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Paul Nuki is one of Britain's leading consumer journalists and is currently head of news features at The Sunday Times. He's also a father of four and long time cycle enthusiast. Here he picks out the five best bikes for kids Click to view Top 5 Childrens Bikes.
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Best First Bike (Like-a-Bike) |
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 The Like-a-Bike is the perfect first bike. Not only will it enable your kids to master the balance needed to ride a two-wheeler from a much earlier age than a traditional bike with stabilizers, but it’s an object of genuine beauty that will complement rather than clutter your home. Every two-year-old should have one. |
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The Like-a-Bike was first launched in 1997. It’s designed and manufactured by Kokua Holzspielzeug in Germany and has revolutionised the process of learning to cycle.
The bikes are made out of high-quality plywood and have no pedals or stabilizers. Instead children stabilize and push themselves along with their feet, learning the balance required to stay upright in the process.
If your kids start on a Like-a-Bike, they will probably never need a bike with stabilizers and will progress directly to a proper bike at age four or five.
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Great Reviews |
 I’ve come across no negative reviews of the Like-a-Bike and know plenty of kids who use and love them, including my own. Which?, a leading UK consumer testing organization, also recommends them.
“We’ve found the missing link!”, raves one typical review. “The Like-a-bike from Germany is a remarkable play vehicle for children from just two years old ... At first, your child will use it like a hobby-horse, at least one foot firmly on the ground. As confidence develops, they’ll begin to lift both feet, scooting forward and balancing, maybe dabbing a foot to the floor occasionally if the bike tips. Soon, they’ll be swooping round with panache”.
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Start Early |
 The exact age at which to get a Like-a-Bike depends on the size of your child. Litzi, my youngest, who is slightly small for her age was a fraction too short for hers on her second birthday but is now flying about on it three months on. If you are worried, wait until age three or go for the Like-a-bike Mini (right).
There is now quite a wide choice of Like-a-Bike models but I would stick with the classic Like-a-Bike which is called the Mountain (top). The saddle can be adjusted for height to suit kids up to about five years old. It’s an iconic piece of design and like all the models in the range, it's child-safe and robust. The wheels run on quality grease-free bearings, and are fitted with air-filled rubber tyres which are great both indoors and out.
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Other great reviews in KidsStuff:
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