FirstBIKE was introduced to Australia in 2005 and has become
extremely popular amongst parents (and grandparents!) seeking that
different, developmentally beneficial, and memorable toy for their
little one. FirstBIKE now sports a brake that's custom-designed for
small hands, and as of late 2007, FirstBIKE is now also available in pink. Far more than a toy... FirstBike is a genuine learning aid that is made in Germany.
FirstBIKE is the perfect training bike for developing your
child's sense of balance and motor skills. It is the ideal companion
for walks and discovery journeys, because already young children can
keep up with their parents' walking speed without any trouble.
FirstBIKE's design features:
1) a low centre of gravity (compared with pedal bikes that require pedal clearance);
2) low weight for easy transport & handling;
3) a built-in steering stop limits the sideways rotation of the handlebars & fork, so little fingers don't get crushed;
4) a rear drum brake operated by a handlebar-mounted lever (which
2-year-olds don't have the strength to use, but older children can);
5) tool-free adjustable seat height, so the bike grows with your child;
6) FirstBIKE lets children learn to balance on 2 wheels in a gradual and
non-threatening way, without picking up poor balance habits from
training wheels. So when they get their first pedal bike, they already
know how to balance on 2 wheels and just have to learn to pedal.
7) high-quality, smooth-rolling and durable cartridge bearings in the
hubs, versus plain bushings or rough cup/cone bearings in typical
children's bikes.
A realistic guideline for the minimum age is that: 1) the child can
walk; and 2) is tall enough to comfortably straddle the bike.
On the solid-tyre FirstBike "Street Innovation" with blue or pink
frame & black seat/grips, the minimum seat height is 36 centimetres
from the ground, with a "usable" standover height of about 38-40cm.
The other model, the FirstBike "Cross Innovation" with grey or
pink frame & red seat/grips, has a taller standover height (by an
extra 2cm or so) because of its higher-profile, inflatable tyres. The
suggested retail price is $299.
The optional FirstBIKE lowering kit (RRP $39) reduces the minimum ride height by about 4cm.
"Many parents ask how FirstBike can work without training wheels. The video links above show my 3 year old son scooting along and then attempting some "freewheeling" now that he has begun learning the basics of balance.
I see children years older than my son struggling with a pedal cycle and training wheels. They still have no sense of balance on a bike and are often dangerously uncoordinated.
FirstBike is by far the safest way for a child to acquire the skills that can lead to safe cycling. Any child that can walk and can stand over the FirstBike with both feet on the ground can safely and easily begin the fun process of learning. Learning is a fun, rewarding and confidence building experience for your child with FirstBike."
