What balance bike would you recommend?

[zephyr]

I'm looking for a balance bike that would probably be my dc's main Christmas gift. If anyone has any BTDT advice, etc. I would really appreciate it. Also if there's past threads on this please let me know. I saw this one at amazon.com, which I think is kinda neat, but I'm really not sure what I should be looking for in terms of quality. http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Gear-Balance-Bike-Classic/dp/B001AIONOU/ref=pd_sbs_t_1

[LBW]

There are a ton of past threads on this with a lot of great info.

What age/size is your child? I started my middle son on a balance bike when he was 2. We got him the smallest, lightest bike I could find locally - a Specialized Hotwalk. It's a very simple bike, with no brakes, and at 3 1/2 he still rides it daily. Our youngest will probably start using it in the spring when he is ~2 1/2.

I also have a Puky XL that I ordered from Germany a few years ago for my oldest when he was 3. He was much taller, and also older, so able to handle a bike with hand brakes. Love the Puky for older children! I just wish they were sold in the US.

In general, I like balance bikes that are metal and have air tires. Some of the wood ones are really cute, but I'd worry that my boys would ruin them. For older kids look for hand brakes, and for younger kids look for light weight. For all kids, measure your child's inseam compare it to the seat height of the bike. If they cannot sit comfortably with their feet touching the ground, they probably won't want to ride it.

Do you have local bike shops? If so, call and see if they carry any balance bikes. Seeing them in person is always a great idea.

[AlbrightRC]

http://www.striderrider.com/?gclid=CICvu_Hj4JwCFZJM5Qod4wm5Jw
Our son is getting this one for christmas..he'll be 18 months old. The seat on this one goes low enough that he could sit flat footed on it at 13-14 months old.

[kayte]

DD is getting a Kazam balance bike for Christmas.

http://www.kazambikes.com/index.htm

It has a low pass threw and foot rest design similar to the Puky (but no hand break).

[o_mom]

We have done fine with a KinderBike www.mykinderbike.com (http://www.mykinderbike.com). I got one from the outlet and it has held up just fine through DS1 and DS2. DS3 is just starting with it. It is a smaller one, compared to other balance bikes, which we needed as my kids are on the smaller side. Looks like they have the '09 models for $75 and outlet bikes for $65, which is comparable to the wooden one you linked. We got an outlet bike and you can't tell unless you look really close where there are some rough spots in the paint. We have not missed a footrest or handbrake at all.