We have had such a time trying to teach our 5 1/2 year old to ride a bike. I’m not even talking about a two wheeler, I’m talking about a bike with training wheels.
After tipping his bike over one time 2 years ago he has been scared to death to ride ever since. When we can convince him to get on his bike and practice he always rides leaning over to one side. Not only does leaning that way make it difficult for him to ride, it is also dangerous. He can’t round a corner without tipping over.
That is why several weeks ago I began looking around for a balance bike for Big Brother. Then I remembered that Joovy makes balance bikes!
Joovy’s balance bike, called the “Bicycoo“, comes in two different styles.
The Bicycoo….
And the BicycooBMX…
I chose to go with the Joovy BicycooBMX in blue. I knew both boys would like this style and color.
Here is a short description of the BicycooBMX from Joovy:
The Joovy BicycooBMX is a durable, well designed balance bike for kids 3 years and above. The frame is made of aluminum so it is strong and lightweight just like high-end bikes. The lightweight frame makes controlling the bike much easier for kids, unlike the heavy wooden and steel versions. The tires are pneumatic (air) and refillable. Many balance bikes on the market use EVA plastic tires which are cheaper and wear out much quicker than these rubber tires used on the Joovy BicycooBMX. The suspension qualities of pneumatic tires give kids a much smoother ride. There is also a hand brake for the rear tire.
The Bicycoo arrived mostly put together. I only had to attach the front wheel and handlebars–which despite very clear instructions I managed to put on backwards the first time around. 🙂
Though the balance bike says 3 years and above, Little Brother (2 1/2 years) was very eager to try it out. I was very eager to let him. The seat is adjustable and is the perfect fit for Little Brother on the lowest setting. It is also light enough that he can pick it up and maneuver it with ease.
He’s been a little nervous about riding. He’s a pretty cautious little guy and hasn’t ridden anything larger than the PlasmaCar by himself. Yesterday was his 4th time riding, and he was just starting to get confident enough to go at more than walking pace.
Big Brother, on the other hand, has come leaps and bounds since he started riding the Joovy BicycooBMX. At 5 1/2 you can tell Big Brother is at the very top end of height for this bike. I put the seat all the way up for him. The only part on the bike that really is kind of small for him is the saddle (the seat). He has complained occasionally that it is not comfortable. The saddle on the original Bicycoo looks like it might be a bit bigger.
The first day he rode he pretty much walked the bike. Now, he goes faster on the balance bike than he goes on his bike with training wheels.
Here is a little video of Big Brother’s progress:
For more info on the benefits of starting your child on a balance bike check out Balancing Your Child’s Way to Ride a Bike on the Joovy Blog.
The Joovy Bicycoo can be purchased on the Joovy website for $149.99. The Joovy BicycooBMX can be purchased for $139.99.
You can also purchase the Joovy Bicycoo and Joovy BicycooBMX on Amazon
Disclosure: I received a Bicycoo from Joovy, at no cost to myself, for review purposes. The opinions expressed are honest and are entirely my own.
About Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom
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