Instead, the design encourages kids to lift their little legs when they want to move forward - just as they would on a normal bike.

With a low center of gravity and an easy step-through frame design, the Original Banana-shaped bicycle frame design is the ideal balance bike for 2, 3, 4, or 5-year-old children to have fun on their outdoor adventures and feel a sense of freedom and responsibility. Another useful feature is that there are stoppers on the turning circle of the handlebar, so it cannot be turned to 90 degrees, which would inevitably cause crashes, frustration, and tantrums. FLEXIBLE SIZING - The adjustable seat and handlebar accommodate children ages from 2 to 5 years, with a seat height that can be adjusted on the go from 32cm up to 44cm with quick release clamp. The Woom 1 offers an upright riding position that’s comfortable for most kids, as well as a very low stand-over height of 7 inches (the same stand-over height as on our top pick, the Guardian Balance Bike). Don’t push kids on their bike or hold them up by the handlebars—it’s important that they learn to propel themselves first by walking, and that they correct any tipping themselves.

He tried them on pavement, in dirt, and on gravel, in rain and sunshine, and quickly developed favorites. In some cases, the manufacturer/ supplier may require to see the item(s) before repair or replacement can take place. All three Banana Bike models are almost identical in size and are all a great fit for kids with inseams ranging from 13″ – 18″. For the newest LT model, we've improved the wheels and wheel set up, which was already, lightweight and strong.

It’s heavy enough to be grounded for fast turns but light enough to accommodate kids of all ages, it has a handbrake that slows both the front and back wheels, it’s equipped with a steering limiter for safety, and it has an appealing, flashy design, with shiny, bright paint and crisp logos. The GT Banana Bike is a breeze to put together, and it won’t take you more than a few minutes to get it up and running. If the item comes direct from a manufacturer, it may be delivered in non-retail packaging, such as a plain or unprinted box or plastic bag. While slightly heavier, at 8 lbs, the GT is still respectably lightweight and should be manageable for all but the very, very tiniest riders. This makes it feasible for your child to ride until age 4 or 5, though by that time they’ll be pretty cramped on the bike.

The GT bike features an adjustable handlebar and seat, making it easy to customize for your child’s size. Where incorrect assembly occurs or use of non-recommended parts, or third-party accessories not compatible with the original design are used. Even at the minimum seat height, all models have plenty of ground clearance with over 4″ of room between the bottom of the post and the ground.

But if you anticipate your child becoming more adventurous on their bike as they age and you plan on purchasing a bike with foam tires, then we would go for the LTF model. Though the steel-framed Banana Bike GT offers two of the most important features for beginning riders—a low-enough stand-over height of 8 inches and light weight of 6. Over the years we have found that kids who lean more towards the adventurous side tend to use footrests more than kids who are slightly more timid.Jenni’s son loved this bike even more than the Strider 12 Sport he had been riding for years, and it was the hottest ticket at the bike party. To provide a more stable riding experience for older and taller riders, the Banana Bike has a longer wheelbase (measurement between the front and rear axle of the bike), measuring 22″.