The higher-spec balance bikes tend to have brakes, scaled down to child size, either on both wheels or just on the rear wheel. Emma, mum of our 19-month-old child tester, described the AIRO as "sleek, smart and beautiful quality" and she was particularly impressed by how well it fitted her young son. The sturdy construction and dishwasher safe artwork mean I can treat this mug rough and ready and it still backs up day after day. Footrests I think are really useful as a transition to pedalling and allow riders to experiment with free-wheeling with their feet up and out the way. All three riders had a very different experience on the bike, which isn’t surprising considering our three tested varied greatly in size and skill levels!

They’d rather see parents supervising their children closely than relying on them correctly using a handbrake.In tricycle mode, the steel Trybike is a sturdy and supportive option for little kids to build their confidence and get to grips with sitting on a saddle and moving themselves along with their feet.

This isn't an exhaustive test of the product or how well it performs – look to our Best winners for extensive testing in real life situations – rather, our First Look features are informed previews, providing a basic overview and getting a feel for the products most exciting features. less than your child's inside leg measurement and will, preferably, adjust higher as your child grows. You'll find him on his bike most days whether it's commuting, riding with his kids, or tackling a climb on Zwift.Our two-year-old, three-year-old and five-year-old testers tried out a selection of balance bikes for over a month – indoors and outdoors – to find the best ones, taking everything from how easy they were to manoeuvre to how the tyres performed into consideration. His mum Kayleigh said it was light enough for him to get full use out of it, adding, “It also seems very durable and could be used for multiple ages due to the changing height of the seat. Straightforward to assemble, this balance bike is suitable for children aged two to five, with a comfy saddle that adjusts from 36-42cm. He's the creative and photography force behind the site, and has got a keen eye for good quality, well designed cycling kit.