels whereas the Road Runner has 14″, but also comes with the additional weight of brakes)  Work out the sums, and the Rothan is 400g lighter than the Early Rider.  But the Karbon is only 350g in total!!!   

So, the Karbon is phenomenally light – your child will probably feel like they’re floating around rather than riding a balance bike.   Of course, it’s also about 6 times more expensive than both these bikes, and is a staggering 28 times more expensive than the perfectly functional Chicco balance bike which is an Amazon best seller at just £35.

But of course, if money’s no object, then with the Kiddimoto Karbon you’ll be gaining entry early for your child into the exclusive carbon fibre bike club – with years of fun (and expense) ahead of you.

For those of you with a more limited budget, but looking for something a bit different for your child, you may also like our article  “Are these the most desirable balance bikes?” which feature some grand examples of eye catching balance bikes.

Kiddimoto also do a range of much more reasonably priced wooden and metal balance bikes, in a huge range of colours and designs, with matching helmets and gloves to accessorise them.

The Kiddimoto Karbon balance bike is available exclusively at John Lewis for a price of £999.99

AN APOLOGY – THIS POST CONTAINS FAKE NEWS:  Since writing this post it has come to light that the Kiddimoto Karbon is not the world’s lightest balance bike. To read about how we found this out click here.

Other articles you may like:

• What is a balance bike?
• The best balance bikes as recommended by parents
• The best 12″ wheel first pedal bikes for ages 2 years and over
• 9 things to consider when buying a balance bike for your child
• Choosing the best balance bike for your child
• New Light Up Balance Bike released – The Phantom Ride
• Kidvelo to release two new balance-to-pedal bikes
• Kids bikes that will grow with your child

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This post was first published on 10th April 2017. It was updated on 26th April to make our readers aware that it contained inaccurate information.