Best Bike Ever
Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage. I’ll bet you know exactly what your first bike looked like, right? Mine was a light blue, no-name hand-me-down from my cousin, but it worked. It wasn’t fancy and I definitely was not wearing a helmet — 80s kid through and through.
Times have changed; so let’s fast forward to having two kids of my own. O has been riding on two wheels for awhile now, but his old bike was seriously heavy and it was time to change it up. I did LOTS of research on bikes, mostly looking for a brand that was lightweight and designed specifically for kids. That’s when I came across Woom Bikes and fell in love with their passion for creating a product that just made sense.
There are a few things to consider when buying a bike for your kids:
Weight – a lightweight bike is going to be much easier to handle. Just a few pounds really makes a difference when it comes to the strength of our little ones. It should be more more than 35-40% of their body weight which makes an aluminum bike the best way to go!
Size – Bikes come in a range of sizes so you want to make sure you get the correct one. You wouldn’t put your kid in a pair of shoes two sizes too big, would you? They’d trip and fall all over the place! At the minimum height of the bike’s seat, your kiddo should be able to put both feet on the ground with ease.
Ergonomics – You’ll want a bike that truly fits your child’s body. From the frame to the seat and handlebars, a bike that’s tailored to fit their unique shape will give them a more comfortable and confident riding experience.
Brakes – Brakes need to be easily accessible AND easy for little hands to grip. Forget the coaster brakes (when you have to push backwards on the pedals). It can be confusing and is really counter-intuitive when you need to stop in an emergency situation.
Workmanship – Just like you want a quality-made car for yourself, make sure the bike you buy for your child has high standards too. It will make all the difference in longevity and durability.
Woom bikes range from balance bikes for tots, to big bikes for teens. Since he’s on the smaller side, O has the Woom 3 which is sized for kiddos 41-47” and it weighs less than 12 pounds! From the bright green rear handbrake to the ergonomically designed frame and grips, there are tons of clever components tailored to children’s needs. Plus, they have fun accessories and come in great colors — including red — which is my guy’s favorite. You can even get a huge discount when you trade your old Woom in for the next size up. Genius!
Oliver has been confidently cruising the neighborhood so I know we’ve found a great bike! He can absolutely tell a difference in the ride and I can appreciate the care and design that went into creating it. Without a doubt, we will be getting a Woom 1 balance bike for Luca before long!
If you’re looking for a first bike or just a new one for your kiddo, take a peek at Woom Bikes. I think you’ll be as impressed as I was! Things are a little funky these days and bike production across the country has come to a screeching halt — thanks Covid — however, I talked to a Woom rep recently and he said pre-orders will be opening soon for the next wave of bikes, so check back frequently!
Happy riding!
