Ryden Balance Bike – 12" Lightweight First Bike
The Ryden Balance Bike is an ultra-lightweight 12-inch first bicycle designed to help toddlers develop balance, coordination, steering, and confidence before learning to pedal. Featuring a lightweight 6061 aluminum frame, low step-over design, pneumatic tires, adjustable saddle and handlebars, child-sized rear hand brake, and footrest platform, it provides a natural introduction to cycling without pedals or training wheels.
- ✓ Ultra-lightweight aluminum frame: at approximately 3.5 kg it is easy for toddlers to control and manageable for parents to carry
- ✓ Learn balance before pedalling: with no pedals or training wheels, children naturally learn to balance, steer, lean, and control the bike with their feet
- ✓ Real 12" pneumatic tires: air-filled tires give better cushioning and traction than solid plastic or foam wheels
- ✓ Child-sized rear hand brake: a short-reach lever introduces hand braking before the first pedal bike
- ✓ Grows with the rider: adjustable saddle and handlebar accommodate children across several stages of early development
The very first step into cycling: balance before pedals
The Ryden Balance Bike is designed to be the very first step into the Ryden cycling range. Before children need to understand pedals, gears, or complex controls, they first need to master one fundamental cycling skill: balance.
The Ryden Balance Bike removes the pedals, drivetrain, and training wheels found on conventional children’s bicycles. Instead, the child sits on the saddle and uses their feet to walk, push, glide, and eventually coast. As confidence develops, children naturally begin taking longer strides, lifting their feet from the ground, steering through corners, and balancing independently.
The lightweight 6061 aluminum frame keeps the bike manageable for very young riders. Its low step-through profile makes getting on and off straightforward, while rounded frame shapes and child-specific components create a toddler-friendly design.
Unlike very basic balance bikes with hard plastic wheels, the Ryden Balance Bike uses 12-inch pneumatic tires. These provide cushioning, traction, and a riding sensation closer to a conventional bicycle.
A small rear hand brake with a short-reach lever introduces another important cycling skill. While children can initially stop using their feet, they can gradually learn to use a brake lever before progressing to a pedal bike. An integrated footrest gives them somewhere to rest their feet once they are confident enough to glide.
Children typically progress through six stages on a balance bike: walking, running, gliding, steering, braking, and finally moving to a pedal bike such as the Ryden Kids 12 or, depending on their size, the Kids 16.
What's in the box
- •1x Ryden Balance Bike (approx. 90% pre-assembled)
- •1x Tool kit for final assembly (Allen keys)
- •1x Owner’s manual and fit guide
- •1x Set of reflectors
Frequently bought together
Questions about this product (15)
A (Ryden team): A balance bike is a children’s bicycle without pedals. Children propel themselves with their feet while learning how to balance and steer.
What age can a child start using the Ryden Balance Bike?+
It is designed for approximately 18 months to 4 years, provided the child is physically capable of walking confidently and fits the bicycle properly.
Why doesn’t it have pedals?+
Removing the pedals allows children to concentrate on balancing and steering before introducing the additional challenge of pedalling.
Does it need training wheels?+
No. Training wheels would defeat the primary purpose of a balance bike, which is to teach children how to balance independently.
Is a balance bike better than starting with training wheels?+
They teach different skills. A balance bike directly teaches the balancing and steering skills required for two-wheel cycling, which can make the later transition to a pedal bicycle easier for many children.
Why does the Ryden Balance Bike have a hand brake?+
Although children can stop using their feet, a rear hand brake introduces them to proper bicycle braking and helps prepare them for larger pedal bikes.
Are the tires inflatable?+
Yes. The Ryden Balance Bike uses 12 x 1.75-inch pneumatic tires for better cushioning and traction.
Can it be used indoors?+
It can be used in sufficiently large and appropriate indoor spaces, but it is primarily intended for outdoor recreational use.
What surfaces can it handle?+
It is suitable for pavement, parks, driveways, smooth compact dirt, maintained grass, and similar beginner-friendly surfaces.
Can children put their feet somewhere while gliding?+
Yes. An integrated non-slip footrest provides a natural place for the rider’s feet once they become comfortable gliding.
Is the handlebar adjustable?+
Yes. Handlebar positioning can be adjusted within the safe limits of the stem to accommodate growth.
Is the saddle adjustable?+
Yes. The saddle offers a broad adjustment range, which is particularly important for maintaining the correct balance-bike fit.
How much assembly is required?+
The bike ships approximately 90% assembled. Final setup may involve installing or aligning the handlebar, wheels, and saddle, and checking the brake before use.
What safety equipment should be used?+
A properly fitted children’s cycling helmet should always be worn. Closed-toe shoes are also strongly recommended.
Why choose the Ryden Balance Bike?+
The Ryden Balance Bike gives children a lightweight and uncomplicated introduction to cycling. Instead of relying on training wheels, it teaches the fundamental skills of balance, steering, coordination, and braking from the beginning.
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