Advice wanted: best balance bike for 2 year old

[localyocal]

I have a very active 2 year old girl who would like a balance bike. Any recommendations for the best type of balance bike for her gratefully received!

Thanks

[vch]

Our son first had a wooden balance bike that was really nice to look at, but got too heavy to carry around the park when he didn't want to ride around anymore. Then we wised up and got him an Islabike Rothan. Can't fault the bikes as they're lightweight and easy for little ones to handle. Once he got the hang of it, he easily transitioned to a pedal bike. The downside is that they're a bit more expensive, though they do retain their resale value.

You could also try out the Strider bikes at the Herne Hill Velodrome when they have balance bike sessions to see how your daughter gets on with the Strider bikes.

Hope that helps!

[Jemmarc]

We have had an Islabike for both of ours too and it's great. Although we've been to the velodrome and

my son has had no problems with the strider bikes so they seem perfectly good too. I did hear a couple of toddlers whinging about the seats being uncomfortable/too hard but toddlers can find anything to moan about if they are having that sort of day.

I think the weight of the bike is really important. If you think of the weight as a percentage of the child's body weight some bikes are actually far too heavy. Equivalent of an adult lifting a 4 stone bike. Weight is also important if you are going to end up having to carry it around the park!

Hope that helps.

Recommend the sessions at the velodrome - it's just free time for them to ride around at that age but seeing others riding definitely motivates them.

[localyocal]

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond all of you. Some very useful information there! Think I will try an Islabike as they have such great praise and see how we get on from there. Lots of exciting park times to come!

[devsdev]

This site is very helpful: http://www.kidsbalancebikes.com/why-buy-balance-bike.html

We got a Firstbike which has been great (very adjustable). The Mini Micro bike looks very good too.

[Ris2011]

would anyone know what age the Scoot balance bikes are best for? Have anyone used one of these bikes?