Introduction
Entering the market with a highly competitive price of $39.95, The Vilano Balance Bike provides a decent service for its price. Although the bike has some faults in its design and durability, you can consider it for your kid if you are not a big fan of balance bikes or are on a tight budget. The bike comes in a plethora of color options, such as blue, green, orange, purple, and red, so you have a diversity of colors to select from. The company does not provide a specific age range, but you can consider it for kids between the age of 2-5 years. Read the full article to know if this bike is meant to share the adventures of your preschooler.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very Affordable, decent quality for the price
- Variety of color options
- Adjustable Handlebars and Seats
- Handlebar pad and Bell included
Cons
- Cheap materials are used in the frame as well as accessories.
- Tires are made up of foam, compromising comfort
- No enclosed toolbar with the product
- Better options are available
Summary
On a feather budget of $39.95, the Vilano Balance Bike comes in 12″ size. The color choices on Amazon for the bicycle are blue and green, but you can explore more options on Vilano’s website. To support the age range of 2 to 5 the bike is made out of high-tensile steel. The material makes it sufficiently strong to withstand a weight of 75lbs or 34kg.
The bike has a low-step frame for easy access. It has EVA polymer tires that give it a lightweight of 5.5lbs or 2.49kg. You can also adjust the seat (15.5″ to 17.5″) and handlebar (20″ to 21.5″) using the quick-release lever. The whole package comes with an undeniable lucrative 12 monthly warranty.
Check the price of the Vilano Balance Bike on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3g60BNO
Paint Job
The variety of colors this bike offers is a treat for any customer that wants to choose from several options. It comes in color combinations of blue, green, orange, purple, and red. The glossy finish of the bike gives it a distinct aura and makes it appealing to the eyes. The stickers used with the paint job resonate with the color scheme and add a well-defined finish to the bike.
Material and Strength
The mainframe of the bike is constructed out of steel, placing it on the lighter side of the scale. Weighing 5.5 lbs/2.49 kgs, it is one of the lighter bikes I have encountered recently. The wheels are constructed of molded plastic with tires made of foam. I was disappointed by this as it jeopardized the comfort on account of cutting costs. Another concern with the built design was the exposed bolts that peeked out of the frame. Although these bolts support the rigidity of the frame, they can pose a problem for kids. The handlebars come loose and don’t stay sturdy unless for a tightening. The saddle is of cheap quality and will not last long, although it can be considered a better product than many of its competitors. The bike has no brakes, which, considering the price of the bike, seemed reasonable. The overall built quality of this bike can be rated satisfactory and decent for its price.
Safety and Stability
So the very first line of safety, the brakes are not provided in this bike. Although the brakes are not a necessity in these bikes, having them doesn’t hurt either. Reflectors, as you may expect from the product of this range, are not provided. The handlebar has a good grip, having bumpers on each side for the toddler’s safety. The handlebar is equipped with a handlebar pad to support the overall comfort and safety of the child. It also makes the bike more appealing to the eyes. On the downside, the handlebar is very loosened which can harm the child on tight ends. Tightening it can resolve the issue to some extent.
Wheels and Comfort
Due to the quality of EVA foam used in the tires and their overall shape, the tires lose their grip on off-road surfaces. The size of the wheels is where this bike surpasses its competitors in the same price segment. It has 12″ wheels than the 10″ wheels provided by most products under the 75$ mark, so it significantly adds weightage to its comfort rating. The seat quality can be considered average for the very most, as it starts to wear off after usage of 6-7 months or so. The seat size is fit for a balance bike, offering full support to the body. A drawback that it suffers is the limiting height or seat adjustment. It can only enclose the range from 15.5″ to 17.5″, making it very challenging for a small kid to ride it. The handlebar of the bike has a decent quality with a good grip.
Unfortunately, the handlebar does not come with a limiter and can pose a problem for novice riders. As stated earlier, the handlebar comes with a handlebar pad that brings a great advantage to the bike. The handlebar can be adjusted from 20″ to 21.5″ making it more suited for your kid.
Extra Features
A stock bell and a handlebar pad are included with the bike. As for customizable accessories, the company lags in this area and does not provide any additional items along with the bike. But I think this is justified keeping in knowledge the price of this bike.
Vilano bikes give a 1-year warranty against defects in the frame and rigid fork. The company also warrants, for 30 days, all original parts except crank arms, paint, decals, tires, tubes, chains, and other wear and tear items, which increases its appeal.
Conclusion
As I conclude this article, I can say that The Vilano Balance Bike is for anyone going on a tight budget. Providing a plethora of options in color variants, it has every shade to grab the attention of adults and toddlers alike. The frame is very lightweight and made up of steel though some inconsistencies could be improved by the seller. The wheels, made up of EVA foam lose some grip over off-road surfaces but are otherwise decent for the paved surfaces. The seat is made up of inferior material as it wears off after an average use of 6-7 months. The adjustable handlebar left a positive appeal in my mind. This bike can be a good companion for kids between the age of 2-5 years. Overall, I see it as a decent product; although it has room for improvement, I see it fitting in its price range.
Buy Vilano Balance Bike on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3g60BNO
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