Hellobee

Right before Lil’ Miss Louboutin turned 7, we considered getting her a new bike because she was starting to outgrow her 16″ big box store bike with training wheels that we bought her when she was 4. Not only that, but it was heavy and clunky, and she didn’t love riding it. Just as we started thinking about teaching her to ride without training wheels, we were introduced to the Islabike, and its competitor, the Woom Bike (also available on Amazon with prime shipping). A whole new world of bikes opened up before me, and I went down the research rabbit hole. I liked what I was reading on both brands, but Woom’s seemed more accessible for purchase, so I went that route.

The manufacturers of the Woom seem to have taken every detail into account when designing these bikes. From geometry to weight to parts and accessories, everything is thoughtfully designed with children’s ergonomics in mind. We ordered the bike directly from Woom, and it came a few days later.  Minimal assembly is required – we only had to install the front wheel, then attach the handlebars and pedals.

There are Woom options for every age group, starting from the balance bike level and on. It is also incredibly lightweight, making a huge difference for kids and their little bodies. Each Woom also comes with a pre-installed kickstand and bell. Woom bikes use hand brakes instead of coaster brakes because it is less confusing for the child, and they don’t come with training wheels because they believe those tend to hinder a child’s riding progression.

5 Reasons Why the Woom

1. Weight – The Woom offers some of the lightest bikes on the market.  Perfect for little kids with lightweight bodies.
2. Center of Gravity – Woom designed their bikes with more narrow handlebars and wheels, and designed it so kids are more upright when riding, which they have found is a more comfortable and natural position for younger kids. This also prevents them from straining their neck trying to ride in a more forward position.
3. Brakes – Most kid bikes have coaster brakes, where pedaling backwards allows them to brake, but this also causes confusion when kids are just learning to pedal. When learning to pedal, kids naturally sometimes want to pedal backwards, and a coaster brake causes them to accidentally stop themselves without meaning to. The hand brakes preferred by Woom eliminates this issue.
4. Low standover heights – When kids are learning to ride, it is important that their feet touch the ground and have the seat adjusted later to the correct riding height. Woom has the lowest clearance compared to other bikes of the same size, giving kids the confidence they need to ride.
5. Upcycle Program – Woom offers a program where you can trade in your bike for the next size up if your child outgrows their bike within 2 years. By purchasing their upcycle membership once, they will reimburse 40% of the original bike’s purchase price, so you’d just pay the difference for the next bike up. If you don’t go that route, Woom Bikes are in high demand and retain their value well, so they have great resale value.

Only her 2nd time riding and she’s got it down!

For previous riding experience, Lil’ Miss Louboutin was no pro, didn’t show interest in balance bikes, and her first regular bike was a standard, big box store bike with training wheels. Prior to the Woom, she had never attempted to ride without training wheels, so we weren’t sure how quickly she would take to the bike. We were surprised and amazed that it only took her about two 20 minute sessions before she was taking off on her own and riding without training wheels! She wants to ride it all the time now, and asks to go riding every day after school, which she never did with her old bike. She loves her bike so much, and we can see her confidence increasing before our eyes. Just seeing her ease and joy in riding this bike, and her growing love of cycling, has made the Woom worth it.  Absolutely no regrets!

Does your lil’ one like to bike? Did they go the balance bike or training wheels route?