Glide Bikes Review

Ed Mondello and his family - kids on 16" Go Gliders

Glidebikes were invented in 2004 by enthusiast Ed Mondello based on a downhill mountain bike geometry allowing the bike to balance at a very low speed of 1.5MPH. The child's weight is balanced over the rear wheel making the child's center of gravity lower for more stability.

 

Glide Bikes are made out of aircraft quality 6061 alloy that is very strong, light weight and rust proof which is long lasting and allows a lifetime warranty. No worries if left out in the rain!

 

The Glide bikes also feature a child size handbrake, adjustable handlebars and seat height as well as a quick release seat clamp – all the added comforts for correct fitting.

 

The unique foot pegs give riders a place to put their feet while gliding with the added benefit of learning where to put their feet when they transition to a pedal bike.  As of 2011, the pegs now are removeable or you can rotate them out of the way to be parallel to the tires without a tool!   This is helpful for the younger riders and beginners.

 

Glide bikes come in 2 sizes – the 12 inch Mini Glider for kids ages 2 1/2 up to 5 , and 16” Go glider for kids ages 5 – 9. Also coming available in 2011 is a bigger balance bikes for adults or those with special needs ages 10 and up!

 

We at Kids Balance Bikes have found the Mini glider a great fit for taller toddlers and preschooler with handlebars sitting up higher than average balance bikes and the seat positioned a bit further back. This gives kids who are 3 ½ – 5 yrs old alittle more wiggle room with the bike than some of the smaller balance bikes on the market. This is why we highly recommend the mini glider for taller kids who are still too young or short to jump to the 16 inch Go Glider.  (for kids 3 1/2 -5 please order the XL seat post)

 

The Go Glider is perfect for kids who are over 45 inches tall which is usually kids well into a 5T and bigger. The 16 inch Go Glider can give the older kids the edge they need to get over their fear of bike riding at a little older age and get rid of the training wheels if they have been dependent on them. The bike looks like a big kid bike and many people have to take a double look to see that they really do not have pedals!

We often get questions about whether the pegs get in the way of the stride.  The pegs are positioned out far enough in front that they do not hit the child's shin as they walk or glide forward. The best way to get this confirmed is to check out videos of kids in action on the Glidebikes.  Starting in early 2011 the pegs now rotate out of the way or are completely removeable without a tool if desired!

 

Here is a cute video from YouTube.  More can be found at www.youtube.com

 

 

 

Here are some pics of the Glide Bikes:

 

Great bikes at great prices!   From our experience the mini gliders fit kids 2 1/2 yrs of age until around 5 yrs old (with XL seat)  and the Go Glider for kids 45 inches and taller up to around 9 yrs (or 23 inch inseam)