BT Forum

I also have a 5 yr old boy. I started him on a Kettler push bike when he was 2, and he has been using it since so he has the "balance" part down well.. he also has a "big wheel" so the pedal action he also has mastered. I got him a 20' bike a month ago, took the pedals off so that he could use it as a "push bike". He did so for 20 minutes and asked for the pedals. I held the seat and did a run behind for 10 minutes... off he goes and hasn't looked back; no training wheels. He can get frustrated easily so I have been waiting until I was confident that he was ready. I think it is tough to learn to 1) balance, 2) pedal, and 3) pilot the bike all at the same time.. maybe, break it into stages to get each skill mastered. No tears so far; other than mine as a proud Dad!!

Take the pedals off and let them 'ride' (glide more like it) that way for a bit.  Helps them to develop balance and also a sense of confidence knowing that he can put his feet down at anytime.

Get a skoot or a smilar bike.  Those things are amazing.  Our four yo is riding a bike after riding a skoot for the last year.  They teach them balance and help them overcome the initial trepidation of riding a bike w/o training wheels.  Good luck!!

My oldest learned last summer at 4 1/2.  The owner of my LBS told me to get a beach towel and put it across his chest, under his arms, and hold it behind him.  I was able to control how much I was helping to balance him.  It was so much easier than leaning over and holding onto the seat.  My 3 year old, well, he had other ideas.  He taught himself back in March (a few days shy of 3 years 9 months) by himself in less than 10 minutes.

They'll get it way faster than you think (Maybe).  I took both of mine to a parking lot that had a gradual slope.  Off they went first try!  then when they thought about not having training wheels, the fear set in and they over did everything.  I never put the training wheels back on, and spent a lot of time running behind them.  Now they are flying all over the neighborhood..