What are the advantages of purchasing a KinderBike brand trainer vs other products on the market?

That's simple: Qaulity, price and customer service.  KinderBike trainers come standard with a lifetime warranty, compared to the industry standard of 1 year.  How?  All KinderBike trainers are made with quality components, similar to what you might find on a bicycle from an independent bicycle retailer.  KinderBike doesn't use plastic wheels and foam tires, plastic headsets, or clamps in lieu of proper collars.  Another advantage is that KinderBike trainers best prepare children for the transition to a regular bicycle.  Bicycles don't have steering limiters, foot pegs, or foot brakes.....neither do KinderBike trainers.  This means your child won't have to "re-learn" to steer or brake when he/she transitions to a regular bicycle.

Are there any advantages to metal vs. wooden balance bikes?

Yes.  Wooden bikes are much more susceptible to damage from the elements (sun, rain, snow, ice, heat, cold, etc).  As such, metal bikes are much more durable and practical and may be more apt to be handed down from one child to the next.  Wooden bikes were probably created as a novelty.

Why are your bikes so inexpensive when compared to similar products on the market?

Two reasons:  Firstly, we sell quite a few bikes which allows us to keep costs lower.  These cost savings are passed onto you.  Secondly, products purchased through our online store reflect direct pricing, exclusive of supply-chain wholesaler markup.  KinderBike products purchased through local retailers may be priced slightly higher.

What colors are available?

Trainers are available in red, blue and green.

What material are KinderBike trainers made from?

The frames of the Laufrad and Laufrad Mini models are made from 6061 aluminum alloy.  The Renner models are made from a combination of aluminum and lightweight steel. KinderBike trainers are some of the lightest balance bikes on the market.

I’ve heard of similar bikes that use turning limiters, which limit your child’s ability to steer and turn.  Do KinderBikes have this feature?

No.   For safety reasons, KinderBike trainers do not include that feature.  When your child is learning to ride a bike, they should learn all skills, especially steering.  One parent said it best when he wrote, "The time to learn proper steering is NOT when they’ve moved onto a standard bicycle that moves at significantly greater speeds.  Rather, they should learn to steer properly when their feet are at their sides and they can prevent a spill or fall."  There is a reason these bikes are called trainers.

Do you offer a model with a handbrake?

KinderBike trainers come standard with a handbrake so that young riders could begin to become familiar with the concept.  The Renner models are fitted with rear side-pull caliper brake systems so that children 4-5 years could begin to get the concept of braking.   According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, most children under the age of five generally do not have the hand strength or dexterity to use hand brakes.  The handbrake was to be used by older, stronger riders and afforded young riders an introduction to the concept that they will see on standard bicycles.  The Laufrad and Laufrad Mini are fitted with a linear-pull, rear V-brake system.  This is the best braking system in use today, predominantly on high end bicycles.  The linear-pull V-brake is even usable by the youngest of learners.  However, the primary method for stopping or slowing this, or any, balance trainer is with the child's feet.  Incidentally, the CPSC classifies balance trainers as ride-on toys, not bikes, since they have no pedals, chains or gears.  Generally speaking, ride-on toys do not include brakes for the reasons mentioned herein.

My child is just three years old and quite tall for his age.  Which KinderBike model is most appropriate for him?

Great question.  KinderBike trainers come in a wide range of sizes, styles and colors.  Neither age, nor child's height is a determining factor however.  In fact, it is the child's inseam that determines which trainer is best suited for a given child.  The child must be able to touch the ground with his/her feet to be able to push the trainer along.  Since each model has a different minimum/maximum saddle height, the child's inseam should fall within the range of the minimum/maximum saddle height of a given model.  For example, if your child's inseam is 12 inches, then either the Laufrad or Laufrad Mini would be appropriate, whereas the Renner saddle would be too high for your child to touch the ground.  Conversely, if your child's inseam is 15 inches, you would likely want to consider the Renner model since it has the highest saddle height and would allow your child to use it for a longer period.  The Laufrad Mini has a minimum seat height of 11" so it is usable by children with the smallest of inseams, followed by the Laufrad and then Renner models.  For detailed information on seat height range, please see our Model Chart for the various models, as well as our Features comparison.  The seats adjust quickly and easily and have full range of adjustment.

These balance trainers have been in Europe for several years.  Why are they just now becoming popular in the United States?

Interesting question.  Perhaps the concept is so simple that it has been overlooked.  Most experts agree that training wheels hinder a child’s ability to learn balance.  Up until now, there has been no other alternative.  For more information on how ride-on toys (balance trainers) play a vital role in child development, please see the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  link.

How long will it take my child to learn balance using the balance bike method?

It truly varies per child.  Some children figure it out in only an hour, while others may take a few days.  Either way children have fun while they’re learning and they continue to enjoy riding their trainers long after they switched to a standard bicycle.

My child is 6 years old and tall for his age.  Would you recommend these bikes?

We normally wouldn't recommend these bikes, since most six year-old children are likely too tall for a 12” bicycle.  Again, a simple inseam measurement will tell you.  However, an upcoming model (still under development and slated for release in March, 2010) is designed to accommodate older children.

Do you ship to PO Boxes?  What are the shipping dimensions?

We cannot ship to a PO box since FedEx does not allow it.  However, we can ship to a PMB mailbox (UPS Store, PakMail, Mailboxes Etc, Postnet, etc) since these are commercial mailboxes with a corresponding street address.  FedEx does allow shipments to these types of mailboxes.  If you are unsure, please check with the proprietor of place you are having it shipped to.  For the shipping dimensions for a specific model, click here.

Where can I find independent reviews of KinderBikes?

You will find independent review links by clicking Reviews (also found in the main page site header).