Which balance bike should I buy? Specialized Hotwalk or Kazam?

[arivecchi]

http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=18523 (http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=18523)

http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=16605 (http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=16605)

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/506/4893/27942?g=1 (http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/506/4893/27942?g=1)

http://www.stridersports.com/ (http://www.stridersports.com/)

[arivecchi]

Kinderbike?

I need one I can order online.

[mom2224]

Any recs? I am in the 'want to know' crowd too! TIA!!

[o_mom]

I would avoid the wooden one. I had a friend with one (not a Skuut, but another brand) and one night accidently left out in the rain and it was ruined. They also are not standard parts. Our KinderBike we can replace the seat, the handgrips, etc. without having to special order anything.

One thing that was important to us was a quick release adjustment on the seat height. It makes it much easier to switch between kids if a friend wants to try it out. Also easy to adjust as they grow.

[arivecchi]

Thanks O_Mom! Do you know anything about the Kettler one?

[o_mom]

Not much - it looks like it has a handbrake, which isn't very useful for younger kids (say under 5), IMO. The kickstand is nice for storing - I wish our KinderBike had one. I really need to send DH to find one for it. We have been happy with our Kiddo tricycle that is made by Kettler. I had to order a new wheel for it when I ran over it and they still had one to fit even though it has been discontinued for three years or more.

[christiedavid3]

DS got the Strider bike for his 2nd bday. He still isn't really into it, but I think he will be soon. I think it's pretty good quality, but wish it had the quick release seat.

[alirebco]

I have the Kettler one on DS's wishlist. I heard some not so good reviews of the Strider - cheap quality. Did you check Amazon reviews?

[arivecchi]

I did check the Amazon reviews! They all have negative ones, but I think I am leaning towards the Kettler one at this point.

[arivecchi]

Ok, it's either the Kettler Sprint or the Kinderbike at this point.

[jent]

I have also heard praise (I think on this board) for the Specialized Hotwalk: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32773

Not sure if you can buy it online; you would find it (or be able to order it) through bike shops that carry Specialized.

I'll be following this thread b/c I think this will be DD's big gift for her 3rd bday in the spring.

[arivecchi]

I have also heard praise (I think on this board) for the Specialized Hotwalk: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32773

Not sure if you can buy it online; you would find it (or be able to order it) through bike shops that carry Specialized.

I'll be following this thread b/c I think this will be DD's big gift for her 3rd bday in the spring. It cannot be purchased online and I need to have mine shipped directly to the inlaws' house at another state. :( They don't sell it near them either because they live in the freaking boonies.

[arivecchi]

The hotwalk is $160! :eek:

[kayte]

Ok, it's either the Kettler Sprint or the Kinderbike at this point.

Not to try and complicate things but have you seen the Kazam?

http://www.kazambikes.com/

We ordered one for DD based on reviews from a biking message board. It was $99 shipped to her grandparents house.

It has a low pass through like the Puky.

[missym]

We've had the Strider for a couple of years and are happy with it. I don't think the quality is cheap - it's certainly held up to plenty of abuse from Becca. I'd recommend it.

[arivecchi]

I like the idea of the Kazam, but read a review somewhere that the bike had broken and it was plastic inside??

How are the tires on the Strider?

[missym]

How are the tires on the Strider?

They're non-inflating and seem sturdy. We haven't had any problems with them. This is what the mfg says:



In keeping with our emphasis on the “Fun” factor, the Strider™ comes with super-light, maintenance-free EVA Polymer tires. No flats, no pumping air, just get on and go. The Strider uses an 8" molded rim riding on sealed bearings and a steel axle. The actual outside diameter of the foam tire is 11 inches.

[arivecchi]

Thank you Missy. Now I don't know what to do! Too many options!

This is the review I saw on the Kazam which turned me off:

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/506/4893/27942

[kayte]

It is my understanding the 2009 model (the only one they sell now) is steel inside.

I read it on a bike site... I will find it.. Here's what foudn after a quick search....

The original Kazam impressed both parents and kids with its innovative footplate. The second generation model, introduced in 2009, makes improvements to the design with smooth tire treads, chrome handlebars, multi-spoke rims, a steel headset, and a quick-release seat.

From here...

http://www.runbikes.com/KaZAM-Run-Bike.pro

It was the headset (the bearing set that allows the bike to turn) that was the issue since a the other piece was plastic, it's steel now.

[arivecchi]

It is my understanding the 2009 model (the only one they sell now) is steel inside.

I read it on a bike site... I will find it.. Here's what foudn after a quick search....

The original Kazam impressed both parents and kids with its innovative footplate. The second generation model, introduced in 2009, makes improvements to the design with smooth tire treads, chrome handlebars, multi-spoke rims, a steel headset, and a quick-release seat.

From here...

http://www.runbikes.com/KaZAM-Run-Bike.pro

It was the headset (the bearing set that allows the bike to turn) that was the issue since a the other piece was plastic, it's steel now. Interesting! I do like the foot rest. DH was worried about that.

[kayte]

Interesting! I do like the foot rest. DH was worried about that.

I think the 2009 model is any one made after May (based on when they introduced it on their site). If you buy it from Kazam then it will be the new one. If you buy it from a bike shop you will want check the production date or that is says 2009.

[AnnieW625]

I saw the Skuut at REI last week and I don't know if it comes in multiple sizes, but it's really small if it doesn't.

[swampnurse]

We have the Specialized Hotwalk. Super cute but just be aware that is it very small.

[arivecchi]

It's down to the Specialized Hotwalk and the Kazam one now. Would love to hear from people who own these two bikes!

[LBW]

We have the Hotwalk, and it's been the perfect bike for my middle son. He got it when he turned two, and is now 3 1/2 and still uses it just about every day. I like the inflatable tires, the size, and the light weight. Mine is from the first year they made them and it has no kick stand - I wish it did. That's really the only thing I would change about the bike. $160 is a lot though. Our was more like $110-$120.

Have you compared the weights of the two bikes? And the stand over height? I think those are two critical points to look at. We also have a Puky XL, and at 3 1/2 that bike is still a bit too big and heavy for my 3 1/2 year old. Even at the lowest seat point, he has to stand on his toes to sit down.

ETA: I dug around a bit online to see if I could find the comparison data for you. I think there's about a 3 lb difference between the two bikes. The Specialized seems to be about 8 lbs and the Kazam is 11. 11 lbs seems heavy to me, but your son isn't 2 like mine was when we bought ours, so the extra weight might not be such a big deal. (Added weight makes it harder for them to learn to balance.) But I'd verify that if the weight issue is important to you. I got the Kazam info here:
https://www.balancebikeshop.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=67
The Kazam does look like a cute bike. The footrest is nice. Our Puky has it, and my older son used it a lot when he rode it.

[arivecchi]

We have the Hotwalk, and it's been the perfect bike for my middle son. He got it when he turned two, and is now 3 1/2 and still uses it just about every day. I like the inflatable tires, the size, and the light weight. Mine is from the first year they made them and it has no kick stand - I wish it did. That's really the only thing I would change about the bike. $160 is a lot though. Our was more like $110-$120.

Have you compared the weights of the two bikes? And the stand over height? I think those are two critical points to look at. We also have a Puky XL, and at 3 1/2 that bike is still a bit too big and heavy for my 3 1/2 year old. Even at the lowest seat point, he has to stand on his toes to sit down.

ETA: I dug around a bit online to see if I could find the comparison data for you. I think there's about a 3 lb difference between the two bikes. The Specialized seems to be about 8 lbs and the Kazam is 11. 11 lbs seems heavy to me, but your son isn't 2 like mine was when we bought ours, so the extra weight might not be such a big deal. (Added weight makes it harder for them to learn to balance.) But I'd verify that if the weight issue is important to you. I got the Kazam info here:
https://www.balancebikeshop.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=67
The Kazam does look like a cute bike. The footrest is nice. Our Puky has it, and my older son used it a lot when he rode it. Thank you LBW! I will look at the things you mentioned. My son will be 3 shortly (this will be his bday gift) and he weighs about 35 pounds and is 40 inches tall. Do you think the Specialized would be too small for him? If I get the Specialized one it will be from a bike shop here in Chicago (hopefully we can slip it in the car without DS noticing as we are celebrating his bday at the inlaws' house in another state), they did say I could trade it in later if I wanted a different bike. However, I do have a 9 month old that could also use it at some point.

[arivecchi]

Ugh, now Amazon has the kinderbike for $79.99!

[arivecchi]

Update: Went to a bike shop today that had the Specialized Hotwalk and the Kazam. I picked the Hotwalk because it just felt like the sturdier/better-built bike, plus DS1 loved the navy color and the pirate design on the seat. It was pricey, $160 plus tax, but this bike shop has a program where you get a 25%-50% credit if you upgrade to another Specialized bike, and I like that benefit. The Kazam was super cute, but a bit taller than the Hotwalk, so my DS could handle the Hotwalk better. While the Specialized is built like a real bike, the Kazam was built out of thiner metal, but the bike was heavier somehow. I also liked the steering of the Hotwalk better. Hope that helps someone.

[mom2224]

Update: Went to a bike shop today that had the Specialized Hotwalk and the Kazam. I picked the Hotwalk because it just felt like the sturdier/better-built bike, plus DS1 loved the navy color and the pirate design on the seat. It was pricey, $160 plus tax, but this bike shop has a program where you get a 25%-50% credit if you upgrade to another Specialized bike, and I like that benefit. The Kazam was super cute, but a bit taller than the Hotwalk, so my DS could handle the Hotwalk better. While the Specialized is built like a real bike, the Kazam was built out of thiner metal, but the bike was heavier somehow. I also liked the steering of the Hotwalk better. Hope that helps someone.

Thanks Ariveraz! Your post does help a lot! Our DS1 is the same size as your DS1 and will be 3 in January. We want to get him a balance bike and reading your thread has helped!

[arivecchi]

Thanks Ariveraz! Your post does help a lot! Our DS1 is the same size as your DS1 and will be 3 in January. We want to get him a balance bike and reading your thread has helped! Awesome! :thumbsup: The Hotwalk was the perfect size for our guy!

[twindad]

I realize I'm a little late in replying, but we love our Hotwalks!

Our girls are now 4.5, and even though they have bikes with pedals (Specialized Hotrocks 16"), they love to go "mountain biking" with me. They never needed training wheels and love their Hotrocks on paved paths, sidewalks, etc., but they request to ride their Hotwalk on the forest trails frequently. I should also add that they are tall girls and look huge on the Hotwalks, but they don't seem to mind.

[arivecchi]

Thanks twindad for the reply!

Everyone, here is a great review of the Hotwalk.

http://www.coolbiking.com/blog/cycling/cycling-tips/specialized-hotwalk-product-review/

[twindad]

I should also add that every time we are out with our girls on their Hotwalks, someone stops us to offer to buy them from us when our girls are done with them. I haven't researched their resale value, but I imagine it's pretty good.

[kayte]

If anyone is looking at the Kazam, there is a code for $20 off making it $79.95 shipped. It's good through the 20th of December...

They are here (there is a different code for each color)

http://flyinggigglesandlollipops.blogspot.com/2009/11/kazam-balance-bikes-discount-code.html

[Pegster]

We purchased the KinderBike Laufrad model based on the recent NY Times review. It was rated "the best" by the Times. The saddle goes down to 11" (which is quite low) but they have other models that go higher. Worth checking into:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/10/26/fashion/20091027-physical-slideshow_2.html

I've also read a blog review by some bicycle pro. It really breaks down the pros and cons of many of the bikes out there and rates the BMW bike as the best:

http://tview29.wordpress.com/

The knock on the kazam (and there were many) was that the footrest was way too small for a child's foot. The review recommended the gliderrider or puky for this reason. Not sure if that helps but worth reading in any case.