biking with kids

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR

    Gear Review: Burley Encore X Bike Trailer & Double Stroller

    As a parent, finding ways to spend quality time with your children can be challenging, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. However, with the Burley Encore X bike trailer for kids, you can enjoy a fun biking adventure with your little ones without having to worry about their safety. The Burley Encore X is a top-of-the-line bike trailer that boasts exceptional durability, comfort, and versatility. In this blog post, we’ll be reviewing the Burley Encore X bike trailer, exploring its features and benefits to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you and your family. So, let’s dive in and see why the Burley Encore X bike trailer is one of the most popular choices among parents who love to bike with their kids.

    This post was sponsored by Burley. Burley Encore X trailer was provided as compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

    burley encore X kid bike trailer double stroller gear review

    Gear review: Burley Encore X

    We know that getting outside and adventuring together as a family is incredibly important. But we’re parents, so we also know that it’s not always easy. Nothing with kids is easy, right? That’s why we love finding and supporting companies that make products that promote outdoor play AND make life easier for parents. And sharing them with you, of course! Burley is definitely one of those companies we adore!

    Burley makes an extended line of kid bike trailers and strollers that encourage outdoor family adventuring. The trailers are incredibly well-made and durable. They are useful for parents and safe for kids. We’ve had a Burley bike trailer for two years now and it’s completely changed the way we travel. Burley just launched a line of three new trailers that easily convert from bike buggies to a double-stroller. We had the opportunity to try out the Encore X and couldn’t love it more!

    Benefits of using a bike trailer for kids

    Using a bike trailer for your kids has numerous benefits. First, it provides a safe and secure way to take your kids along with you on biking adventures. With sturdy frames, harness systems, and safety flags to ensure that your kids are protected in the event of an accident, bike trailers give parents a bit more peace of mind when biking as a family. Additionally, bike trailers are designed to be comfortable for your little ones, with padded seats, adjustable harnesses, and plenty of ventilation.

    Using a bike trailer also allows you to stay active while spending quality time with your children, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for the whole family. Finally (and this is a big one for me!), bike trailers offer a practical solution for transporting kids and gear. We never travel lightly (even running errands around town), so having a way to transport gear, groceries, snacks, and more is super convenient. 

    burley encore x review

    The lineup of Burley trailers

    To celebrate their 40th Anniversary (congrats, y’all!!!!), Burley launched a new line of three kid-specific sport and performance trailers – the Encore, the D’Lite, and the Cub. All three trailers offer excellent safety features, including a sturdy aluminum frame, a five-point harness system, and a safety flag for visibility.

    The Encore, D’Lite, and Cub also feature a comfortable interior with padded seats and adjustable harnesses. The D’Lite and Cub models offer even more comfort with adjustable suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your child. The seats in all three models are also removable and washable, making it easy to keep the trailer clean.  In terms of capacity, the Encore can hold up to two children with a maximum weight limit of 100 pounds, while the D’Lite and Cub can carry up to two children with a maximum weight limit of 100 and 125 pounds, respectively. All three trailers also feature ample storage space for gear and snacks.

    But, my favorite feature is that all three biking trailers come standard with a stroller kit (handlebar and front wheel) included. This makes it super easy to go from biking the trails to strolling the streets with your kiddo(s) in tow. There are no additional accessories or conversion kits you need to purchase. It’s an all-in-one package!

    burley encore x bike trailer for kids double stroller

    Revamp using post-consumer recycled fabrics

    Recently, Burley ramped up their sustainability efforts by introducing post-consumer recycled fabrics into their kid bike trailer collection. Starting in 2023, 55% of all softgoods in Burley kid and pet bike trailers are from post-consumer recycled materials. These materials are mostly derived from plastic water bottles that are processed through a recycling center and transformed into fabric. Burley has worked closely with their manufacturer to source this fabric, ensuring that it meets or exceeds all safety and durability standards.

    Integrating post-consumer recycled fabric into their kid collection is another step toward making Burley a more sustainable business and steward of the outdoor industry. It’s one of the many reasons we love Burley and all they do and make! 

    Burley stats

    All Burley trailers include a steel hitch, tow bar, and safety flag. Designed and tested to meet or exceed safety standards, the trailers have a 5-point harness support system and a full internal aluminum roll cage for protection in an accident.  The buggy comes with a hammock-style seat, which provides passive suspension for rider comfort. Remove the seat entirely for turning your kid trailer into a cargo trailer.

    Visit burley.com for more information on all the trailers.

    biking with kids - bike trailers

    Burley Encore X

    The Encore X includes the stroller kit, so you can bike or stroll straight out of the box. The suspension system keeps kids comfortable by softening bumps and jostles and the 20” push-button wheels are quick and easy to install and remove. It comes with a water-resistant cover and zippers to provide added protection in wet conditions, plus rear window ventilation and a sunshade.

    There’s a ton of room in the back for gear, plus inside pockets for toys, water bottles, and your diaper bag. The double seats can be removed entirely for carrying cargo, if you need more space on your grown-up kid-free adventures. There’s a convenient parking brake, the handlebar is adjustable, and the whole thing collapses and folds flat for easy storage.

    They seriously thought of everything!

    best bike trailers for kids

    Why we love our Burley trailer

    This Encore X biking trailer is perfect for our little family. We have a 6-year-old that’s active, adventurous and refuses to sit still, so he bikes alongside us. However, our 4-year-old is easily distracted and gets tired quickly. She’s not much into riding on her own but definitely wants to be a part of the action. And now we also have a baby that just turned one! Having a way to keep him secure and safe is key to helping us get outside.

    Our two youngest are loving life in the new Burley bike buggy/stroller. They keep each other entertained, are super comfortable, and now beg to go on bike rides and runs every day. And all three kids love it – I’ve even found the two oldest sitting in the buggy out in the garage reading books and using it as a secret hideout! They love pushing each other around in it (yes, it’s easy enough for a 4-year-old to operate) and taking each other for “walks.” 

    biking with kids - bike trailer reviewburley design encore x bike trailer review

    How it compares to the Burley Minnow and a double stroller

    As I mentioned earlier, we’ve had a Burley Minnow bike trailer for two years and have gotten a ton of use out of it. However, we did not have the stroller kit for our trailer, so I didn’t realize how much we were missing out on. We have another double-jogging stroller, but it doesn’t compare to the ease and maneuverability of this one. Now that we have the Burley Encore X, we’ve retired the other stroller. 

    Having a bike trailer that can also convert into a double stroller is a huge perk for us (and other parents). With two functions in one product, instead of purchasing a separate bike trailer and a double stroller, you can invest in a single product that serves both purposes. This can help save money and storage space.

    The Burley Encore X is so easy to push (one-handed!), which my current double-stroller is not. And the suspension means it’s a comfortable ride for the kids on our neighborhood’s bumpy sidewalks, which is something my daughter complains about with the double stroller. The handlebar adjusts easily for me (short) and my husband (tall). It’s made getting out of the house so much easier for us all. 

    The benefits of biking with kids

    Our Burley Encore X has completely changed the way we travel. We love biking to our local playground, into “town” for lunch, or on trails. There’s a great trail close to our house that runs next to a farm with horses, where the kids love to stop and say hi! We also love using the trailer to run errands around town. Taking the buggy means that we can stop and pick up a few bags of groceries, or stock up on library books and easily transport them home. 

    Biking as a family provides a great way for children to explore new places and experience the beauty of nature. This can foster a love and appreciation for the outdoors and inspire a lifelong interest in outdoor activities. Biking together is also a wonderful way to create lasting family memories and strengthen family bonds. It’s an opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together, talk, and have fun. We love and cherish our bike rides together and look forward to many more this summer! 

    You should get one, too

    If you’re even considering getting a bike trailer or double stroller, I highly encourage you to DO IT! I promise you won’t regret it! Biking with kids is such a great way to have fun outdoor adventures, reduce your carbon footprint and get plenty of fresh air and exercise!

    Find the full line of Burley kid bike trailers and strollers on the Burley website.

    best way to bike with kids best gear for biking with kids - burley bike trailer Do you bike with kids? Ever used a bike trailer? 
    I’d love to hear about your biking adventures!

    About the author

    Sara McCarty is the founder and editor-in-chief of Run Wild My Child (runwildmychild.com), a resource website, online community, and podcast all about reconnecting families through outdoor activities and adventures. She’s a mom of 3, wife, and former attorney. She grew up in the country, but now lives in St. Louis and is determined to raise her city kids to be as feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching. She’s passionate about traveling, reading, photography, plants, coffee, cooking, and key lime pie.

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Best Balance Bikes for Kids

    Learning to ride a bike is all about good balance and coordination. Developing these skills is the key to getting a child to learn to ride a bike safely and quickly. Balance bikes are great for young kids just starting to learn how to ride a bike. Today, we’re talking all things balance bikes – from the difference between a balance bike and a pedal bike, the benefits of balance bikes, and how to choose the right balance bike for your child. Plus, we’ve rounded up the best balance bikes out there and we’re giving you our full review of each. Let’s go balance biking! 

    {Post contains affiliate links}

    Learning to ride a bike

    Do you remember learning to ride a bike? Maybe your parents helped you by holding on and running alongside of you. Or, maybe you rode a bike with training wheels until you were more than ready to master biking without them. Whatever the case, you probably started biking with a traditional pedal bike (and probably one with training wheels). Balance bikes weren’t really a thing back in our day, but they’re prevalent now and for a good reason. Many experts believe that balance bikes help young children develop those good balance and coordination skills needed for bike riding much better than a pedal bike with training wheels. And there are a lot of other benefits of balance bikes, as well. Let’s take a look! 

    best balance bikes for toddlers

    Difference between a balance bike and a pedal bike

    A balance bike is a bike without pedals. It has most of the essential elements of a traditional bike (frame, fork, handlebars, wheels, etc.), but it has no drivetrain and thus no need for pedals. Kids straddle the bike, just like a regular bike, but instead of pedaling, they push off the ground with their feet to move forward and place their feet down to stop. Their legs remain on the side of the bikes and their feet on the ground, so they hold the bike up – there’s no need for training wheels or stabilizers. Since they’re in control, they can develop their balance and coordination first, before progressing to a bike with pedals.

    Balance bikes are also relatively low to the ground. Because kids need to reach the ground with their feet to balance the bike and move it forwards, balance bikes tend to be lower and smaller than traditional pedal bikes. The seat is low to the ground, putting their torso in an upright position so their feet can reach the ground. Being lower to the ground and the low center of gravity gives kids a much more secure feeling and helps with their balance, as they don’t feel as top-heavy or struggle as much on turns. 

    Kids progress differently on a balance bike than on a pedal bike. On a balance bike, kids begin by pushing off the ground and walking the bike. Once they’ve mastered that, then they progress to running with the bike, lifting their feet, and striding and gliding. Once they know how to safely pull their feet up off the ground and stay going and balanced, they’re pretty much ready for a pedal bike. 

    Photo credit: @tkphotographychicago

    Balance bike vs. training wheels

    While there’s no right or wrong answer here (and every kid is different), there are some benefits of starting kids out on a balance bike over a bike with training wheels. However, this depends on a lot of factors, including your child’s age, comfort, skill level, coordination, etc. 

    A bike with training wheels is held upright by the two small outrigger wheels. These wheels are usually set up a little higher than the rear wheel, which means that the bike tips a bit from side to side as the child’s weight transfers from one training wheel to the other. Kids tend to learn to lean on the training wheels, creating a false sense of balance. In order to ride without the training wheels, a child must unlearn how to ride unbalanced and then learn how to ride while balanced.

    Balance bikes tend to be better for younger riders. Because they’re so simple to use and there’s no learning curve, balance bikes tend to be more intuitive for smaller/younger kids to use quicker. They weigh less than normal bikes, which means they’re easier for even the smallest kids to manage and maneuver. By taking the work of pedaling out of the equation, little kids can concentrate on the more tricky skills of staying balanced and moving. 

    Best age to introduce kids to a balance bike

    Like most things in parenting, there’s no magic number as to when you should start kids out on a balance bike. Toddlers as young as 18 months or two years old can start their balance bike journey. That being said, there are balance bikes made for all sizes of toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers, so it’s basically never too late to start. 

    Introducing a balance bike early will allow your toddler to learn to ride independently from the very start. Starting them young will not only allow them to happily ride their bike independently for all of their toddlers years, it will also allow them to move up to a pedal bike by age 3 or 4. 

    How long do kids ride balance bikes?

    Kids generally ride balance bikes for 1 to 3 years, depending on the age they start, their coordination and athletic ability, and their developmental readiness. 

    A child that starts riding a balance bike as a young toddler may take several months to sit and run confidently on their balance bike. But, that child could then spend a few years enjoying the bike. Children who start later (2-4 years old) will pick up how to ride a balance bike more quickly. It’s totally up to you (as the parent) and your child how long they remain on the balance bike before moving onto a pedal bike. 

    Things to consider when buying a balance bike

    If you’re convinced that a balance bike is a good fit for your child, there are quite a few things to consider before purchasing. Not all balance bikes are the same and you should pick a bike that is best suited for your child and how they’ll be using it. Here are a few things to consider: 

    1. Balance bikes are not one-size-fits-all

    Balance bikes come in all shapes and sizes. Many brands even carry an entire line of balance bikes for toddlers of varying ages, sizes and abilities. You should make sure the bike you’re purchasing is best suited to fit your child and will be able to adjust with them as they grow. Many bikes will give an age range for quick sizing, but not all kids are the same size at any given age. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to measure your child’s inseam. Then, compare it to the seat height of the bike. Look for a bike with a minimum seat height that is equal to or slightly less than your child’s inseam.

    2. Price can be a factor

    There are a wide variety of balance bikes on the market, and they run the gambit of prices. Balance bikes range anywhere from $80-$300, and a lot of times, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and durability.

    A more expensive bike will usually be lighter, longer-lasting, and have more safety features. These brands usually use better quality parts, have better warranties/customer service, and will often have a better resale value. Cheaper bikes can often look like their more expensive counterparts, but the quality and attention to detail suffer. They may not last as long or have many of the better features that quality brands offer. However, if you know your child won’t be using the bike for long and cost is a big deciding factor, a less expensive bike may be a good option. That being said, you can usually find good-quality balance bikes on resale websites and in bike shops for a fraction of the original retail price. 

    3. Air tires or foam tires?

    Many tires on balance bikes are made of solid foam rather than air. This can make a big difference in how the bike rides. Higher quality/price bikes will have air tires/wheels, with alloy rims, and hubs with steel spokes. Budget balance bikes tend to have puncture-resistant solid foam tires. Pneumatic (air) tires provide more cushioning and grip, while foam tires offer little to no cushioning and less traction. Air tires with a wide tread also give better grip on rough surfaces, while those foam tires with a narrower smooth tread will roll faster and be less grippy. If your child will be riding their bike on any surface other than pavement, the air tires are a valuable upgrade. 

    4. Do you need handbrakes on a balance bike?

    Balance bikes can come with no brakes, rear hand brake only, or both front and rear hand brakes. Without any kind of braking system, kids naturally learn to stop a balance bike with their feet. This is okay at slower speeds when your kids are really little, but as they get older (and start riding harder and faster), a handlebar brake lever could help them stop faster (and save money on buying shoes)! 

    Small toddlers and little riders just getting started with a balance bike (around 18 months old) do not have the coordination required to use a handbrake.  At this point, the handbrake is a bit worthless because their feet will do the work for them (they’re not going fast, anyway). Therefore, if you’re buying a balance bike for a tiny toddler that won’t be riding the bike for very long, a handbrake may not be needed (it affects the price). 

    However, by the time your child reaches about 2 1/2 – 3 years old, they will be able to use the handbrake (and may actually need it). Plus, it is good practice for older toddlers and children getting ready to transition to a pedal bike, so they learn the proper way to brake. If your child is going to use their balance bike for a long time (several years) or you’re starting them after 2 1/2 years old, a braking system is probably a good idea. 

    Best balance bikes for kids

    We did some serious digging into the best balance bikes on the market for kids. The brands we’ve listed below are the ones our Creative Team members tried and tested on their own kids over the years or that we received glowing feedback on from our online community. We’ve listed 13 quality brands below that all make excellent quality balance bikes for toddlers. The difference between many of these bikes comes down to a few key features (air or foam tires, presence of handbrakes) and basic size/shape/weight.

    There’s no one right bike for everyone – we hope that our research helps you narrow down the hundreds of choices out there to just a few, depending on what features you’re looking for, the size/age of your kids, where you’ll be riding it, and how much you want to spend. Our favorites are as follows:

    Best balance bike brands for toddlers

    Here’s a detailed breakdown of each of the brands we chose to include in our best balance bikes for kids roundup. Many other brands were considered; however, we chose to only include the best ones to help you narrow down the field. Here’s what we liked about each of them (listed in alphabetical order).

    best balance bikes for kids - burley mykick

    Burley

    Price: $129

    Pros: We love all the Burley products we’ve tried (Minnow, Encore X), so the Burley MyKick balance bike was high on our list. It has a durable steel frame with a low stand-over height, and tool free adjustment for the kid-sized seat. Adjustable handlebars with comfortable rubber grips, quality, spoked wheels and comes fully assembled out of the box.

    Cons: The bike has rubber/foam tire (not air tires) and no handbrakes. 

    best balance bikes for toddlers - banana bike GT

    Banana Bike

    Price: $59-$69

    Pros: The Banana Bike is a great budget-friendly balance bike option for kids. The Banana Bike balance bike line has two options: GT and LT (with the LT being slightly smaller with foam tires). The GT version has pneumatic (air) tires with great grippy treads that can be ridden in various terrain. They both have the classic banana-shaped step-through frame design that makes it easy for small riders to mount. 

    Cons: There’s no steering limiter on the bike’s handlebars, so the handlebars can overrotate while riding. No handbrakes. 

    best balance bikes for toddlers

    Belsize

    Price: $169

    Pros: The Belsize 12 balance bike is somewhere in between a budget-friendly balance bike and a top-of-the-line bike. It comes with pneumatic (air) tires that offer great traction in all kinds of terrain. The weight of the bike is only 6.4 lbs, and the bike has an ultra-lightweight aluminum alloy frame with kid-specific geometry and quality parts. It’s a larger balance bike and the bike’s frame is taller than some others that are step-through, so this bike is better suited for taller toddlers and older kids. 

    Cons: Higher price for no handbrakes or quick-release seat post clamp. 

    best balance bikes for kids and toddlers

    Eastern Pusher

    Price: $140

    Pros: Made by BMX, the Eastern Pusher is a super light (only 4.6 lbs) and durable push bike for your little ripper. The Eastern Pusher is built up with easily adjustable quick-release clamps to grow with the rider. Sealed bearing wheels, a super lightweight alloy frame, one-piece handlebar/stem combo with quick release for easy adjustment, and soft rubber grips with larger ends to aid in handling. 

    Cons: Foam tires and no handbrakes. However, we’ve heard that when put to the test, the tires are non-marking and have relatively good traction. 

    best balance bikes for toddlers - early rider classic wooden bike

    Early Rider

    Price: $169-$249

    Pros: Early Rider has a few options when it comes to balance bikes for kids under 5 years old. The Early Rider Lite and Classic are both beautifully-crafted gorgeous bikes, made with an eco-friendly wooden marine-grade birch frame, with a faux leather saddle, air tires, and a 100 pound weight limit. The Early Rider Charger 12 is perfect for younger children that want to get off the beaten path. The low-slung lightweight frame with a minimum seat height of just 12 inches is great for little ones. It has a beautiful brushed finish with aluminum hubs and axles with sealed cartridge bearings. Internal cabling for an optional rear brake upgrade. 

    Cons: Pricey. But, well made with a high-resell value and last for years. 

    best balance bikes for toddlers

    FirstBIKE

    Price: $116

    Pros: The FirstBIKE Street balance bike is a great option for kids up to 5 years old. This balance bike has a brake and comes with air tires, ideal for urban areas with concrete, stone, or packed dirt surfaces. It’s extremely safe (award-winning for safety), lightweight, and durable (weatherproof). There’s an additional/optional LowKit, that allows toddlers to ride from an earlier age (starting from 22 months old) and another optional SKISet. which can turn the bike into an upright sled! 

    Cons: This bike is best for young toddlers (2 to 3 years) as the flexible composite nylon frame tends to bend when maxed out. Not the best option for taller or older preschoolers (4+). 

    best balance bikes for kids and toddlers

    Frog Tadpole

    Price: $210-260

    Pros: Frog Bikes makes a line of balance bikes that come in 3 sizes, depending on the height and age of your child. The Frog Tadpole Mini is the smallest balance bike out there and one of the very few with 10-inch wheels for the teeny-tiniest of riders (1 and 2-year-olds). The classic Frog Tadpole bike is designed for 2 and 3-year-olds, with a 12-inch wheel. And the Frog Tadpole Plus is designed for 3 and 4-year-olds (14-inch wheel). All their bikes have low seat posts, air tires, rear handbrakes, and a quick-release seat post for easy height adjustment. 

    Cons: High price tag and hard to find online (sold out nearly everywhere).

    best balance bikes for toddlers

    Prevelo

    Price: $199

    Pros: The Prevelo Alpha Zero is another top-of-the-line quality balance bike option for toddlers. This is a lightweight balance bike with a sleek brushed aluminum frame. The bike has an easy-to-pull and easy-to-reach handbrake, with internal routing for the brake cable to keep the bike looking clean. It has quality air tires with 12-inch wheels, adjustable quick-release seat clamp post, and kid-friendly hubs to keep out the muck and mud. 

    Cons: Pricey. Although, these bikes tend to have a very high resell value and can be used for years and passed down from kid-to-kid. 

    best balance bike brands for kids

    REI Co-op

    Price: $139

    Pros: The REI Co-op REV 12 kids’ balance bike is a quality, no-frills, durable option for little kids. It’s made with a lightweight aluminum frame and has pneumatic (air) tires with good traction. There’s a handle of the back of the seat for a bit of extra parental assistance. It’s simple, durable, and only weighs 9 pounds. It’s a great choice for REI co-op members and usually available to purchase with your membership discount. 

    Cons: No handbrakes, no quick-release seat post clamp for height adjustments, no steering limiter. 

    best balance bike brands for kids

     

    Spawn Tengu

    Price: $250

    Pros: Spawn is a quality brand that makes fantastic mountain bikes for kids. The Spawn Tengu 12 is the rugged off-road mountain bike version of a balance bike. It’s built like a real bike and not a plastic toy, with quality bike components such as an aluminum frame, chromoly forks, sealed alloy hubs and a real Tektro v-brake with a tiny, reach-adjustable, easy-action lever. The bike has big treaded tires and a quick release seat post for easy adjusting. It’s an extraordinary bike. 

    Cons: Super pricey. And, unless your little shredder is tearing up the trails, this bike is probably more “bike” than most toddlers need. 

    best balance bike brands for kids

    Strider 

    Price: $89-$179

    Pros: When you think of a balance bike, you may immediately think of Strider balance bikes. Strider bikes start at a super competitive price point and are durable and adorable. Their 12-inch wheel line of bikes is made for kids 18 months to 5 years old. There are three options in this line, with different features and prices. The Strider Classic is the smallest bike for kids 18 months to 3 years old. The Strider Sport and the Strider Pro options are the same size and work for kids up to 5 years old. The Sport has a steel frame, and the Pro has an aluminum frame. All the bikes are lightweight and come with an extended seat post and a quick-release clamp to make seat adjustments easy.

    Cons: All the bikes in the Strider line have polymer foam tires and do not have handbrakes.

    best balance bike brands for kids

    Woom

    Price: $199 – $269

    Pros: No matter the age or size of your kids, Woom bikes are at the top of the line for quality and our top bike for the best overall balance bike for kids. The Woom 1 balance bike is the smallest bike in their line-up and perfect for toddlers as young as 18 months. The Woom 1 Plus is for riders 3 years and older (or taller toddlers). The bikes are designed for toddlers with a lightweight aluminum frame, a low point of entry, long seat post, adjustable seat height, handbrakes, and rubber tires (air-filled) with steel spokes. 

    Cons: Pricey. While the excellent quality makes these balance bikes worth it, the high price tag may turn off many families. 

    best balance bike brands for kids

    Yedoo TooToo

    Price: $199

    Pros: The Yedoo Too Too balance bike is a high-quality bike that fits even the tiniest riders. This bike comes in a wide range of fun bold colors with reflective dots, making it one of the best-looking bikes on the market. The bikes come with extra-wide handlebars for optimum control and safety. pneumatic (air) tires, hand brakes, a low point of entry, and a lightweight, durable steel frame (8 pounds). 

    Cons: The seat post isn’t as easy to adjust as other balance bikes in this price range. 

    More biking resources

    If you’re interested in reading more about biking with kids, here are a few posts you should check out:

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Make Biking Fun: 30+ Accessories for Kids’ Bikes

    Biking is a fun outdoor activity for kids and a great way to get kids active and support their independence. Riding a bike is also a great way to teach your child about their surroundings and make them more mindful of their neighborhood and location. If you want to take your biking fun to the next level, here are some cool gadgets, gizmos, and accessories for kids’ bikes. We’re sharing 30+ fun and creative ideas for accessories for kids’ bikes, which will add hours to their outdoor biking fun! From bike speakers and lights, to toys and safety items, we’ve rounded up the best accessories for kids’ bikes we could find!

    {This post contains affiliate links}

    30+ fun accessories for kids bikes (for toddlers to teens)

    Safety accessories for kids’ bikes

    Headlight + taillight – Add an extra level of safety to your child’s bike with these USB rechargeable bike lights.  The headlight and rear lights feature a one-touch switch with four different lighting modes: full brightness, half brightness, fast flashing, and slow flashing. The silicone mount straps tightly fit around many size seat posts, handlebars, seat risers, backpacks, helmets and stretch to keep lights secure and firm. Versatile enough for cycling, hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity.

    Bike bell – Every kid needs a fun bicycle bell on their bike. Bike bells come in many fun designs, shapes, sizes, and colors. We like this dome mini brass bell, which has a loud clear tone. It fits handlebars between diameters 21mm – 23mm (0.83in – 0.90in) and installs in just one minute. 

    Bike horn – If bells aren’t your kids’ thing, how about a horn? This polished stainless steel horn is non-fading, durable, and weather-resistant. The rubber ball is soft for use and has an unmistakable honk sound to let everyone know you’re coming. Easy to install with a hex key/screwdriver on the handlebars of your child’s bike.

    Bike safety flag – Increase the visibility of your littlest cyclist’s bike with this heavy-duty fiberglass pole and attached orange safety flat. The pole is strong enough to handle strong wind, tree branches, and other possible impacts. Easy to install 2 piece design with a maximum height of 6ft. Make family bike rides much safer for all riders.

    Bike lock – Keep your child’s bike secure when not in use with a fun, colorful bike lock. This 5-digit resettable combination chain lock offers 100000 combinations for added security. Super easy to set and reset your combination. These bike locks have bright, colorful silicone covers, which are scratch-proof and weather resistant. 4 foot long and 1/2 inch thick cable is long enough for securing in most locations. 

    safety accessories for kids bikesPhoto credit: @kristcx

    Fun accessories for kids’ bikes

    Wire bike basket – Whether your child wants to bring their stuffed animal along for a ride or collect rocks while they’re out exploring, bike baskets are really fun kids bike accessories. This basket is made from durable metal wire, with a rust-resistant coating and adjustable sturdy hook loop straps. Ready to install and remove without any additional installation tools. They also come in multiple solid colors.

    LED bike wheel lights – Gain visibility from all directions with these colorful #1 best-selling bike wheel lights and make yours the coolest bike in town. These lights are waterproof and durable, with 2 modes for creating different effects (constant or flashing). They have long-lasting batteries and are easy to install with no tools required. Come with a free manufacturer’s lifetime warranty and 24/7 support. 

    Personalized license plate – Let your young rider pick their favorite word or phrase and have it printed on a custom mini state license plate! These personalized vanity license plates are aluminum and printed with UV-resistant ink. Waterproof, rustproof, and lightweight. 7 x 4 inches and comes with 4 predrilled holes, ready and easy to attach.

    Handlebar streamers – If you want a simple way to add some colorful flair to your bike, check out these fun bike handlebar tassels. The ribbon streamers will fly and dance in the wind while riding. They easily insert into the handlebars of most kids’ bikes, tricycles, and scooters. And they come in a variety of colors. If you want sparkly iridescent ones, the Dimension bicycle streamers are another great option.

    Reflective spoke skins wraps – These spoke tubes are covered with a reflective film, which reflect light and helps with the safety of cyclists.  The tubes come in a variety of colors, so your child can decorate their bike wheels with their favorite colors. They’re easy to install and easy to clean. 

    Spokester bicycle noise maker – If your kids love noisy motorcycles, turn their bike into one with a Spokester noisemaker. Do you remember sticking playing cards into your bike spokes to get that loud sound? This little gadget does that for you! This fun bicycle accessory for kids adds realistic motorcycle exhaust sound with just a snap! The durable plastic lasts for hundreds of miles and won’t damage your bike wheels like clothespins or plastic bottles.

    Bike graffiti chalk set – Turn a bike ride into an art project by attaching this chalk holder frame to your bike and leaving a chalk trail behind. The device can be attached to any bicycle’s rear frame tubes so that your child can make colorful pictures when riding down the street, cruising in the lane, or winding on the sidewalk. 

    Training wheels – These Wald training wheels support riders until they’re ready to ride on their own. For single-speed bikes, the 5 1/2″ diameter plated steel wheels with rubber tires are intended for use by riders weighing up to 100 pounds. The new frame adapters enable this wheel set to be mounted on bicycles with .75 and 1.00-inch rear frame tubes and both 16-inch wheels and 20-inch wheels. 

    Kickstand – Many kids’ pedal bikes don’t come with a kickstand. If that’s the case, consider adding a kickstand to your child’s bike to keep it better protected. This kickstand is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, which is rust-resistant, waterproof, and durable. It’s easy to use, and sturdy. Has a wide non-slip rubber foot pad to ensure more resting stability and protect the floor from scratches.

    Handlebar grips – Kids’ bike handlebar grips tend to wear out or get torn up quickly. If you need a replacement or an upgrade, these mini handlebar grips are comfortable and shock-absorbing made with soft rubber. The oversize bar end helps keep your little one’s hand away from the ends of the grip and also serves as extra cushion when the bike falls over on the side. Designed with a 22.2-mm or 0.87-inch inner diameter to be compatible with the majority of children’s tricycles, scooters, balance bikes, and push bikes.

    Police sirens and lights – Calling all safety patrol! If your child is ready to enforce the traffic laws in your neighborhood, add these fun LED police lights with a siren to their bike! Not only are they a fun way for kids to engage in pretend play, but they also add safety to your ride. 

    Bicycle pinwheels – Add a fun personal touch to your little rider’s bike handlebars with this colorful pinwheel that spins as you pick up speed on your bike. Fits most bicycle handlebars and is easy to attach. 

    Gel seat cover and cushion – Kids’ bike seats can be uncomfortable. Most are made from very hard rigid plastic or inexpensive plastic that rips or tears. This gel-cushioned seat cover is the perfect bike accessory for uncomfy seats. The foam and ultra-soft gel bike seat cushion can reduce vibration and accelerates cooling. Has an anti-skid design, which keeps you away from the trouble of sliding or shifting at high-speed riding. Easy to pull and lock the drawstring and suitable for kids’ bikes.

    Water bottle holder – If you want to keep your child hydrated on a bike ride (and don’t want to have to carry their water bottle), look into these easy-to-install water bottle holders. The holder can be easily locked in different positions of the bicycle by adjusting the claws directly by the manual rotary handle. No need for screw holes on the bicycle. Suitable for holding all kinds of water cups, water bottles, bottles, cans, etc. 

    Mountain bike pedals – An easy way to add color and customization to your child’s old bike (or even a new bike) is by replacing the standard pedals with fun ones. These mountain bike pedals are made of strong nylon fiber and high-strength chromium-molybdenum steel ingot, which is impact-resistant, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and durable. The pedals have a fully-sealed bearing that keeps the main shaft away from water and dust. Each pedal has eight anti-skid nails to increase friction and prevent foot slipping, with reflectors that greatly improve safety.

    Bike gloves – While not as important as bike helmets for safety, gloves can keep your child’s hands from getting skinned in the event of a crash. These gloves are sized for the smallest of cyclists riding single-speed bicycles, from 1 year old up to 8 years-old.  They’re designed to keep your kids’ hands comfortable and protected while engaging in their favorite sport. With a soft thumb material for wiping runny noses and loops at fingers for easy removal. 

    Bike bubble machine – Turn your kid’s bike into a portable bubble-maker with this attachable bubble machine. You can install the bubble machine under the bicycle saddle when riding. Pour the bubble solution in, press the switch, and enjoy a bubble trip. It’s lightweight, runs of 4 AA batteries and makes hundreds of bubbles!

    Bike cones – Add some fun colorful cones to your bike riding to take the fun and games to the next level. These little cones may seem simple, but you’d be surprised how much kids love using them to make obstacle and challenge courses. They can swerve and race through the riding zone and use them in all kinds of creative ways to make up games, races and courses for the whole neighborhood. 

    30+ biking accessories for kids - toddlers through teens

    Bike accessories for older kids

    Handlebar bicycle bag – If you have an older kid that isn’t into the basket but could use storage, consider a handlebar bike bag. This bag mounts securely either on your handlebars or under your seat with a two-point buckle attachment. Attaches to all types of handlebars. Has a stiff inner shell that helps the bag maintain its shape. Is made from heavyweight polyester construction to ensure durability.

    Speedometer/odometer – Any tech-loving kid (or speed demon) will appreciate this fun bike accessory. This is better for more mature kids, as it will encourage them to ride more to see their distance rack up and top speeds noted. Automatically wakes from sleep mode upon sensing vibration in the bicycle. Bright LCD display to easily view ride statistics. Small size, lightweight, wireless, waterproof design makes it convenient and durable. This bicycle computer measures speed, distance, and riding time.

    Crankbrothers multitool – Older children, teens, and tweens are mature enough to be able to help with the maintenance of their bikes. This multitool includes ten tools, which are perfect for beginners, tune-ups, and chain adjustments. It comes with a disc-brake rotor-friendly Torx T-25 wrench, seven hex wrench sizes, a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver. 

    Bike repair stand – Speaking of bike repair, if your older child is interested in bicycle repair and maintenance, a repair stand may be very useful. This stand has a 360-degree rotatable clamp with a lever to hold your bike steady, with adjustable height. The aluminum alloy frame holds a max load of 60 pounds (more than most adult bikes). The big tray has a customized place for tools, with a magnet to collect screws and nuts. Super steady base with rubber feet won’t scratch the floor. 

    Camelbak hydration packs – If your child’s bike frame isn’t large enough for a water bottle holder (or if your older child wants to carry more water, snacks, and other stuff), we highly recommend the Camelbak Mini MULE hydration pack. The pack is small enough for kids to carry 1.5L of water (best for 5-year-olds and up). It’s lightweight with a built-in safety whistle, extra storage pockets, and reflective accents for visibility in low-light environments.

    Rearview mirror – If your child rides their bike on the road or anywhere with traffic, consider adding a rearview mirror for safety, so they can keep an eye on what’s behind them. This durable convex mirror has a diameter of 3.23 inches with a bendy shaft to easily adjust the mirror angle. 

    Bike ramp – If your little daredevils are ready to add some air to their biking skills, a portable bike ramp is a blast! This ramp is solid, durable, and stylish, with an astonishing width of 23.62 inches and weight capacity of 3 adults. It has a slip-resistant finish, non-slip rubber feet, and adjustable height for bike jumps with BMX bikes. It’s portable and easy to store. Assembles in 1 minute, no tools required.

    Bluetooth speaker – Add some fun tunes to your bike rides with a wireless Bluetooth speaker. The UE Roll 2 Volcano is both waterproof and shockproof, which means it can withstand a lot of abuse when you’re outside on the trails. It attaches anywhere and has a super long (up to 9 hours) rechargeable battery life. Comes in many different colors. 

    Photo credit: @arevook

    For more biking content

    If you’re interested in reading more about biking with kids, here are a few posts you should check out:

    What are your favorite kids’ bike accessories?

  • BIKE, FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER

    How to Get Started Mountain Biking with Kids

    Mountain biking with kids is not only a great way to get outside and immersed in nature, but the benefits go above and beyond. Mountain biking is great for kids’ physical and mental health, improves their coordination and balance, and helps instill confidence. Today, we have Creative Team member Jared Ryan, Oklahoma dad of 2 and avid cyclist, here to give us a primer on how to get started mountain biking with kids. He’s covering all the bases, from how to choose the right mountain bike, what to pack on your adventures, how to get the kids trail-ready and how to mentally and physically prepare for inevitable wrecks. Are you ready?!

    Get out, get dirty

    Let’s be honest, most of us are feeling pretty confined right now. As parents, we’re all looking for new (or any) ways to get our kids outside and soak up what’s left of this summer. This can be difficult with current social distance guidelines and park closures. However, there are options and lots of great ways to get outside away from it all. For me, it’s all about mountain biking!

    Hold up, you say. It’s a 12-hour drive to your nearest mountain range? No worries! That’s not what mountain biking is…at least not all mountain biking. 

    The mountain biking gear shed

    One thing about mountain biking is that you can spend your annual salary on gear. But, let’s not do that… While in some cases it’s really important to buy quality gear for your kid’s safety (i.e helmets), other times, it makes more ‘cents’ to purchase more practically. Let’s lay this out a bit.

    Helmets for kids

    First off, never ride without a helmet. Yes, you, the adult. This is about the only time I get strict on my little shredders when it comes to the bike. I stress the importance of helmets ALL the time. This often means that I’m wearing my helmet when we’re cruising on the neighborhood sidewalks or pedaling around in the yard. That’s fine, because I’m modeling the behavior I want to see. Now my kids never ask if they really need to wear one. They know my answer.

    When shopping for a proper helmet I’d suggest going to your local bike shop or sporting goods store. This ensures that your helmet meets the proper helmet safety regulations in your country. It’s also helpful for getting the right fit and size for your child’s head. While buying online may be easier, it will not give you that same guarantee. 

    how to choose the right mountain bike for kids

    How to choose a mountain bike for kids

    Oh man, the bike. This is where it gets fun. I get just as excited when my kids get a new bike as I do when I get my own… Well, maybe not quite, but almost. Depending on your budget, you can spend $100 or $1200+ on your kid’s bike. Each end of the cost spectrum has its validity. Bike shops are a great place to go for all the insight and wisdom that you seek. They’re always ready and willing to nerd out on bike topics and answer your questions. They can absolutely square your kid away on the proper bike and gear with no effort from you. This is the quick and easy way to get kitted up.

    If the bike shop route isn’t what you’re looking for, online distributors or even second-hand bikes are both great options. It’ll require a little more homework for you and you’ll forfeit that lifetime maintenance program that so many shops offer, but both of these options can allow you to get that upper-level bike for a lot less cost.

    When doing your research, ask yourself, “does this bike make sense for our trails?”. Most entry-level “mountain bikes” out there for kids are actually too heavy for the trails and have inoperable front suspension due to the rider being too light to compress it. They look the part, but when put to the trails they’re too rigid to absorb any rocks and too clunky to be pedaled up any hill. This will NOT do you any favors when introducing your kiddo to the trails.

    Suspension and gears

    Having made the mistake of buying my daughter’s bike with front suspension and narrower (1.75in) tires, I actually prefer my son’s bike. It has no suspension. Instead, a wider (2.6in) tire gives him the plush feel that a proper suspension fork would. As a bonus, not having suspension on the front also cuts down dramatically on the bike’s weight. Mountain bikes for kids with an air suspension fork (like the Woom OFF AIR recommended below), give you the best of both good suspension and lightweight. 

    A range of gears is an absolute must for the trails. Bikes with six to seven gears on the back and one gear up front are the most common for kids’ bikes and will work perfectly for most trails. You may see bikes with two or even three gears on the front, but this is not usually necessary and can add more confusion for your young rider learning to shift gears on the fly.

    Mountain bike tires for kids

    When choosing tires for your child’s mountain bike, you want a relatively wide (2.25in-2.6in) tire with a knobby tread (think of a dirt bike tire). This will not only help with the dirt/mud, but it will grip better in turns and provide more traction and confidence on the downhill sections. Confidence is key. When you’re airing the tires, you don’t need to max out the psi for the tire. Putting in about 5psi less than the tire’s max press rating can go a long way in providing your little rider with more traction on the trail. 

    Best mountain bike for kids

    Woom OFF AIR

    Woom has changed the sport of mountain biking for kids with their durable mountain bikes! The Woom OFF AIR bike delivers off-road performance in a lightweight package. Child-specific ergonomics bring comfort and added safety to each adventure. This bike is well equipped and capable of handling almost anything it encounters, from the bike park to gravel roads to singletrack. With its air suspension fork, the Woom OFF AIR  provides off-road capability and ergonomics designed for growing bodies and developing skills. Stable, responsive, and equipped with high-performance components and tubeless-compatible rims and tires, it provides best-in-class value in its category. 

    how to go mountain biking with kids

    How to dress kids for mountain biking

    In the hot summer months, it’s relatively easy to figure out proper attire for the season. When riding in the cooler fall and spring months, I start my kids with a base layer of cooler clothing and then add layers according to the weather. It’s often cool or even cold at the beginning of ride, then within the first couple of miles, your body warms up pretty well. This is especially true for kids. I account for the storage of the extra layers in my pack so that there’s no reason for the kids (or I) to not shed a layer when it’s needed. Wearing too much clothing for the temperatures can be just as detrimental as wearing too little.

    Lastly, get them some riding gloves. I prefer full-fingered gloves, but I can’t say that it really matters. Proper fitting gloves will really cut down on blisters. 

    beginner's guide to mountain biking with kids

    Getting familiar with the dirt

    After your kiddo gets that nice and shiny steed, go get it dirty! Assuming your rider has mastered the bike basics, you should introduce them to the dirt by finding a local dirt or gravel path. These paths are often unpaved walking/biking trails winding through the trees. No obstacles, no undulations, just smooth packed dirt. I find that this is an organic way of getting young riders comfortable with navigating through the narrow and confined space of the trees.

    While a lot of single track trails are no more narrow than a sidewalk, the tunneling effect of the trees can be pretty intimidating to any new rider. Once they’re more comfortable on the dirt path, feel free to find little branches and rocks (smaller than 3in in diameter) to let them roll over and experiment with. They may get bucked around at first riding over these obstacles, at first. But soon they’ll gain more control and intuition over the bike. Your goal should is to get them used to the feeling of rough terrain and to trust their bike.

    If you don’t have a smooth dirt path near your home, no worries. I often take our kids to a nearby park and lead them around hopping off and rolling up curbs, racing in the grass (as it’s often uneven ground), and riding up/down short little grassy hills. All for the sake of building up their handling skills. Kids get comfortable on their bikes far quicker than their parents, so if you’re not already familiar with mountain biking, jump in and take turns doing these with your little rider.

    everything you need to know to get starting mountain biking with kids
    Leading or towing them into new obstacles can provide them more confidence before trying it themselves.

    What to pack when mountain biking with kids

    Okay, so your ‘little rider’ has now morphed into a ‘little shredder’ and they’re ready for the real deal…the Red Bull Rampage circuit. What should you bring on the trail? Some rides just require sufficient water and maybe a flat kit. But, for longer rides or for trails that I haven’t ridden before, I prefer to carry a hydration pack with our necessities in it.

    While I have my own list of carry-on items that I take for each of my own rides, my list is a bit longer when my kids are with me. There is just more that can go wrong and I don’t really expect them to carry their own packs at this point in their progression.

    In my trail pack:

    • Water – The amount is dependent on your planned ride, but usually 32oz in a hydration pack and a 20oz bottle per person is more than enough for our 1hr rides. You’ll need to figure this for your local climate and personal needs
    • Flat Kit – I carry 1 tube per rider, 1set of tire levers, and a CO2 inflator w/one CO2 cartridge per rider. I often carry a hand pump too just in case we have a rough day.  
    • Bike Tool – It never fails that a seat is too high or a derailleur is not adjusted. There are a lot of options out there to fit you budget/needs. I’ve been really pleased with the Crankbrothers M-17
    • Small First-Aid kit – Just a simple a kit with antibiotic creme, alcohol wipes, and bandages.
    • Snacks – Um well, yeah kids and dads love snacks.

    For after the ride I keep in my vehicle:

    • Wet wipes – Quick easy way to wipe of the trail dirt and sweat.
    • Lint roller – After the wet wipes are used, I find a lint roller to be a great way to get rid of ticks before they attach
    • More Water
    • Zevia – Because the kids definitely earned them!

    what to pack when mountain biking with kids

    Hitting the trail

    At the start of your ride, review and even take a picture of the map at the trailhead to make sure that you know which trails are designated as “Easy” or “Beginner.” I recommend sticking to easy trails at first so that you can keep the rides short and simple. This allows your young rider to decide their own rate of progression. Roll out on these rides with ZERO expectations.

    So often on the drive to the trails, my kids are so excited!  They tell me all the jumps they’re going to “send.” All about how fast they plan to ride. I love it. However, that’s not always the case once we’re on the trail. Fatigue sets in and suddenly, without warning, they’re mentally and physically wiped. Or even (dare I say it) bored! That’s fine, it happens. If you set your expectations low, it’s easier to roll with whatever comes your way and to improvise on the ride. I’ll often let them hang out and session a trail feature. Or, sometimes, this means taking a LOT of breaks. But regardless, since I don’t have any particular goal for the ride, I’m able to fully embrace the outcome…even if that means we’re hitting the bypass trail back to the parking lot.

    When they’re just not feeling it that day and want to head back early, I don’t force the ride. I want this to be a fun experience. I’m completely aware that some days they’re just not that into it. That’s fine, we’re not training for world titles…yet.

    I’ve also found that with both of my kids, when they’re up front and leading the group, they tend to ride a little more confidently and are far more engaged in the ride. This is natural since the lead rider is forced to choose the correct lines and has to be alert for any obstacles. If you notice a kid falling behind, maybe give them the chance to lead for a while. 

    how to prepare kids for mountain biking
    Let your kids lead – this will help them pick better lines and navigate terrain on their own, making them more well-rounded riders.

    Prepare for wrecks

    Be ready…wrecks are going to happen. Yes, they are GOING to happen. No biggie. Most mountain bike wrecks do not result in serious injury, but they can definitely hurt. Ironically, the first step to overcoming the fear of wrecking for any new rider is to wreck! Honestly. Once they get that first fall on their Pro Mountain Biker resumé, young riders nearly always conclude that it’s not really that bad. Or even that it was worth it. 

    My little shredders wreck A LOT. In a positive way. Usually, they wreck because they’re pushing their abilities or conquering a trail feature that has continued to best them. And I’m good with that! Once I’ve verified that my kid is okay, I usually become the hype man. For us it’s something like “Whoa! You alive, dude? That was incredible! Your bike did three flips off that rock!” Or “Dang girl! You good? You’ve gotta hit that one again!”

    Sometimes the pain is real though and we make our way back to the trailhead. Usually, we talk through how the wreck played out and figure out what happened. Was it a bad line choice? Did they have too much or too little speed? We try to learn from the crashes so that next time they aren’t beat by the same feature.

    mountain biking with kids

    The biggest perk

    Mountain biking is SO incredibly rewarding for kids. They learn new skills with balance and coordination. Reach new levels of fitness and health. They will be exhausted, and dirty, and happy. They’ll face obstacles that previously made them tremble, and then they will conquer that obstacle! For us parents, we get to watch this unfold and have a front-row seat to their growth. We can sit on a rocky overlook while taking one of those frequent breaks and soak it up with our little shredders. To me, this is the biggest perk of mountain biking. Now get out there, go ride your bike.

    About the author

    Jared is a husband to a talented and beautiful wife, Kristen also a father of two fun-loving and adventurous kiddos. He enjoys leading family adventures to both near and far destinations. Whether it is hiking, camping, climbing, bike riding, or playing in the backyard, he loves it all. He instills in his family the importance of nature and all the benefits it can bring to one’s life. Jared is a GIS analyst by trade, so he is naturally drawn to creating maps and all things trail related, whether it is creating new trails, recording family hikes or teaching his kids land navigation, he loves to tie in his own work with family adventures.

    You can find Jared online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @bikeshikesbiners

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Tips for Biking with Kids

    Biking with kids is a fun adventure and a great way to create memories as a family. It’s also a great way to get outdoors, explore new areas/trails and get in shape. However, the thought of biking together as a family can sound intimidating and overwhelming with the amount of gear you need and safety concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this great post with lot of tips, advice and recommendations on how to get started, what to pack, what gear to use and what to expect!

    Why bike?

    As a fan of (nearly) all things that get kids outside and active, biking is at the top. Learning to ride a bike is an important skill that every child should learn and comes with a range of benefits. While most of us know that regular exercise contributes to better physical health, there are plenty of other reasons why learning to ride a bike is more important than ever. It builds confidence and fosters independence in kids. Riding a bike not only improves physical fitness, it also benefits your child’s learning development and mental health. Plus, using active transport like cycling instead of driving reduces carbon emissions, eases traffic congestion and eliminates parking problems. Less pollution and traffic means our communities will become greener, healthier and less stressful places to live.

    Kids that ride bikes connect with their neighborhoods, community and nature in new ways. They get to know the people, geography, and landmarks of their area. Kids who are driven around in cars most of the time aren’t as likely to know their way around in their own neighborhoods. They can also feel less emotionally connected to their communities. Think about it: unlike traveling by car, when you’re on your bike, you can easily stop and smell the roses (literally!). You can stop to play at a park, by a neighbor’s garden for a chat, or at food stand for a bite. Even when you’re zooming along, you’re still going at a pace that allows you to take in the sights and smells. Biking is a full sensory experience.

    How to choose your biking set-up

    Before you can start biking, you’ll need to decide what kind of set-up you want to use for your family. Whether you biked a lot before having kids or just recently thought about biking as a fun way to exercise together and get around, biking with kids is easier than ever these days. There are so many great set-up options for king with kids – individual bikes, bike seats, tow bars, carts, buggies and trailers.

    However, all these options can be a bit overwhelming. When making the decision on your biking set-up, you’ll want to consider the following criteria:

    • number of kids you have;
    • children’s ages;
    • kid’s sizes;
    • children’s expertise on a bike;
    • price of gear;
    • weight of gear;
    • size and transportability of gear;
    • your comfort-level with the different biking options.

    Individual bikers

    If your kids are old enough to ride their own bike, by all means, give them the chance to learn how to bike with the family. The more experience they get, the better riders they’ll become. My son is five and finally got rid of the training wheels last year. Since then, he’s become pretty proficient at riding his own bike and being independent. He still crashes occasionally, but that’s just part of the learning process. He rides a Schwinn Amplify SmartStart bike, which is the perfect size for him (you can read our gear review on the bike HERE).

    Trailers, tow bars and bike seats

    For younger kids and infants, you have a few options: a pull behind trailer, a bike seat, a cargo bike or a tow bar. Obviously, there are pros and cons to each of these set-ups, which you’ll need to consider. It will also depend on the age/size/activity level of the kid and how long you’d like the product to last. Tow bars are great for bigger kids that want to ride their own bike, but they add weight to your set-up and won’t work for small kids and infants. Bike seats are great for small kids, as they’re fully restrained, close to the adult and can even sleep in the seat. It’s also nice to have them close to you so you can talk to and hear them. However, some of these seats don’t give the child much of a view or any freedom to move around.

    We chose to get a pull-behind trailer for a couple reasons: (1) our daughter is 3 years-old and big, so she fits much better in a trailer and has her own space; (2) it has an area for cargo, because we never travel lightly; (3) it’s safe, with a full aluminum roll cage and 5-point harness; and (4) we can add a snuggle seat inside for our next baby, starting at age 1. By that time she’ll hopefully be able to ride her own bike. You can get trailers for one or two kids and some even convert into a jogging stroller. Check out our Burly Minnow bike trailer gear review.

    Always wear your helmet

    Safety is a top priority when biking with kids, so make sure that everyone wears a helmet at all times when biking (even in a trailer or seat). Helmets should fit snugly around the head and not move or flop around. The chin strap should be tight, but not uncomfortable. Kids grow fast, so make sure you check for fit every time you ride.

    If your kids aren’t used to helmets, they might not like wearing them, but make it a rule: no helmet = no bike. Don’t give them an option not to wear one. And the more you bike, the more they will get used to it.

    Don’t forget about helmets for mom and dad, too. As parents and protectors, we tend to think about our kids first, but your safely is just as important to your kids. Set a good example by always riding with a helmet and your kids will be more likely to grab theirs every time they go biking.

    Pick the right location

    You’ve heard that “location, location, location” are the three most important things about buying real estate, but choosing the right location is also extremely important in ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable bike ride with your kids. The right trail or bike path can make the difference between a stressful exhausting ride and an enjoyable one for both you and the kids.

    Try to choose a location that’s away from traffic, if possible, for safety and peace of mind. Young riders can be a bit unpredictable so it’s nice knowing they aren’t going to swerve in front of a car if they lose control of their bike. Lots of local parks have bike trails free from cars and trucks.

    Depending on your bike and tires, paved trails will be easier for beginners. Flat trails are ideal for young riders and anyone pulling a trailer. Once the kids get older and can go longer distances, you can add more challenging trails with hills, gravel, off-roading and other exciting features.

    To find great trails in your area, do some research. Most parks have trail maps and information online. Lots of cities/towns have designated biking lanes on certain streets to get you to and from bike trails safely. Ask friends or local mom groups for suggestions.

    Have a destination in mind

    Kids do much better riding and staying focused when they have a goal, so choose a route with a specific destination. Make it a park, an ice cream shop, a restaurant, picnic location or even just a landmark that lets them know they’ve reached their goal. Bonus points if the destination has a playground, food or treats! Our favorite bike trail leads us right to a beautiful little creek, where we can stop, play and throw rocks for a while before getting back on the bikes to head home.

    Keep older kids in between adults

    If you are riding with kids who are riding their own bike, the safest option is to put them in between two adults. One adult rides in front and one behind. Having someone to follow ensures that your kids stay on the right track, stop when they’re supposed to and don’t get too far ahead of everyone else. Having an adult in the back also ensures no stragglers get left behind.

    If you have more than one kid riding independently, form a duck line. Either Mama Duck or Daddy Duck up front, and then the youngest solo rider to the oldest, single file behind the leader. The other parent (or oldest child) is in the back. No one breaks the duck line until the leader gives the all clear, which will give the first and last rider time to check for cars. Your kids may need practice both getting into the duck line without panicking and not flying so close together that they’ll all crash if someone stops. It takes practice, but it’s worth it for the safety.

    Be prepared

    In addition to making sure your bikes are maintained and in well-working order, you’ll also want to be sure to dress your kids accordingly for the weather and conditions. Be sure they wear appropriate footwear so they don’t get blisters. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen if it’s sunny. Feed them before the ride so they’re not tired, cranky and hungry.

    As with any outdoor adventure, getting prepped ahead of time is half the battle. Biking trips are no different; although the gear and supplies you pack might vary a bit from a regular outing. Here are few things we recommend you bring along on your next biking outing:

    I hope these tips encourage you to get out and bike with your kids soon!

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Gear Review: Burley Minnow Bike Trailer

    This post was sponsored by Burley. Bike trailer was provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

    Burley Minnow bike trailer for kids - Gear Review on Run Wild My Child

    Biking with the kids is quickly becoming one of our family’s favorite ways to spend time together outdoors. We are lucky to live in an area with some incredible state and local parks full of beautiful bike trails. The fresh air and exercise feel fantastic, but getting the entire family out on the trails is never easy.

    Our kids are as different as they can be. The 5 year-old is all wild unbridled energy. He rides his own bike and expects us to keep up with him. The 3 year-old, on the other hand, is like molasses sometimes. She takes her sweet time and would much rather twirl around and pick wildflowers than get anywhere in a hurry. She has little to no interest in riding a bike right now and is certainly not ready for any lengthy family bike rides. We’ve been looking for the best way to include her in our rides in the most efficient, cost-effective and whine-free way possible. Which is why we love our Burley Minnow bike trailer.  Gear Review: Burley Minnow bike trailer for kidsgear review burley minnow bike trailer

    Benefits of a bike trailer

    While being outdoors with your kids and getting fresh air and exercise are all amazing benefits to biking with kids, having a bike trailer offers benefits beyond the obvious. Here a few of our favorite things about using a bike trailer when biking with kids:

    • Storage – Most bike trailers have a cargo area in the back to store a backpack, groceries, diaper bag, toys, camera, small cooler or whatever gear and supplies you need for your biking adventure. We tend to overpack on outings with the kids, so without a storage area, we’d have to purchase a separate storage basket for our bikes or pack everything in a backpack we wear during the ride.
    • Safety – I don’t claim to be an expert bike rider, so having a bike trailer behind the bike, as opposed to a large toddler in a bike-mounted seat, feels much safer to me. Bike trailers are much sturdier and less likely to tip over the adult’s bike. Plus, good bike trailers have a durable roll-cage and 5-point harness to keep children secure.

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    • Longevity – Bike trailers can be used for years and can accommodate kids and cargo up to about 100 pounds. This means kids can ride in a trailer for a much longer time than they can fit in a mounted seat.
    • Weather-protection – While we don’t ever plan on biking through rain or storms, bike trailers offer a level of weather protection that bike-mounted seats or tow bars don’t. Lots of bike trailers have water resistant covers to protect from wind, rain and/or snow. You can even get a separate Amazon that will keep little ones (up to 2) snuggly and warm.
    • Stroller option – Some bike trailers also offer the option of converting in to a stroller, jogger or even a sled!! Depending on what you want (and how much you want to spend), there are a lot of options out there for whatever outdoor needs you have.

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    Features and specs of the Burley Minnow

    If you’re looking at adding a bike trailer to your family outings, check out the Burley Minnow. It’s the newest trailer in the Burley line-up and perfect for families looking to haul around one kid and some gear. Here are few features and specs that we love about the Minnow:

    • Single-seat – While Burley does make a number of other trailers that accommodate more than one kid, the Minnow seats one and that’s all we needed. This single-seater is perfect for our 3 year-old and will last a few years until she’s ready for rides on her own.
    • Safe –  The Minnow has a full aluminum roll cage, 5-point harness system and passes rigorous Burley Standard durability testing. It comes with a safety flag, reflectors and UV protection on the tinted windows.
    • Smooth ride – While I haven’t actually sat back there myself to personally test it out, both kids have tried it and love it. They both said it’s comfortable, not too bumpy and lots of fun.

    burley minnow bike trailersbenefits of bike trailers for kids

    • Storage – The Minnow has a ton of storage space. There’s a spacious rear-cargo area large enough for a full back-pack and my camera bag. Plus, there’s upfront storage for water bottles, keys, phone, snacks, etc.
    • Infant seat accessory – I love that Burley offers a separate infant seat (Amazon) that you can  use to secure babies 3-12 months old. While I was certainly not expecting anyone but Mim to get use out of this trailer, turns out that it will be the perfect biking accessory to have when baby #3 gets old enough to be able to go on biking outings with us. Although, be advised that the baby seat should only be used on trailers that have stroller option if your child is less than 12 months old. When towing behind a bike, baby needs to be able to sit up unassisted and wear a helmet.

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    • Easy to assemble – The trailer comes nearly unassembled, but it’s a quick project. There are no extra gear or parts that you’ll need to order or purchase. It comes ready-to-bike and includes a hitch, tow arm and safety flag.
    • Fold-flat design – The Minnow folds flat for easier storage and transport.
    • Affordable – Starting at $215, the Burley Minnow is a quality, entry-level trailer that won’t break the bank.

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    Our Burley experience

    We have thoroughly enjoyed having the Burley Minnow bike trailer as an option for biking with the entire family. My daughter calls it her “buggy” and asks to take rides daily! We bike around our neighborhood and to local parks and playgrounds. We’ve biked to a local farm to feed the horses carrots. We’ve even ventured out a few times to hit more serious trails. Having the trailer keeps the little one safe and prevents (so much) whining! She gets to sit back and enjoy the ride…maybe even take a nap! It’s also nice to have a place to store gear and supplies while we’re out. Even small items like water bottles and Goldfish car be a hassle to carry. It was a breeze to assemble and takes no time at all to hook up to our bikes whenever we’re ready for a ride.

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    Find Burley online

    Burley was started nearly 35 years ago in Eugene, Oregon. They’ve built a reputation for safe, durable products. The name Burley is synonymous with “bicycle trailer.” They’re known around the world for recreational transport gear that sets the standard for safety, durability and thoughtful design. While they’ve continued to perfect the bicycle trailer, the product line has grown to include multi-functional child carriers, jogging strollers and balance bikes. To shop Burley products and/or get more biking inspiration, you can find them online:

    Website // Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Amazon        burley minnow bike trailer for kids

    Anyone else use/have a bike trailer?

  • BIKE, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Gear Review: Schwinn Amplify & Circuit Bicycles

    This post was sponsored by Schwinn Bicycles. Bikes were provided as post compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author.

    Gear Review: Schwinn Bikes Amplify for Kids and Circuit Women's Hybrid

    This has been a year of big changes at our house, especially for my son, Mac (5). Not only did he start kindergarten, but he got rid of his bicycle training wheels, learned to swim without floaties, bait his own hook and got to go hunting with daddy for the first time. Of all of these milestones, learning to ride a bike on his own has probably made the biggest day-to-day difference for us. Suddenly, he wants to ride his bike everywhere!

    Getting those training wheels off has given Mac a newfound sense of independence, adventure and confidence. My husband loves riding with him around our neighborhood and local park. After a while I started to get frustrated being stuck at home with no bike, unable to join them on their adventures. It had been years since I did any riding, but I had to admit that it was finally time for me to get a bike, too.

    Gear Review Schwinn Bicycles

    With new bikes needed for us both, Mac and I were really excited to have the opportunity to each review a Schwinn bike. Schwinn is a tried and true company that’s been around for ages. It is associated with high-quality, affordable, durable bikes. From “walk ‘n’ roll” kids bikes to the Le Tour Legacy, they offer a comprehensive line of bikes that suit the needs of any rider, young to old. Their bikes are built to the Schwinn Quality standard, with over 100 years of cycling heritage, passion and expertise. With a quality brand selected, all we had to do was pick out the perfect bike best suited for each of our needs.

    Schwinn Amplify Kids Bike Review

    Choosing the right size bike for kids

    Schwinn believes a well-fitted bike makes the child more comfortable; and being comfortable inspires confidence and the motivation to learn. However, figuring out children’s bicycle sizing can be tough and overwhelming. Kids bicycle sizes are determined by the wheel size of the bicycle (12″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 24″). The wheel size of children’s bicycles directly correlates with the frame size of the bicycle. Oftentimes you can make a good estimate for what size bike your child will need based upon their age. However, with children going through growth spurts and varying in height, it is always better to measure your child’s height to find the right bike for them. Of course you should have them test ride the bike as well!

    Schwinn Kids Bike Size Guide

    Finding a bike that fits is crucial to your child’s safety, especially since both oversized and undersized bikes can prove hazardous. Bikes that are too large can prevent a child’s feet from touching the ground and keep hands from reaching the hand brakes. Bikes that are too small, on the other hand, force a child to pedal awkwardly with substantially bent knees, which can cause knee pain and make a child’s legs tire quickly. When fitting a bike, make sure your child, while seated, can touch the ground easily with both feet when the seat is in its lowest position. (The seat can be raised gradually as your child grows.) Adjust the seat so that your child’s legs bend slightly at the bottom of each revolution when pedaling.

    schwinn amplify kids bike gear reviw

    For more info on kids bike sizing, see the Schwinn website here.

    Schwinn SmartStart bikes

    Parents are often concerned that their child will grow out of a bicycle to quickly. That’s why the Schwinn SmartStart is a great solution to help your child’s bike “grow” with them. Schwinn SmartStart bikes are built with a child’s proportions in mind. The grips are smaller, the pedals are closer together, and the seat is angled in a way that will make the body angle needed to pedal less stressful. Raising the saddle of a Schwinn SmartStart bicycle raises the angle of the seat and the distance from the seat to the handlebars and pedals. This means that as your child grows, the bike evolves and fits your child longer.

    If your child is more comfortable, then they will want to ride, and learning will be less frustrating for everyone involved. Plus, you can’t loose with the Schwinn name, since it is backed with a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike, and has been building great kids bikes since 1895.

    schwinn amplify smart start boys kids bike

    Schwinn Amplify

    We ended up choosing the 18″ Schwinn Amplify SmartStart bike for Mac and it was a great choice to get him started on his cycling journey.  The bike is black and blue (two of his favorites) and designed specifically for kids (as opposed to a shrunken version of an adult bike).  Like all the Schwinn SmartStart bikes, the grips are sized for smaller hands for easy steering, and the pedals are positioned closer together, so picking up speed is a snap. It’s fast enough to give him the thrill he desires, but can stop on a dime. It has back-pedal coaster and hand brakes, both of which he utilizes. He couldn’t love this bike any more. It’s been so much fun watching him gain power, strength and confidence as he rides. And while we’ve only had it for a few months, it’s already survived multiple crashes and wipeouts. It has proven to be durable and tough.

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    Amplify stats and features:

    Model & Size: Schwinn SmartStart 18″ Amplify
    Color: Sidewalk Bike
    Fits heights: 42-52″
    Age: 6 years – 10 years
    Retail price: $119.99

    • Rigid high-tensile steel child frame
    • Coaster and front and rear hand brake
    • Single speed
    • Rigid frame and fork
    • SmartStart design features smaller grips and pedals that are closer together to promote a comfortable fit
    • Training wheels included

    schwinn amplify kids smart start bike reviewschwinn amplify boys age 6 - 10

    Picking the right Schwinn bike for adults

    With so many different types of bikes to choose from it can be hard to determine which bicycle is best suited for you. However, if you know a few basics about each type of bike it will be easier to zero in on a bicycle that fits your lifestyle.

    • Cruiser Bicycles: These retro looking bikes have wide balloon tires, wide saddles, and keep you in an upright seated position. These bikes have a simple mechanical design and a single-speed drive-train. They are incredibly durable, which makes them very easy to maintain. A cruiser is a great choice for the casual and stylish cyclist who is looking for a stable bike. This cyclist is not concerned about how fast they get from point A to B, and will primarily be biking on flat terrain.
    • Mountain Bicycles: These durable bikes typically have wide knobby tires, a stout frame and shock-absorbers. They have straight handlebars with a raised seat that keeps you in a more upright seated position than a road bike.  With stable wheels, these bikes can handle the dirt, potholes, and gravel of off-roading. While the sturdy features make this bicycle excellent for rough terrain, they can also make a ride on the road heavy and slow.
    • Hybrid Bicycles: This bike combines features of both the road and mountain bike styles to create a perfect compromise. The Hybrid has skinnier tires and a lighter frame, which allows it to go faster than the mountain bike. It’s ideal for the cyclist who wants a general-purpose bike that can handle multiple terrains and riding conditions.  This bicycle is not only durable and comfortable, but is also fast. Ideally suited for beginning cyclist or commuters who want a quick, comfortable ride.

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    • Urban Bicycles: These bikes are durable with strong frames to handle any possible hazards of the city road. This type of bike comes with fenders to keep the rider free from mud and water kicked up. The handlebars allow you to sit upright for a comfortable ride. Urban bikes are ideal for practical city dwellers who want to use their bike for running errands or commuting to work.
    • Bike Path Bicycles: These bikes keep riding simple and smooth. Wide plush saddles, upright seating, plush suspension, and tires similar to those found on mountain bikes (but smoother) make riding a Bike Path bike extremely comfortable, although less efficient then a Hybrid. The Bike Path bike is ideal for a casual cyclist who desires comfort and leisurely rides.
    • Road Bicycles: These bikes have skinny tires, light frames, and a forward leaning riding position that allows a cyclist to go fast on pavement. The road bike has two types of handlebars for the road cyclist various needs. Drop-bar handlebars are for the cyclist who wants to go faster. They are lightweight and create a more aerodynamic riding position, while also allowing you to better transfer your energy to moving the bike. However they may also put more strain on your back. The flat-bar handlebars allow you to sit up in a more upright position to reduce strain on your back, wrist and shoulders, but they are less efficient in speed.

    For more information on choosing the right Schwinn bike, visit their website here.

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    Schwinn Circuit

    Choosing the right bike for me was a bit tougher. While I’m no longer growing (at least not up…out is a different story!), I wasn’t sure exactly how/where I’d be riding the most. I wanted a model that I could ride on the paved streets of our neighborhood and the gravel trails at local parks. I ended up choosing a Schwinn Hybrid Bike called the Circuit. As mentioned above, the hybrid combines features of both road and mountain bike styles. The Circuit has skinnier tires and a lighter frame than a mountain bike. It’s a great general-purpose bike that can handle multiple terrains and riding conditions.  While I’ve known how to ride a bike forever, I still consider myself a beginner, so this bike is a good one to start with.

    The Circuit is agile and responsive, yet seriously durable and tough. It comes with 21-speed Shimano EZ-Fire shifters, which were very easy for me to learn and pick up on quickly. I’ve never owned a bike with gears before! It has powerful mechanical disc brakes for fast and efficient stopping. Trust me, they’ve been tested and work great! Riding behind my impulsive (and easily distracted) 5 year-old has made me quick on the breaks! The ride is smooth and comfortable, even when four + months pregnant!

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    Circuit stats and features

    Model & Size: Schwinn Women’s Circuit 28″ Hybrid Bike
    Color: Teal Blue
    Gear Speeds: 21
    Bicycle Frame Height: 15″
    Bicycle Frame Material: Aluminum
    Wheel Height: 28″
    Maximum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
    Dimensions: 58 inches L x 35 inches H
    Weight: 35 pounds
    Retail price: $289.99

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    Add a Schwinn to the family

    Riding a bike is a rite of passage for a kid; a passport to worlds beyond the front lawn. Bikes represent fun, freedom, and fresh air – everything that’s good about childhood. Moreover, biking is a healthy pastime that kids will never outgrow. One that encourages them to be active, safe and aware of their surroundings. And once you have a bike, it’s fun, free and easy to do with the entire family. Biking with kids and as a family has never been easier. If you’re looking to add a bike to your fleet, I highly recommend Schwinn’s line-up of kids and adult bikes.

    You can find more information on Schwinn Bicycles in the following locations:

     Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter

    And don’t miss the next post in this series – Tips & Advice for Biking with Kids (coming soon!).

    What kind of bike do you and your kids ride?