Balance Bike

Few woodworking projects will lead the life of adventure that this balance bike will. While most projects sit in one place, this bike introduces kids to the freedom of having their own set of wheels and the open road — well sidewalk anyway. A balance bike foregoes pedals and chains to get kids used to the idea of staying upright on two wheels. It’s a proven way to learn about riding a bike. This first step means that a balance bike needs to be tough. A bike can’t be heavy though or it’s difficult to control. Our version strikes a balance between durability, light weight, and being easy to build. Plywood makes up most of the bike’s frame. Clever cutouts reduce weight. The joinery is limited to woodscrews and glue with just a few dadoes and mortises. I’m pretty confident that this bike is a weekend project. That’s good, because there’s no doubt the user is eager to get moving. Creative director Chris Fitch knows the importance of design — even if it means a little more weight. A faux gas tank, headlight, and the handlebar grips lend a classic motorcycle vibe that turns heads. Perhaps one of the best aspects of a balance bike is that it’s meant to be passed on. Once a new rider graduates to a full bike, the balance bike can move on to its next adventure. Along the way, introducing woodworking to the next generation.

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