FirstBIKE Balance Bike Review – Quality Product = Quality Riding

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the FirstBIKE Balance Bike for kids.

FirstBIKE Specifications

• Product: FirstBIKE Balance Bike with or without brake
• Price + Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
• Age Range: 22 months (with lowering kit) to 5 years
  
• Frame + Tires: Nylon composite + air or foam
  
• Wheel Size: 12″
  
• Seat Height Range: 12″ (with lowering kit) – 17.5″(30.5 – 44.5 cms)
  
• Maximum Rider Weight: 35 kgs (77 lbs)
  
• Bike Weight: 3.9 kgs (8.6 lbs)
  
• Warranty: Lifetime frame and fork, 5 years for all other parts
  
• Footrests: No
  
• Brake: with the exception of the BASIC, all other FirstBIKE models have a rear drum brake
• My Rating: 9.5 / 10
  

Now let’s Set the Scene – German Roots, worldwide influence

Ralf Coerschulte is an avid German Cyclist with a product design background. Also a father himself, Ralf wanted to develop the best balance bike for kids that would allow them to ride instinctively and confidently.

His inspiration and perseverance allowed him to successfully create a unique product that has since been deemed to be the safest in its class.

FirstBIKE has, without doubt been a leader in balance bike design for a number of years. Winner of multiple awards in the industry, the wonderful design has been awarded best in its class for safety. This balance bike is not only safe, but the bike’s overall practical features make this bike a super fun way to learn how to ride a bike.

As this bike is already a proven winner with little riders across the globe, we decided to do our own research into the research to provide you with a comprehensive review of the FirstBIKE Cross Balance Bike.

In our assessment we will ride along into the following elements;

1. What we really liked about the FirstBIKE Balance bike
2. What we didn’t particularly like about the FirstBIKE Balance Bike
3. How this compares to other balance bikes in its class, and
4. Our final conclusions

We hope our article will leave you feeling empowered and knowledgeable, armed with the best information available so that you can make an informed decision whether this balance bike is suited to your unique little rider’s needs.

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So, now we invite you to put your feet up and enjoy our comprehensive review of the FirstBIKE Balance Bike for kids.

FirstBIKE Review Summary

What We Really Liked About FirstBIKE

• High-strength, durable, weatherproof frame with lifetime warranty frame and fork
• rear-drum, SafetyStop hand brake (note: NO brake option on BASIC model)
• unique “horse-saddle” seat helps prevent rider slipping off
• no tools required seat adjustment
• steering limiter prevents jack-knifing
• no sharp edges, parts or extruding screws
• air tires (note: foam tires on BASIC model)
• snow ski-set “winterize” accessory option + Low-Kit + Basket
• lightweight design makes this bike easy to maneuver, learn balance and bike riding skills for both on and off-road terrains
• design and materials are easy to clean and maintain
• aesthetically appealing

What we didn’t particularly like about the FirstBIKE

• designed for children 22 mths to 5 years, the hand brake can be difficult to use for younger riders with small hands
• horse-saddle can be a little tricky for younger, smaller riders to dismount
• heavier, older riders may flex the 30% glass fiber, composite frame which can impact the bikes handling
• NO footrests

FirstBIKE Comprehensive Review

Now let’s unpack the above points and provide you with more detail to help illuminate FirstBIKE’s features, the eye-popping good qualities and the few that you should consider carefully prior to parting with your hard-earned money.

What We Liked about FirstBIKE and Why?

Durable, weather-proof frame with lifetime warranty

FirstBIKE comes in five unique options.

1. FirstBIKE Street: 22 mths to 5 yrs, rear brake, air tires best for urban areas with concrete, stone or hard-packed terrain
2. FirstBIKE Cross: 22 mths to 5 yrs, rear brake, air tires ideal for off-road conditions with grass, gravel or loose dirt
3. FirstBIKE Fat: 2 – 5 yrs, rear brake, wider inflatable VEE tires suitable for unpaved terrain such as sand, gravel or snow
4. FirstBIKE Limited: 22 mths to 5 yrs, rear brake, limited edition colours and Schwalbe Big-Apple tires for max. traction on any surface
5. FirstBIKE Basic – 22 mths to 5 yrs, NO rear drum brake, foam tires best for enclosed spaces or indoor riding

Each model rock n’ rolls the same high-strength, nylon composite (non-plastic) frame that is durable, lightweight, easy to wash and maintain and from an aesthetic perspective, the bike looks great.

Let’s make this clear for you. The frame is NOT plastic. The injection-molded composite frame is made from 30% glass fiber reinforced nylon composite. We are not certain what the other, 70% is made from, and this is something we are left to be a little curious about.

The lifetime warranty for the frame and fork is outstanding value and an implication that Ralf Coerschulte and his team stand behind the quality design of their product. Namely, this balance bike delivers on what it was designed to do. The remaining parts are covered under a generous five-year warranty.

Rear Drum, SafetyStop Hand Brake

As mentioned in previous articles (see What Are The Best Balance Bikes for Kids 2022? We Review The Top 5) we like the not-so-obvious advantages that a hand brake provides young riders.

Yes, brakes are designed to slow down the adventurous rider, allowing them to better control their momentum and have a safer riding experience. However, it’s the fine motor skill development being nurtured that we really like.

Your child will be developing those wonderful, subtle yet necessary fine motor skills required when using a brake that will be essential when they make the step-up to the big rider’s bikes in years to come. Now that is a practical advantage!

The rear drum brake is neatly tucked away, unlike the traditional V-brake or caliper designs and is quite simply less complicated than traditional options. The hiddenness quality provides added safety with no sharp edges or extruding components.

Called the SafetyStop brake, we can see that this has been carefully considered and perfectly designed for the balance bike and the riders unique needs. This is complimented nicely with the functional rubber grip with a bumper knob at the end, which provides added protection from falls or bumps.

Horse Saddle Seat Design + No Tool Adjustment

The unique, U-shaped saddle provides a non-slip ride and tool-free adjustment.

This saddle in not particularly soft or spongey but is covered in a firm, thick, non-porous rubber. That being said, the comfort has not been compromised with reviews asserting that riders happily enjoy riding for hours without making mention of saddle soreness or discomfort.

The no tool seat adjustment uses a plastic, smooth dial/knob to tighten or loosen so that the seat can be adjusted with the turn of a dial without tools. This is simple, safe and functional.

It’s worth mentioning here that smaller riders may find the U-shaped saddle a little difficult to dismount as the highest peaks of the saddle (rear and front) are a few centimeters higher than the seats riding position.

Safety Steering Limiter

FirstBIKE includes a steering limiter, which is designed to ensure the steering cannot over rotate. This allows for approximately 90 degrees of steering, or an angle of around 45 degrees from the neutral position in each direction. This helps to ensure riders don’t have rough falls from being over adventurous.

While certainly not essential, this is perfect for riders just starting as they can focus on what the bike is designed for, and that’s balance.

Clean Design

FirstBIKE’s nylon-composite frame is smooth, free from any protruding sharp edges and free from the kiddy stickers with cartoons characters or unnecessary visual bling that other bikes may use to detract attention away from the lack of more important safety features.

Air Tires

As mentioned earlier, with the exception of the FirstBIKE BASIC, all other models come with Schwalbe air tires. The BASIC model comes with non-air tires which will never go flat and are best suited for indoor or enclosed spaces.

Air tires have an advantage in that they simply provide a smoother ride due to their suspension qualities. They are better at absorbing shock, provide added suspension, and enhanced riding comfort for their little riders.

These are perfect for kids who are generally more adventurous and who love to explore different terrains.

Snow Ski-set, LowKit and Basket Accessory options

Perhaps inspired by the conditions reminiscent of the German landscape and for their love of winter sports, Ralf Coerschulte has created a Ski Set accessory option to winterize the FirstBIKE. Essentially providing an option for kids to further enjoy this balance bike in the winter and extend upon their already developing bike riding skills all year round.

While certainly not suited for every child, this option is a unique accessory that does provide the opportunity, at reasonable expense, that allows your child to ride year-round.

Other accessory options include a nylon, kid-tough basket which is easily attached to the front handlebars and allows riders to carry some of their favorite toys or items.

A final option as mentioned briefly earlier, is the lowering kit. This allows the rear axle to be lowered so kids may begin riding FirstBIKE potentially from around 22 months or when their height reaches 34 inches. This drops the seat height to 12″ which is comparable to the lowest balance bike seat-heights available on the market.

Lightweight, Maintenance Friendly and Aesthetically Appealing

While not the lightest balance bike available, this accolade being held by the Cruzee Lightweight Aluminium Balance Bike, FirstBIKE is light enough.

Little rider’s need a light, easy to maneuver bike that allows them to explore different riding conditions and test their bodies capabilities without having to overtly wrestle a heavier toy. FirstBIKE sits nicely at 8.6lbs (3.9kgs) and ensures a quality learning toy that is functional to learn on.

The durable, shmick looking frame claims to be weatherproof and does not scratch, splinter, swell or rust. Essentially, not that we recommend this, but if left outside this bike sounds almost bulletproof. This makes for easy cleaning and a maintenance friendly toy. Yes, parents can rejoice with this feature!

What didn’t we particularly like about FirstBIKE and why?

Hand Brake Difficult for Smaller Hands

FirstBIKE’s handbrake is functional overall, however some kids, particularly those at around 22 months with smaller hands may find the brake a little tricky to use effectively.

That being said, little hands grow and develop strength.

Most balance bikes don’t provide the option of a brake as these are not considered an essential item. Also, keep in mind that your child will not automatically have functional hand and forearm strength to use the brake like a well-trained bike rider.

As with any skill, this will improve over time as their bodies grow and when children are given the right encouragement, patience and learning environment.

Horse Saddle Dismount Difficult for Smaller Riders

The unique U-shaped saddle is, particularly for older riders a real winner.

However, as mentioned earlier in this review, those getting onto a FirstBIKE at around 22 months or for smaller rider’s the saddle can prove a little tricky/sticky to dismount as the curved shape makes the saddle at the front and rear a few centimeters higher. The saddle material, when sweaty can add to the awkwardness of getting off the seat.

Excessive Frame Flexibility for Older, Heavier Riders

We briefly mentioned earlier that the 30% glass fiber reinforced nylon composite frame is designed to be flexible. And generally, this adds a degree of durability, as rigidity can lead to rougher, less comfortable riding and be prone to breaking.

This quality, however, may prove inadequate for older, more aggressive riders as they are reaching the older-age limits that FirstBIKE recommends. From our review of the best information available, FirstBIKE’s frame may bend excessively to a point where the rear wheel feels to be unstable for bigger 3+ year old kids.

Therefore, if your child is around 3 years or older, we don’t recommend FirstBIKE as the best choice simply due to the possibility your child may outgrow the best of the bike before getting you value for money.

Essentially, we believe you may not get the value for money you deserve as a balance bike should typically last your child two years or more.

No Footrests

 This is a feature that is sorely missed on FirstBIKE.

A footrest allows your little rider to comfortably glide with their feet up and enjoy the best of balancing opportunities, particularly on those gentle downhill slopes. Footrests also help to train riders to place their feet onto a platform similar to that experienced when riding a pedal bike.

While not an essential item, we believe this provides an additional element of safety and skill development, therefore we advocate footrests as a great addition to any balance bike.

How does FirstBIKE compare to others in its class?

Here is a quick summary of just a few, similar balance bikes in the same price bracket as FirstBIKE.

FirstBIKE Limited – Air tires, durable nylon composite frame, hand brake, simple seat adjustment, frame lifetime warranty, accessory options, suits 22 months to 5 years.

Forgotten BMX Rascal Balance Bike – Air tires, chromoly steel frame, NO hand brake, quick-release seat clamp, 6-month warranty on frame, forks and bars, foot platform, suits 2 – 6 years.

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike – Flat-free foam rubber tires, steel frame, NO hand brake, easy adjust clamp seat adjustment, 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects, suits 18 mths to 5 years.

smarTrike Xtend Mg+ Balance to Peddle Bike – Air tires, lightweight magnesium frame, front hand brake, tool adjustable seat, only extendable designed balance bike in the world, 2-year warranty, suits kids 3 to 6+

The above balance bikes are similar in price-point and are simply provided to give you a glimpse of other products available that would be worthwhile considering, as well as FirstBIKE. Basically, we encourage you to shop around, do your homework and remember to match the balance bike to your unique child.

Overall ilovetoridemybike.com Conclusion

When you look at the research and scrutiny that FirstBIKE has been under over a long period of time, the awards and accolades attributed, and the practical, safety feature-packed design, FirstBIKE is hard to beat at the higher-end balance bike market.

We cannot fault the overall quality that delivers on what it was designed to do.

Overall, we believe this bike is best suited to kids 2 – 4 years and we highly recommend this bike to any child in this age-bracket wanting to have the best balance bike available at this price-point.

Just remember, your rider is not just super special but unique. Therefore, not all balance bikes will suit your child’s needs and individuality.

We always recommend for you to do your own research and match your purchase with your rider’s needs.

We hope that you found this post helpful. As always, if you have any comments or questions, please leave these below. We truly love to hear from you here at ilovetoridemybike.com.

Happy and safe riding 🙂