KIDVELO ROOKIE 12 BALANCE BIKE

£130 Top tech for tiny tots

Balance bikes are undoubtedly the best way to start kids off on two wheels, and the Rookie 12 looks to be one of the best around. It’s been designed by two couples who have 40 years of combined experience working with balance bikes, and recently joined forces to set up Kidvelo. They seem to have paid attention to every detail, from the narrow saddle specifically designed for striding and the soft grips that fit little hands, to smooth lines and rounded axle bolts on the 12in wheels to prevent scraped legs. At 2.93kg, Kidvelo say this is the lightest balance bike on the market with alloy rims and pneumatic tyres, which offer increased grip and comfort over cheaper composite wheels and solid tyres. The 6061-T6 aluminium frame and fork aren’t only light but also tough, with a whopping 30kg weight limit – plenty for the 18 months to four-and-a-half age range the Rookie 12 is designed for, thanks to an adjustable seat height of 30-44cm. With no brakes or pedals, little rippers can just concentrate on steering and having fun. There’s a non-slip footrest for when they’ve mastered freewheeling, and even a threadless headset rather than a cheap quill stem. Plus, the bike’s available in bright green or red as well as blue and pink. www.kidvelobikes.co.uk