12" and 16" Glide Bikes

3 year old on Red Mini Glider 2009 version

The Glide bikes are perfect for kids ranging in age 2 1/2 - 5 years old for the Mini Glider,  and 6 - 9 yrs old for the 16" Go Glider.   

What  makes the Mini Glider Balance bike stand out from all the other standard size balance bike is that the handle bars sits alittle higher and wider and is much like a real bike handle bar - even with a handbrake!    It also accommodates a rider's weight up to 100 pounds which tops out all the other 12 inch balance bikes!    The 2011 Model now has a kickstand and the seat height starts out at only 11.5 inches from the ground and rises up to 16.5 inches as your child grows! (with optional XL seat post that goes up to 18 inches)    The 2011 model now has foot pegs that rotate out of the way (or can be removed)  for younger riders or beginners.

The 16" Go Glider is one of the few affordable balance bikes that will accommodate older children who still need or want the security and fun that a balance bike offers.   Many 6 and 7 year olds are still not riding pedal bikes, and by now their fear of riding has usually heightened. 

 It is also hard to start learning to ride a bike on a 16 inch pedal bike because these bikes are bulkier and heavier which makes it even harder for this age group.  That is why the 16 " Go glider is perfect - weighing in at only 10 pounds (about 1/3 the weight of a pedal bike) and easy to handle without pedal, chains or sprockets to get in the way.  

The bike also looks so much like a pedal bike with foot pegs for gliding once balance is established and a hand brake which adds to the appeal.    

Below is a 6 1/2 yr old who is 48 inches tall with an inseam of about 18 inches.

How do you know which Glider to get?

This is a very popular question!   We do have some more information on this topic in the information page to the left called "which balance bike is best for my child?" which you may want to check out.

One of the most important things to remember is to pick the bike that will fit your child NOW.   We can't stress this enough.   If you are going to give the child the bike now, you want them to get right on it, and feel excited and ready to start learning and having fun.   If it is too big or small, it may be more of a struggle.   

Balance Bike sizing is not the same as pedal bike sizing.   Balance bikes are suppose to be smaller on your child.   So even though your child may fit on a 16" pedal bike with training wheels, if they are just getting into 5T clothing (5T is still alittle big for them)  or smaller, they should be on the Mini Glider.   Kids outgrowing 5T and  bigger should go with the Go Glider.  Kids should be around 44-45 inches tall to start on the Go Glider.

It is not hard to find the right size!  We have done hundrends of demo rides and will give you our best opinion on what will fit.   Just email or call!