Balance Bike

The Cube Cubie 120 Walk balance bike is the very smallest bike in Cube’s extensive kids bike range.

A low standover height means it’s easy for little legs to get on and off and the tyres are “proper” pneumatics ones so they’re going to be grippy and comfortable for outside riding.

Cube have fitted a steering limiter to stop your little one getting into scrapes if they decide to turn the handlebars too quickly, and to help you carry the balance bike home when they’ve had enough for the day there’s a handle integrated into the seat.

We’ve not been able to review this particular bike but we’ve reviewed a number of larger Cube pedal bikes and have always been impressed with the German precision engineering and attention to detail.

The Hoy Napier balance bike is named after the Napier school yard where Sir Chris Hoy learned to ride his first bike. I guess you can’t get much better pedigree for a first bike than that!

The Napier is lightweight thanks to the aluminium tubes, has a saddle with a grab-rail to make it easier to carry when your child has had enough riding for one day, and there’s a stopper in the headset to stop over enthusiastic steering.

All the Hoy pedal bikes we’ve tested have performed really well, although we’ve not had a chance to put the Napier through it’s paces.

The woom 1 plus balance bike is sized for children aged between about three and a half to 5 years of age, with an inside leg measurement of between 36cm and 49cm, although all kids do vary in size so it’s best to measure them carefully.

This 14″ wheel balance bike comes with both front and rear brakes which is again quite unusual for balance bikes and helps with the step up to a pedal bike if and when the time is right.

One thing we like about the woom range is that they colour code the rear brake lever and the brake pads, so you can just tell your child to use the green brake. No confusing left/rights or front/backs.  This colour coding continues through their starter pedal bikes which is helpful.

If money is no object and you like spending it on toys for little people, then the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon balance bike is probably on your radar as one of the world’s most expensive, exclusive and lightweight balance bikes.

Specialized have taken all their experience of making really lightweight world champion winning adult bikes and dialled it all down into a tiny balance bike.

The frame, fork, handlebars and wheels on the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon balance bike are all made from carbon and there’s a handy carry handle for when your little one has had enough of riding it and someone needs to carry it home.

The Specialized Hotwalk balance bike has a very low frame, making it easy for young children to clamber on and off of it, regardless of what they’re wearing, or how long their legs are.

There’s a little ledge for putting feet on when scooting along and picking up speed, and the frame is lightweight aluminium making it reasonably easy to carry once they’ve had enough and you’re carrying home!

Sadly Forme bikes went out of business in March 2023, so these bikes are now only available secondhand.

If your Cycle Sprog wants the stylish look of a city bike, complete with a basket on the front, then the Forme Hartington balance bike is worth considering.  It comes in a choice of two pastel shades and has bell fitted too.

It’s not the lightest balance bike out there, because it’s made from steel, so do be aware that if your child is very small they may have a bit more difficulty moving this bike around.

For this reason the Forme Hartington balance bike is probably better suited to slightly older children who have the strength to pick it up and move it around, rather than the lower age limit of an 18 month year old.