The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Kids' Bike

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Get your little one used to balancing on 2 wheels without the fuss of pedals. The Co-op Cycles REV 12 kids' balance bike has a maneuverable aluminum frame and rugged, kid-friendly construction.
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Best Use | Recreational Cycling |
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Recommended for Ages | 2+ years |
Recommended Rider Weight | Under 60 lbs. |
Frame | Aluminum step-through balance frame |
Handlebar Shape | Riser Bar |
Wheel Size | 12 inches |
Weight | 9 lbs. 0.3 oz. |
Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
Gender | Kids' |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
12 IN | |
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Reach | 233 |
Stack | 268 |
Effective Top Tube | 331 |
Seat Tube Center-Top | 150 |
Standover Height | 250 |
Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 71 |
Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 70 |
Wheelbase | 567 |
Chainstay | 220 |
Fork Offset | 23 |
Measurements are stated in millimeters unless otherwise indicated.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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We introduced our kid to the bike when he was around 2 and a half, but he didn't really take to it, pretty much walked around with it between his legs. He started to get the hang of it a little after he turned 3 and now that he is 3 and a half he loves it. We have some mountain bike trails and pump tracks near our house and he goes on those no problem and he has really gotten to cruising. He'll probably be ready for a pedal bike around 4.
My three almost four year old loves his glide bike. He loves going down the “mountains” in our back yard in it. Great product REI.
Real pneumatic tires and sturdy frame. Adjustable saddle and handlebar height. Make sure you include helmet and gloves in her “kit”. Within one week, the improvements in ability are exponential. The design could use more handlebar height adjustment, but she’ll be onto a larger pedal bike before it makes a difference to us. Daughter loves to explore and accomplish goals going up and down curbs and search for puddles. The neighborhood, and her universe, got much much bigger!
My daughter got this for Christmas and she loves it! For a little while she did the whole walking with the bike thing and slowly but surely she started sitting on the seat and now she's actually striding and beginning to coast a little. I was trying to decide between this one and the strider and went with this one bc it has real wheels instead of foam ones and also the body of the bike just looks cuter! I definitely recommend.
We bought this balance bike after trying bikes with training wheels over the years. The very first time our grandson rode he started to master balancing on a bike. It is a lot of fun and the cutest looking thing you've ever seen.
We've been waiting for the day the kid was tall enough to be able to use one of these, knowing she would love it. She does! She hopped on at the store for a trial and took off. She shuffled herself around the store and the bike went home with us. On the 3rd time on the bike, I noticed she has progressed. Her strides are longer and she's moving much faster. Even reversing from a tight spot was a cinch. She asked where the pedals where, so I know she's ready. We've had the bike for a week now. It's a winner!
Balance bikes are all the rage nowadays & this one has performed flawlessly. Bought it a few months ago for our 2 year old and he loves it. Seat goes down just low enough for his legs to touch the ground. Tires are great quality and being a tubed tire over the other brands cheapie plastic/rubber, allows for repairs. 10/10 would recommend this to anyone for their lil kiddo
We have an extra large 2 year old. While researching balance bikes we decided that she needed something more sturdy than the strider bike and this co-op bike is worth the money. We have had it for a little over a month now and while our toddler is not fully cruising yet she is gaining speed every day and most importantly loves her bike.
Both kids were able to get on and ride immediately, the 4 year old has the adjustments maxed out already so the age range is applicabl for up to short 5 year olds.
We love our little balance bike! We have used it for two years so far and our now four year old is near the top adjustments. We added a black mini bell and a front and rear light (the cheap silicone kind that wrap around the frame.) Never underestimate the power of accessories for a little kid! The reason we picked this over other models was the air filled tires and nice hand grips.No regrets there. It has held up beautifully and she is never set back by a stick in the trail or a bump where pavement meets up.