Kettler running bike v. Like a Bike

[lpl47]

I want to get my DS a running bike for his 3rd birthday this fall. Has anyone tried the Kettler one or the Like A Bike? Why is the Like A Bike so much more money and is it really worth it?

http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/item/productid/5779/
http://www.likeabikeusa.com/#

Thanks for the help.

[Thatchermom]

I haven't used either of these, though I've seen a Like a Bike. I loved the look of the Like a Bike, and the kid I saw on it was zooming all around his neighborhood and loving it.

There was no way we could afford one, but we really liked the idea so we did a lot of research to try to find a way to maybe re-do a regular bike into a running bike and have a crossover. What we found was that someone already did. Funonebikes.com has a bike with pedals that remove to be a running bike without removing the chain and all, then go back on when the kid is ready to ride.

We bought a FunOne bike for Christmas for DS (the company usually has one on Ebay cheaper), and he rode without the pedals a while in the winter. (too rainy here) We put his pedals on Memorial Day weekend. Even though the theory made sense to me that he would have learned to balance, I was amazed that he was riding 15 minutes later unaided. We rode SEVEN MILES the next day!

I like that the one we had was usable for both a running bike and a regular bike. I like the idea of a Like a Bike, too. They are beautiful and I've heard they are good quality. We personally could not do both. I figure our learning experience would be the same with either type. It seems to me like the Like a Bike maybe was a little bit shorter? I didn't get to inspect it real close though. FunOne says you have to have an 18" inseam, but DS wasn't quite there at Christmas when he started.

Sorry so long, I'm tired and rambling. Just thought I'd share another option and encourage you that these kinds really do help them to learn without training wheels!

[emilyf]

Thanks for the info! I would like a running bike, but my dh isn't sold on the concept-this might be a good compromise for us. How old was your son when he got the bike?
Emily mom of Charlie born 11/02 and Zoe born 9/05

[tarahsolazy]

We have the Kettler, because I got a great deal on it. DS is still a tad too short, but its really well made and sturdy. I am happy with the purchase for the price.

[Ceepa]

Here's one that came up when I did a general search. I have NO information on the site, bicycle maker, etc., but thought I'd throw it out there. And it does have a handbrake.

$50 with $15 S/H:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/34703.jpg

http://www.creativekidstuff.com/rarubi.html

Also, BMW has a $300 one (hahaha)

I'm interested in responses because we're seriously considering getting the Kettler one for DS. Unfortunately, I stilll haven't seem one in real life so I'd love to hear more feedback about it!

-Ceepa

[Thatchermom]

He got it this Christmas, so he had just turned 4 in Sept. He was riding by 4.5, but I think it would have been even faster had we lived somewhere that we could have been outside more before May! Reading their website is really helpful - it is what convinced my DH.

I will try to add some pics in a bit. I've been working on a laptop without access to my pictures. It looks similar to the one someone else posted, but can also accept pedals.

There is a current ebay listing for it, though it ends really soon. Their site sells them for around $99 I think. The ebay listing is 59 with 19.50 shipping. Link below.

http://tinyurl.co.uk/0ozx

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/34708.jpg

[teddy]

My neighbor bought her 3.5 yo son the Glider Rider:
http://gliderrider.com/

It's the same concept as the Like a Bike but this one looks like a real kids bike with a handbrake. And it has a foot plate where you can rest your feet.

Her son is cautious and wouldn't pick up his feet for the first few days. Now he is gliding easily on it.

She and her husband are really happy with their decision.

[tobycat]

I am going to buy the Kettler bike tomorrow from Amazon ($89 and free shipping). If you really want a wooden one, Radio Flyer is coming out with one called the balance bike. You might want to compare the weight of the two bikes. I don't think heavier in this case would be better.

My niece (in Germany) got one for her 2nd birthday and by 2-1/2 she could balance with her feet up. I think they are a great concept for learning to ride a bike without training wheels which seem very tippy to me.

Candice