Adventure made easier.

Meet The Classic

The Classic is crafted from 100% grade A birch, sustainably sourced for strength, durability, and timeless beauty. It’s bonded with WBP glue for moisture and mould resistance, ensuring longevity even in the harshest, humid conditions. Our patented two-step steering system supports safe skill progression, while durable details like hardened brass and embroidered vegan leather enhance its appeal. With aluminium rims, smooth bearings, and wide tires, it offers stability and performance designed to inspire and ensure.

Closer look

The full story

No composite. No compromise

The Classic is built from 100% grade A Northern European birch. We don’t pad it out with filler and we don’t glue layers of wood shavings together to look like wood. We use real wood, sustainably sourced to last a lifetime.

Birch is a great material. It has a superior strength to weight ratio preventing little ones from toppling under the weight of their own bikes. It’s splinter resistant (of course) and features a pleasing knot free smooth grain.

Weather proof, boil proof

Look, we don’t advocate for boiling your bike, ever, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t built our bikes to withstand every eventuality. We use WBP glue to bond our bikes. It stands for Weather and Boil Proof and it helps keep water out, no matter the temperature. This is especially important in wet, humid climates where water vapour can turn the sturdiest wood into pulp in a matter of months.

It’s also resistant to fungus and mould growth, further increasing the lifespan of our wooden bikes. Because life happens, bikes (occasionally) get left outside. That shouldn’t mean the end of them.

Two step steering system

The Classic is built from 100% grade A Northern European birch. We don’t pad it out with filler and we don’t glue layers of wood shavings together to look like wood. We use real wood, sustainably sourced to last a lifetime.

Birch is a great material. It has a superior strength to weight ratio preventing little ones from toppling under the weight of their own bikes. It’s splinter resistant (of course) and features a pleasing knot free smooth grain.

Useful, beautiful, durable details

Everything, and we mean absolutely everything is designed to endure on the Classic. There isn’t a feature, enhancement or design detail that doesn’t serve a purpose

The Classic’s flame detail is heat branded because stickers peel off. And we embroider the vegan leather seat detail because print gets flaky and faded over the time. And we use hardened brass, with its lovely deep rusty colour because it’s that little bit more long wearing that regular brass.

Roll model

The Classic specs market leading aluminium rims and hubs to save weight and high ABEC grade sealed cartridge bearings to minimise weight and rolling resistance.

By specifying such high grade wheel sets, we are able to justify investing weight in tyres that provide the safety and performance that make all the difference, without handing them a weight penalty.

Tread carefully

The Classic runs a fast rolling 14” x1.75” tyre up front with a super chunky 12.5” x 3” tyre out back. It’s designed this way to give 2-4 year olds the stability they need to learn, the air volume they need for comfort and the grip necessary to tackle mixed terrain, confidently, even in the rain. Because there’s no such thing as the wrong weather. Only the wrong bike.

Sustain-Ability™

Cutting down trees to make bikes isn't sustainable. Kids bikes are the worst, often unable to last even one child. Early RIder's solution? Simple, a contrary design and manufacturing mandate: 'to sustain ability'.

To sustain the ability to inspire, child after child. To build bikes designed to last and to ensure children can reach the level of skill that makes sure they'll always ride. In other words taking an uncompromising focus on form, function and top quality parts built to last.

To sustain the ability of all those involved in the production of our bikes to live healthy, fulfilled lives. In other words creating safe work environments, promoting employee wellness, supporting communities and upholding human rights through the entire supply chain.

Specs and Geometry

Specification
STANDOVER HEIGHT31cm
WEIGHT4.25kg
FRAMELAMINATED GRADE A BIRCH VENEERS, WBP GLUE
FORKTRANSVERSE LAMINATED GRADE A BIRCH VENEERS, WBP GLUE
STEERER TUBESHOLLOW TIPPED, AL6061 RODS, WOOD DOWEL CASING
WHEELSETER 12/14, PNEUMATIC SEALED CARTRIDGE BEARING
HUBSCNC'D AL6061, CARTRIDGE BEARING, HOLLOW AL7075 AXLE
RIMS12" REAR, 14" FRONT, 20H ANODISED AL6061, BLACK
FRONT TYRE14*1.95, INNOVA-2065
REAR TYRE12.5*3.0, INNOVA-2065
STEMDUAL STEERING SYSTEM (RESTRICTED + UNRESTRICTED)
BARS2" RISER, LAMINATED GRADE A BIRCH, WBP GLUE
GRIPSSOFT TOUCH EVA FOAM
SEAT POST4 SETTING, LAMINATED GRADE A BIRCH, WBP GLUE
SADDLEEVA PAD, EMBROIDERED FAUX LEATHER COVER
VALVE CAPSDue to safety regulations changing we are no longer able to supply dust caps as standard for bikes that are labelled as age appropriate for children under 3 years of age.
Geometry
AWheelbase62cm - 64.5cm (restricted/full)
BHead Angle66°
CReach28cm - 30.5cm
DStandover Height30.5cm
ESeat Tube Angle63°
Description
The one that started it all. A history making balance bike that’s been making memories since 2005. Classic for a reason, it’s light, strong and designed for simple, exponential progression. Built for 2-4 year olds.
SIZE OF LEG
31cm
AGE
2-4years
WEIGHT
4.5kg
Charger 12
Color
Color: Brushed Aluminium
Description
A 12” balance bike engineered for fast, safe progression. With wide 2.0” tyres, a low slung aluminium frame and internal cable routing for brake upgrades (kit sold separately) The Charger is designed to supercharge their thirst for adventure.
SIZE OF LEG
33cm
AGE
2-4years
WEIGHT
3.4kg

Product Main Features

12" Rear Wheel and 14" Front Wheel
12'' Wheels
Grade A Northern European brich veneers
Brown leather saddle
Two step steering system
Upgrade kit available

Product Specification

Marine grade SuperPlyTM
Vee Speedster Tyres
Lightweight all aluminium wheel set
Schrader valve
average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 18 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    17 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    1 Review
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
94% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Weight
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 4 out of 5
Service
Rated 4 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
18 Reviews
Reviewed by Tim W., from United Kingdom
Verified Reviewer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of Rider
3-5
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

10 years strong and still going.

10 YEARS. That's how long we've had ours.

It's seen all three of our kids, and now it's working it's way around the new kids on our street.

It's LIGHT. It's FAST, and it's so much FUN.

It's survived rain, snow, being dropped, knocked over, and even the odd adult who thinks it's fun to play on after a drink or two.

Also, all the spares are available from ER. I broke the bars (teaching my youngest how to ride a half pipe) and ER posted a new pair NEXT DAY for £20, which is a bargain. Amazing!

I can't say enough good things about this bike. If you have a kid who is 3 years old, GET ONE. Don't hesitate, as the re-sale value is high! Cover it with stickers, make it fun and watch them learn how to balance and more importantly, learn how good it is to ride a bike.

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Weight
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Tiziano Di B., from United Kingdom
Verified Buyer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of Rider
2-4
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Great build!

Looks amazing. Quality materials. Built to last. My kid loves it and so do I!!!

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Weight
Rated 5 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 4 out of 5
Service
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Susan R.
Verified Buyer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
Age of rider
  • 2-4
Rated 3 out of 5
Review posted

A bit heavy for a 2 year old

Ordered the Lite but it was sold out so we were offered the Classic at the same price which was decent (though it took a while to let me know they were sold out after I ordered). Even though she's tall for her age, this bike is a bit too high (almost there) and certainly too heavy for my daughter at 2 years old. I'm regretting not searching for something lighter as she's too big for her trike and I can't see her being able to manage the weight of the bike for a while. Having said that, it's lovely quality and I'm sure she'll be flying around on it when she's older.

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Weight
Rated 2 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 4 out of 5
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Reviewed by Yann C., from Norway
Verified Reviewer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of Rider
3-5
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Functional, beautiful and durable

We bought ours around 2011 for our first-born. He used it and abused it, and loved every minute of it. Asphalt, gravel, grass, trail, mud... He took it everywhere. His little brother took over and gave it the same treatment, and now our third boy is on the case. It's a bit scratched up, but still looks great. Our boy regularly gets compliments about his bike from complete strangers.

Technically, it's well-balanced and sturdy, stable and easy to steer.

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Weight
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Sébastien L., from United Kingdom
Verified Buyer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of Rider
2-4
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Great christmas gift for our toddler

This is a great product with beautiful finish, easy to put together. Great to have the option to adapt the seat level !

start of the adventure for our little one!

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Weight
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 4 out of 5
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Reviewed by Martine T.
Verified Buyer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of rider
  • 9-18 months
  • 2-4
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Superbe dresienne

Belle allure, le bois est de très belle qualité comme les finitions. Le montage facile et costaud. La petite selle en cuir à fait craquer tous les adultes. C est un très bel objet solide pratique.

Notre petit fils adore

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Weight
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Karen M., from United Kingdom
Verified Buyer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of Rider
2-4
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Balance bike

Yes just bought for a present for my grandson so will give for Xmas

But so far looks good

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Weight
Rated 5 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by Sarah Monaghan
Verified Reviewer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Coolest balance bike

We have had our bike for 8 years and our children have zoomed about with glee. It remains the best gift of their childhood. Our youngest is turning 2 next week and we pulled it out to see if there was any life still in it. The body is as solid as ever but the saddle has split. And that is with some hardy older children having one last go or sitting on it over the years as it was comfortable even when they were really too big.

Is it possible to replace the saddle? We are based in Ireland but didn't see anywhere that would.

If not the youngest will have to get one all to himself! Would be cool if we could just update the saddle - we are sentimental about it!

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Reviewed by GEOFFREY S., from United Kingdom
Verified Buyer
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Age of Rider
2-4
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Classic balance bike.

Not opened the box yet. However bought one for my first grandson about ten years ago and he loved it. So it couldn't be anything less for the second. Not allowed to give it to him till his birthday in May.

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Weight
Rated 5 out of 5
Ease of assembly
Rated 5 out of 5
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Value
Rated 5 out of 5
Service
Rated 5 out of 5
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Reviewed by R H.
Classic
Reviewing
Classic
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Awesome first bike

I bought this bike for my eldest son's 3rd birthday. I went to the Henley shop and had a good chat with the owner of the business who gave some great advice. My son loves the bike, and looks super cool as well. Early on it took a little time for his confidence to grow, but now he tears about the place with great confidence. Transitioning from this bike to pedals will be easy I think. However he's having so much fun I'm in no rush to do that! When I do I'll be heading back to the EarlyRider Henley shop for advice!

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