Balance Bike Saddle Height Guide
When it comes to balance bike saddle height, this is perhaps one of the most important aspects of riding a balance bike correctly. More and more parents find that balance bikes are safer and easier than tricycles or training wheels when teaching children to ride a bicycle. The increasing popularity of pedal-less bicycles has also led to more and more brands and models entering the market. Unlike ordinary bicycles, once children have the ability to walk, they can ride balance bicycles.
Although the balance bike is easy to ride and fun for children, it is very important to adjust the height of the saddle correctly. Insufficient saddle height not only makes it difficult for children to ride balance bikes but also negatively affects their entertainment. Whether you’re opting for a metal-frame or wooden balance bike, here are some useful tips to ensure that your child’s balance bike saddle height is optimal.
Correct Balance Bike Saddle Height
The correct saddle height for a balance bike obviously depends on the height of the child you are riding. Ideally, when sitting on the bicycle saddle, the child’s feet should be flat on the ground. In order to move faster and easier, your child’s legs should be slightly bent when riding a bicycle. With an appropriate saddle height, your child should become more capable and confident in his abilities, so he should be able to ride a bicycle first, then run, and finally glide.
If you want to use a more scientific method, please measure the inner length of your child’s legs. Then adjust the height of the saddle so that it is at least 1.18 inches smaller than this size. This will allow children to get on and off their balance bikes easily and sit comfortably.
Benefits of an Adjustable Bike Saddle
Although there are some balance bicycles on the market that do not have adjustable saddles, it is best to choose a functional bicycle because it will bring more benefits. Not only can you adjust the saddle to a height suitable for your child, but you can also continue to adjust it as your child grows. As children grow older and more confident about balance bikes, they may prefer off-road driving, which requires seat adjustments.
In this case, the seat should be adjusted to allow the child’s knees to bend more for better control. Some balance bikes, such as Strider’s 12 Classic, even support optional extra-long seat posts, which can make the bike suitable for children under 5 years old instead of the standard 18 months to 3 years old. This will extend the life of the balance wheel far beyond that of Ybike, which does not support seat adjustment.
Making Adjustments
For most balance bikes, adjusting the height of the saddle is a simple process that can be done without any prior knowledge. The adjustment procedure will vary according to the make and model of the balance bicycle. Wooden balance bikes, such as Diggin Active Skuut, are often the most difficult to adjust because you need a hex wrench to remove the bolts that secure the seat. Then, before refastening the bolts, the saddle can be raised or lowered.
For balance bikes like Schwinn or KaZAM Classic, you only need to loosen the bolts, slide the seat post up and down, and then re-tighten the bolts to make adjustments, which is a bit easy. The easiest to adjust balance bike, such as Tykesbykes Charger, has a quick-release seat post for instant adjustment.
Safety Tip
After making any adjustments, make sure that the saddle is secure. Most seat posts will include special markings to indicate the minimum or maximum height that can be adjusted. For safety reasons, please observe these markings, as ignoring these markings may impair the safety of bicycles without pedals. It is also a good idea to check that the saddle height is correct and that the saddle is fully connected each time before your child rides the bicycle. For more info on safety, see our children’s bike safety guide, or visit the CHP for general safety information.
