Trybike Wooden 4 in 1 Balance Bike review

Bike-riding is a life skill that most kids are keen to master at some point. To help them learn to ride, there are a range of products available, such as ride-ons, trikes and lightweight balance bikes – but deciding which one is best for your child can be difficult.

The award-winning, wooden, 4-in-1 Trybike attempts to solve this problem. Created by a Dutch design duo, its aim is to accompany your child on their biking journey from as young as 12 months (when it can support walking), right up to age six. As the name suggests, it offers four different configurations in one. From 12 months-2.5 years, it can be used as a tricycle; from 2-4 years, it can be used as a low balance bike; and from 3.5-6 years, as your child grows, it can either be used as a high balance bike, or as a tricycle if they like more support.

This makes it a very different beast from tricycles such as Smart Trike or My First Trike, and explains the hefty price tag of £159.99. You can buy the Trybike from Hippychick, Kidly, or Scandiborn.

First impressions?

When I unpacked the Trybike, I was struck by its quality, and its large size. I loved all the details and materials. It is made of weatherproof marine birch plywood, and has lovely faux leather accents on the seat and handlebar chin guard. However, it did take up quite a bit of space, especially when in the trike mode.

How easy is the Trybike to put together?

It’s relatively straightforward, but I did need to check the videos online, as the instructions provided were only in Dutch. Compared to another balance bike we have, where you literally slot the saddle in and you’re off, the Trybike is trickier and requires some tools (included), but it’s not that difficult if you take your time.

Did you like the look of the Trybike?

Yes – and more importantly so did my kids.

How easy is the Trybike to ride?

If you get the saddle height right, the Trybike is very easy to ride. Both my kids took to it super quickly and really enjoyed it.

What did your children think of the Trybike?

My two-year-old immediately christened it his ‘ATV’ (as in Ryder from Paw Patrol’s All Terrain Vehicle)! He thought it was really cool and whizzed around on it a lot, pretending it was a rescue vehicle. Unfortunately, he didn’t take to it that quickly in two-wheel mode. He is used to his tiny Puky balance bike, so the slightly bigger Trybike made him a bit unsure. However, I think that with more practice, he will take to it. The problem is that he loves the trike mode so much that it will be tricky to convince him to move on to two wheels.

How does the Trybike handle?

Really well. It’s sturdy and it has such a large footprint that you’re never scared of bumps in the road.

How easy is it to convert the Trybike?

It’s fairly easy to convert the Trybike, but still a bit fiddly. Changing it from a size to suit my two-year-old to the size to suit my five-year-old wasn’t that quick, which was a shame. Even though the Trybike promises great adaptability, two different-sized kids can’t really play on it at the same time, as swapping between modes is not simple. I would have liked the saddle adjustment to be easier. You can’t check the saddle height without removing and repositioning two screws, which is a bit of a palaver.

How lightweight is the Trybike?

I felt the Trybike’s weight was a downside. In trike mode, the Trybike weighs 5.5kg, which is quite substantial, while in balance-bike mode it weighs just over 4kg – only slightly more than many other starter balance bikes. Our Puky balance bike, for example, weighs 3.5kg.

Is the Trybike easy to take on trips out?

Unfortunately, I didn’t find the Trybike easy to take out with us, especially as in trike mode it’s massive. It’s also pretty heavy so you definitely would not be able to carry it for long stretches (when a child tires of it at the park, for example), and it takes up quite a bit of space in the boot of a car. It’s more suited for big gardens, or short trips setting off straight from your front door.

How easy is the Trybike to store?

In my opinion, you need a generous house/garden/shed to store it. We had it in our living room, where it was used a lot in addition to outdoors, but it takes up a bit of space.

What did you think of the wheels?

The 12-inch wheels are really impressive – well cushioned and solid.

Does the Trybike feel durable enough to be passed on to a younger sibling?

Yes. Because of its superior materials, I am sure it will last and last and become a much-loved family hand-me-down. I imagine that even if the material weathers a bit, it will still look beautiful. You can also buy new covers for the saddle and handlebar, if necessary.

Are there any accessories you can buy?

Yes, you can buy a seat and safety pad set in blue, orange, pink or red for £14.99.

What would you have liked to have known before buying a Trybike?

Just how big this item is.

Is the Trybike good value?

At £159.99, this is a substantial investment. However, considering that your kids will get many, many years of enjoyment out of it, I think it’s worth the price tag.

Would you recommend the Trybike?

Yes, I love the idea of one product lasting your child from walking to advanced balance biking and tricycling and providing a lot of fun at the same time!

MadeForMums verdict:

A fantastic, quality product that will last a number of kids. Unfortunately, it is too big for our household, so we will probably have to pass it on.

What’s in the box?

Frame

Handlebar

Toolkit and pouch to keep it in

Three pneumatic wheels

Extra axel to convert back section

Instructions (in Dutch)

Read More...

• The best balance bikes for kids
• Bike safety - the golden rules to teach your child
• The best trikes for kids

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