After a couple of months of groundwork on a balance bike with rear wheel hand brake, my son were really longing for a "pedal" bike. I swept the market for a suitable bike and realized the good ones are really expensive. Like most high quality bikes as well as kids products. Finally opting for the, possibly, most expensive one of its size, the Early Rider Seeker 14. It is indeed very expensive, but in my opinion it it is worth it. Quality seems high, so we have high expectations for coming use.
So, in terms of learning to ride the bike it was absolutely extraordinary. It took my son less than two minutes (!!) to pedal away on his own with a little initial push to get it started. After another twenty minutes he also mastered to start off by himself and make use of the additional front wheel hand brake. On the first day of use he rode more than 10 km, maybe even 15 km.
Kid's length is 103 cm and inseam 42.5 cm so size-wise it was really in between Seeker 14 (from 37) and 16 (from 45) so we chose size 14. So far the combo of gearing, leg strength and saddle height makes it difficult ride uphill or at heavier grass. That will eventually be easier when legs get stronger and we dare to move the saddle up even more. On the downside, it will probably be outgrown this season, but the younger sister will then be ready to give it a go.
Currently, the second hand value for well maintained pieces seems high, so hopefully we'll be able to get some money back on the purchase, but that…
