Advantages:

• Adjustable seat (not tool-free, though)
• Brakes
• Three-year warranty

Disadvantages:

• The instructions could have been a lot better
• Handlebar not adjustable

If you're reading this, then I think you already know what a balance bike is. And you also know that training wheels don't really help kids ride a bicycle. They just make them think they're riding a bicycle. The Kettler Sprint Balance Bike is a bike you'd want your children to have. The instructions are terrible, but aren't a serious disadvantage. And if the fixed-height handlebar doesn't bother you, this bike could be the perfect gift for your kid.

You won't have to worry about the safety of your child when you buy the Kettler Sprint Balance Bike. The manufacturer made sure that little fingers won't get stuck anywhere. The paint is non-toxic. The bike has a low-step frame design. Your kid will be able to get on and off easily, which minimizes the risk of falling. The padded saddle is height adjustable, so it grows with the child. This balance bike also has a rear wheel brake.

In addition to the "Flames" color at the beginning of this article, the Kettler balance bike is also available in three colors: "Princess", "Original" and "Frog". You can order any of the four colors from Amazon.

Click on a thumbnail for a larger view. Press arrow keys or click on the left/right of the picture to see previous/next one.

Kettler Sprint Balance Bike Product Specifications:

• Tires : Tubeless Air Tires
• Frame Material : Steel
• Weight : ~14 lbs (6.4 Kg)
• Wheels : Sealed Ball Bearing
• Paint : Lead Free
• Adjustable Seat : Height & Tilt
  
• Weight Limit : 100 lbs (45.5 Kg)
• Warranty : 3 Years
  
• Brakes : Yes
• Foot Pegs : No

Don't forget to buy your kid a helmet, too. It not only protects their head if they fall, it also sends them a message that it's cool to be safe. Which increases the chance that they will also wear a helmet when they get their first real bike. Later in life, you won't want them riding a bike without a helmet! Choose a little cool helmet here.

Buy the Kettler Sprint Balance Bike from Amazon.

Advantages:

• Lifetime warranty
• Foot pegs
• Tool-free seat height adjustment
• Adjustable handlebars
• Brakes
• Weighs 8 lbs (3.6 Kg) only

Disadvantages:

• I honestly couldn't find anything bad in this balance bike

Some people say that nothing is perfect. But if there was a perfect balance bike, the Mini Glider would be the most likely candidate. You'll like its high quality. And you'll also like how the manufacturer payed attention to details. The quick release, tool free seat adjustment is more than welcome. And unlike other training/balance bikes, the foot peg and brakes are standard features of the Mini Glider.

To keep from disorienting (and possibly injuring) our little ones, the Mini Glider has a steering limit. Also for safety purposes, this balance bike has a rear wheel brake only. The brake lever is on the right-hand side of the handlebars. Also, the height of the handlebars can be adjusted.

The Mini Glider weighs only 8 pounds (3.6 Kg), which makes it very easy for our kids to maneuver, and even lift the bike without the risk of injury. And at a certain age, even carrying it won't be a problem. The light weight of the Mini Glider also means that you pay less for shipping. And after you receive the bike, it's very easy to assemble. The tool is included in the box, so you don't have to worry about having the right tool for the job.

Currently, the Mini Glider balance bike is available in three colors: blue, pink and red. At the time of writing, all three colors are available at Amazon.

Click on a thumbnail for a larger view. Press arrow keys or click on the left/right of the picture to see previous/next one.

And some photos of the Mini Glider in action:

Click on a thumbnail for a larger view. Press arrow keys or click on the left/right of the picture to see previous/next one.

PV Glider Mini Glider Product Specifications:

• Tires : Eva Foam (no flat tires)
• Frame Material : 6061 Alloy
• Weight : 8 LBS (3.6 Kg)
• Wheels : Composite Ball Bearing
• Paint : Lead Free, Bright Metallic (Blue, Pink, Red)
• Adjustable Seat Height
• Adjustable Handlebars
• Seat Adjustment : Quick Release, Tool Free
• Weight Limit : 100 lbs (45.5 Kg)
• Warranty : Lifetime
• Brakes : Yes
• Foot Pegs : Yes

If you want your kid to ride a bike, the Mini Glider is the perfect bike. Forget about "training" wheels. These do more harm than good, since kids don't learn to balance with them. Instead they become dependent on them. It's like helping your children do their homework by doing their homework for them. The Mini Glider could teach them to balance in days.

With a price of $100-120, a lifetime warranty and several years of fun, this bike is a steal. I can't recommend it enough! You can buy it here. Your kid will thank you later!