Banana Bike produces a unique designed balance bike for kids. In this article we have Banana balance bike review. A perfect Birthday present or Christmas gift for your kids or grand children!
Do you remember how exciting it was when you were first able to use a bike without training wheels? I can personally recall the rush that came with finally being able to ride by myself. It was one of those childhood moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.
For many, learning how to ride a bike was the first taste of freedom and a serious cause for celebration. You might even remember how proud your parents were when you finally mastered the skill. Perhaps the tables have turned and it is now your turn to teach your child.
However, riding a bicycle is simply not an easy task for a toddler. When it comes to this endeavor, the first thing that they have to learn is balancing. Mastering this skill will pave the way for a steady ride and also serve as the foundation for future skills.
Start the journey by giving your daughter or son a balance bike. Once they learn how to ride it, they only need to learn how to pedal. Training wheels might have been popular back in the day, but balance bikes have overtaken them for multiple reasons.
For your convenience, we picked two of the best balance bikes in the market right now. The Banana Bike LT and Banana Bike GT are both great if you want to teach your little one how to ride a bike. Don’t worry if you are not sure which one to get— that is precisely what this guide aims to accomplish.
Features
Both products featured in this guide were manufactured by Banana Bike. You can rest assured that they are excellently crafted, but there are certain features that make each of them unique. For this section, we will be discussing both the similarities and differences.
Banana Bike LT
- Weight: 7.28 lbs.
- Cute candy colors to choose from
- Solid construction
- Lightweight
- Adjustable features for easy access
- Flexible seat height for children of all ages
- Mag wheels with upgraded bearings
- Banana shaped frame
Banana Bike GT
- Weight: 11.68 lbs.
- Vibrant colors to choose from
- Solid construction
- Double adjustment handlebars
- Adjustable features for easy access
- Pneumatic tires with strong grip
- Wide seat with extra padding
- Black alloy wheels
- Banana shaped frame
Advantages of Banana Bike
It is important to see the highlights of the products. The following are the features that make the Banana Bike GT and LT the best choice for your children.
The advantages of the Banana Bike LT are the following:
- Best way to learn how to ride a bike
- Great choice for smaller kids
- Eye-catching pastel colors for exterior
- Easy to assemble
- Excellent construction material
- Highly adjustable seat height and handlebars
- Puncture-proof foam tires
- Lightweight, even for kids
- Portable
- Requires less storage space
- One-year warranty
For the Banana Bike GT, here is the list of its key features:
- Best way to learn how to ride a bike
- Great choice for taller kids
- More mature appearance
- Black alloy wheels complement the glossy exterior finish
- Easy to assemble
- Excellent construction material
- Moderately adjustable seat height and handlebars
- Closer in design to actual bikes
- Cheaper price tag
- One-year warranty
Banana bike facts that you should be aware of
Unfortunately, no product is ever perfect. There are certain disadvantages that you should factor in before purchasing the right balance bike. We will be enumerating some of the less favorable qualities of the products for a more balanced review.
For the Banana Bike LT, do not forget to take the following drawbacks into account:
- Not ideal for bigger kids
- More expensive
- Return fee excluded
- Handlebars may need further reinforcement
- Foam tires may be unsatisfactory for some
On the other hand, here are some things you might want to consider before purchasing the Banana Bike GT:
- Not ideal for smaller kids
- Return fee excluded
- Requires more storage space
- Rubber tire requires air from time to time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While we were preparing the Banana balance bike review we found some common queries about these products. For your convenience, please check to see if your concerns have been addressed.
- What colors are they available in?
The colors for the LT models are blue, pink, and green. On the other hand, the GT is available in candy blue, candy pink, and candy yellow. The exteriors of these balance bikes have a glossier finish.
- What is the target age for the users of these balance bikes?
The Banana Bike LT is ideal for 2-year-old to 4-year-old children. The Banana Bike GT is generally good for toddlers to children up to 5 years of age. The latter is also better-suited to taller children due to its measurements.
- How can these products help my kid learn how to ride?
As most people know, the key aspect when riding a bike is learning how to balance. That is exactly what balance bikes aim to do. The LT and GT were specifically created in order to teach children the proper coordination and strength required before they move on to pedaling.
- What are the tires made up of?
The tires of the LT have been constructed using a sturdy type of foam, which prevents punctures and leaks. On the other hand, the GT uses tires made up of rubber. This will provide better preparation for a real bike, though it will need air every now and then.
- Is it easy to assemble the product?
Yes, the assembly process is generally quick and straightforward. For LT units, you may follow the instructions listed here or watch the assembly video provided on the same page. For GT unit owners, please refer to this page.
- How long will it take before my child outgrows it?
It is hard to give an exact amount of time. However, the adjustable seats provide a lot of room for growth, especially if you get for your 2-year-old child.
- Can the product be disassembled to fit in a bag?
Yes, this is completely possible since the seat, handlebars, and wheels are all independent components. However, the forks are attached and bolted to the frame. Overall, either balance bike can fit inside a large luggage.
- Do the GT and LT units share the same dimensions?
No, the GT is slightly bigger than the LT. The frame size is the same, but the former has larger wheels, higher seat height, and farther handlebars than the latter.
- What is the maximum weight limit for the products?
The maximum recommended weight is 55 lbs. for the Banana Bike LT, while it is set at 60 lbs. for the Banana Bike GT.
- Why should I get this instead of a scooter or tricycle?
While the two offers great modes of transportation, they do not offer the same training that balance bikes do. Moreover, balance bikes are able to cover greater distances. These are the perfect gift if you want your kids to enjoy the outdoors.
- Where can I buy these balance bikes from Banana Bike?
All models and colors are available for purchase at online stores like Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Amazon Germany.
Do you have certain concerns that were unaddressed in this section? If that is the case, feel free to contact the manufacturer. You may also reach them by using the contact form on their website.
Ending notes
Both the LT and GT models are excellent products from Banana Bikes. However, it is hard to declare a definitive winner, considering the different features of these products. It might not be accurate to say that one is better over the other due to parenting styles and preferences.
The LT is generally better for smaller kids due to the lower seating height and fewer maintenance needs. The lightweight nature of the product also allows your little ones to pick it up and zoom off without a problem.
Meanwhile, the GT is more well-suited for physically bigger kids. It also requires certain maintenance procedures like regular bikes, which is great when it comes to preparing them for the future. The appearance of the exterior might also be more appealing to older toddlers.
It ultimately boils down to your personal circumstance. You might also be considering the financial cost and which one would be the better bang for your buck. The GT is slightly less expensive, though not by a significant amount.
Regardless of which Banana Bike product you decide to buy, you will have a great way to train kids to ride a bike. Aside from the progressive nature of training them to ride bikes, it also allows your little ones to travel further than with scooters. Your toddlers will finally be able to join the rest of the family on bike rides!
There’s a good reason that these products have achieved some good complements from the customers around the world. Banana Bike products are aesthetically pleasing, completely functional, and solidly constructed. Once your kids master the art of balancing, you can ensure that they are prepared to move on to the pedaled variety.
