when to switch from balance bike to pedal bike?

[Dmpmercury]

My 4.5 year just made the switch after riding her balance bike all last summer. She a more cautious kid. My 2.5 year just started on his balance bike this summer but after a short while he is already running with it and gliding. I am wondering if I could try a pedal bike for him. When did you know when to switch from a balance bike to a pedal bike? How can I find a bike for a small 2.5 year old?

[mommyfrog]

Why switch? Just curious!!

[Dmpmercury]

Why switch? Just curious!!

He has been interested in trying a 2 wheel pedal bike since his sister got one. He is really good at his balance bike and running at top speed and gliding with his feet off the ground and he doesn't have any bikes where he can work on pedaling. I figured he can work on pedaling with the training wheels on then I could take them off. With his personality I thought he would take right to a bike with pedals and then he can keep up with his sister. Plus it be easier to take them bike riding if they went at similar speeds.

[z2akids]

We didn't do balance bikes, but started on 2 wheeled bikes with training wheels between 2-3. For my children, the biggest hurdle to removing the training wheels wasn't balance, but was the leg strength needed to go up hills, etc.

[mommyinthesun]

Is he tall enough for a 12" bike?

[Dmpmercury]

Is he tall enough for a 12" bike?

He isn't tall enough for his sister's 12" bike. I am having trouble finding a bike small enough. I found a 10" online at TRU but they don't have it in the store to try it. I wonder if they make a smaller 12" bike.

[stevensmom]

DS had his strider since 2...we got him a bike in September at 3.75 years. He didn't start racing on his pedal bike until a month ago around 4.5 years. But we never used training wheels he just took off one day. I was working in the yard and he flew out of the garage on his pedal bike and never looked back!

I was very skeptical of the balance bike when my parents bought it for him at 2...but wowzer! that thing builds up their confidence!

I would probably wait until he can fit a 12".

[me_just_me]

We made the switch a few weeks (I think it was 2-3) after my DD turned 3. She already had a pedal bike that she had used with training wheels so she already knew how to pedal. She took to it right away and was so proud of herself! She is now a few months away from turning 4 and she can go on bike rides with us!

I would check out different 12'' pedal bikes. Some might adjust lower so your DS could ride it. They are all built a little differently.