Puky Balance bike

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Puky balance bikes come in a range of different sizes, and with over 60 years of experience this German brand can be relied upon to produce a good quality and reliable bike.

Introduction

Puky balance bikes are well known for their child friendly, step through frames on most of their models and they also feature particularly child friendly ergonomics.

This guide will review the range of Puky balance bikes in detail, so to get started on this leading brand we have produced this easy to view table which shows each model, the suitable range, the size of bike and distinguishing features.

With fresh designs for 2019 and bikes starting from those suitable for two year olds, there should be something for everyone!

Comparison Table

Image

Model

Saddle Height

Features


Puky LRM Learner Bike

29cm - 40cm

Low step thorough platform.


Foam tyres

Puky LR1 Learner Bike

34 - 45cm

Kickstand added

Puky LR1L Learner Bike

34 - 45cm

Pneumatic tyres

Puky LR XL Balance Bike

41- 51cm

Special learner saddle

Larger bike

Step through frame

Puky Balance Bike Reviews

Puky LRM Balance Bike

The Puky LRM Learner bikes are the smallest bikes in the range and are suitable for the youngest children who are just starting to learn to ride to build their confidence and co-ordination.

One of the main features of the Puky LRM Learner Bike is the low platform, as this makes it ideal for the smallest of bike riders, allowing them to rest their feet as they scoot along.

Another excellent feature of this bike is the special learner bike saddle. This is height adjustable with the lowest setting at just 29cm, which is one of the lowest saddle heights on the market and makes the Puky LRM Learner Bike especially suitable for 2 year olds.

The saddle can be adjusted right up to 40cm, so it has a great range and can grow with your child.

We have prepared a separate guide for the best balance bikes for 2 year olds, and the Puky LRM Learner Bike is featured here as the low platform and low saddle height make it an ideal bike for this age group.

If you would like to look at an alternative, then a competing bike in this category is the Weeride First Balance Bike. This bike also offers a low platform and step through frame, but the lowest seat height is 31cm which makes it more suitable for slightly older children.

Other features of the Puky LRM Learner Bike include safety handlebar grips, soft luxury foam tyres, a height adjustable handlebar and ball bearing wheels and steering.

It is also one of the most lightweight learner balance bikes on the market and weighs in at just 3.5kg – so it is easy to transport and carry around either in your car or by hand if and when your child gets tired of riding.

The Puky LRM Learner bike makes an ideal first balance bike and is available in four different colours including ocean blue, lovely pink, red and kiwi. 


Puky LRM Plus Learner Bike

The Puky LRM Push Learner Bike has the same dimensions as the base level Puky LRM bike, but offers extra features such as a kickstand, mudguards and a bell.

Puky LRM Plus Balance bike

The extra features mean that the Puky LRM Plus is slightly more expensive.

One addition that we really like is the kickstand which prevents the bike being thrown to the floor at every opportunity!


Puky LR1 Learner Bike

The Puky LR1 Learner Bike is the next model up, and although it has a similar appearance to the Puky LRM Learner bike it is more suitable for slightly older children.

We talk a lot about saddle heights on this website, and this is because the height of the saddle is one of the most crucial elements to consider when choosing your bike.

The lowest setting for the saddle on the LR1 Learner bike is 34cm, as compared to 29cm for Puky LRM Learner bike so this means the bike will probably be too big for most children who have just turned 2 and this is the standard model of balance bikes for 3 year olds.

This bike has many of the features of the Puky LRM learner bike including the low platform, safety handlebar grips and height adjustable saddle. 


Puky LR1L Learner Bike

The Puky LR1L Learner Bike is another model offered by Puky. The bike is the same size as the Puky LR1 Learner bike, but a significant difference is that this bike has pneumatic tyres rather than the foam tyres of the LRM and LR1 bikes – this means that the bike has an appearance more like a ‘real bike’ and the pneumatic tyres generally provide a more comfortable ride.

This is a great bike for 3-4 year olds and is available in several colours including sharky blue, lovely pink, red and kiwi.

It is slightly more expensive but is still provides great value for an excellent bike from one of the leading manufacturers around.

Puky LR1L BR Learner Bike

The jury is out on whether balance bikes should come equipped with brakes, and brakes are not usually found on bikes for smaller children aged up to 3 who lack the ability and co-ordination to use them

Puky LR1L BR Balance Bike 2018

Brakes can be useful on bikes for slightly older children, who will have more confidence in their riding and may require a brake if they build up a significant speed.

Puky caters for balance bikes with brakes with the Puky LR1L BR Learner bike. This is a bit of mouthful, but essentially offers all of the features of the LR1L bike but with the addition of a rear brake drum.

This means that the low platform, pneumatic tyres and height adjustable saddle starting at 35cm all come as standard with this bike, so we think it is really worth considering for children confident on their feet and who may have some prior experience of riding.

Puky LR XL Bikes

If your child is taller or is starting to ride balance bikes at a slightly later age, then the largest bike in the Puky range may be suitable for you. This is the Puky LR XL, which is the biggest model in their range designed for children over 95cm that are not yet ready to ride a normal bicycle.

The Puky LRXL comes equipped with all of the features of the smaller bikes, but has a higher saddle with a range between 41cm – 51cm.

The step through frame is still featured, along with the safety handlebar grips, the rear drum brake, kick stand and pneumatic tyres. It is generally available in black or green.

Puky LR Ride BR Learner Bikes

A new addition to the Puky range of learner bikes is the superb Puky LR Ride bike

Puky LR Ride BR Balance Bike

This is a very different bike to most of the other models in the Puky range, as the design is completely different with an aluminium frame and a host of top quality features.

The low platform that is featured on all of the other Puky learner bikes is replaced with an aluminium fork, and the quality of the ride has also been improved with rear wheel suspension and Aheadset steering.

This bike looks superb with bi coloured aluminium rims, a handlebars pad and no detail has been spared with impact resistant powder coating. The carry handle which is attached to the saddle is also a neat addition.

The Puky LR Ride is suitable for children from 90cm with a saddle height ranging from 38cm – 48cm. The aluminium frame also keeps the weight down on this bike to just 3.9kg.


Puky Accessories

Puky helmet

Your child will want to look good when they are out exploring on their Puky balance bike, and there is a range of accessories designed to complement the bikes. The first accessory you will probably need is the safety helmet in case the rider takes a tumble – these look really stylish and will get your child used to wearing a helmet when they graduate to larger bikes.

A good quality balance bike helmet is well worth the investment and they are available in a range of colours.


Other exciting accessories for your Puky balance bike include a safety bell, a handlebar basket and a learner bike bag that has a built in carry strap.

Puky Balance bikes are robust, stylish and although they may be slightly more expensive than other models on the market they are built to withstand use by energetic small children and have a high resale value when you don’t need them anymore. We think the Puky range is a great choice when you are looking for your best balance bike!

Wooden Balance Bike

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Balance bikes have a huge range of features, and one of the decisions to be made when choosing the best balance bike is the type of frame component.

Introduction

Your main choice will be to choose between a wooden frame and a metal frame, which will comprise of steel or aluminium. This guide is going to look into wooden balance bikes in some detail, the features and advantages of wooden balance bikes as well as some recommended models.

Advantages of Wooden Balance Bikes

The first advantage of wooden balance bikes is that they look great and kids love them. Wooden balance bikes can be painted in all colours and in funky, stylish and fun designs. 

Wooden balance bikes are also environmentally friendly with most bikes made from birch plywood. This material is favoured as the birch is very light but also very strong and durable, so this is essential for bikes that might see some heavy use over a couple of years.

A third advantage of wooden balance bikes is that many of them have spoke less wheels so there is less chance of little fingers and toes getting trapped. They are also easy to manoeuvre and great fun!

Disadvantages of Wooden Balance Bikes

Although wooden balance bikes look great, they are not as close in appearance to a real bike. If your child would prefer a sleeker and sportier model then you may want to look for a steel or aluminium bike instead.

Wooden balance bikes will also generally have a much smaller range of heights on the saddle so they are not as adjustable as metal balance bikes. This means that they may not last as long as your child may outgrow the bike if they have a growth spurt. Wooden balance bikes will also generally have a higher starting height for the saddle, so if you are looking for a balance bike for a 2 year old you might be better looking at our recommended models for this age group.

Some might be concerned about a wooden balance bike warping, but this should not be a problem as long as you don't leave the bike out in the rain!

Product reviews

Kiddimoto Wooden Balance bikes

One of the leading manufacturers of wooden balance bikes are Kiddimoto, who offer a range of balance bikes for children from 2 to 6 years.

Kiddimoto Kurve

Their bikes are made of natural birch plywood and are sourced from managed forests so you will be doing your bit for the environment if you choose one of their bikes.

The most well known model from Kiddimoto is probably their Kiddimoto Kurve bike (pictured). This is available in a whole range of fun designs, including Pastel Dotty, Union Jack and Skullz. 

The Kiddimoto Kurve is recommended for children aged between 3 and 5.

Prince Lionheart Wooden Balance Bike

Prince Lionheart is another brand of wooden balance bikes, and they are also made from birch plywood so they are light and strong.

Prince Lionheart balance bike

Prince Lionheart balance bike

The Prince Lionheart balance bike has a stylish and sporty appearance, with comfortable rubber grip handlebars, the makers name across the side and the racing number 73 on the front of the bike.

The bike is usually less expensive than the Kiddimoto Kurve.

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

If your budget for a wooden balance bike is less than £50, then a great option is the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike.

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

This bike has a great retro style, with a red, blue and white design running throughout including the handlebars.

The birch plywood frame is lightweight, and the padded seat can be adjusted between 34cm and 38cm height.

The soft plastic handlebars feature safety ends, and the wheels have inflatable tyres with a blue infill.

This is a really popular bike that is supplied with an optional stand available for just a few extra ££ for easy storage.

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike

An alternative wooden balance bike that usually costs less than £50 is the Boppi Wooden Balance Bike.

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike

This brightly coloured bike is really lightweight and will really stand out in the playground!

It has EVA foam tyres so they can't be punctured, and saddle height starting at 35cm. This means it might be a little too big for 2 year olds, but perfect for children learning to ride between 3 and 5

The Boppi Wooden balance bike is a great value wooden balance bike.


The most important factor to consider when you are choosing the best balance bike is the fit for your child, but there are definitely pros and cons to buying a wooden balance bike.

At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference, the style and design as well as the frame. There is a great choice of bikes out there to suit everybody!