Buchanan Brings Balance Bikes Into Oz

Mar 06, 2015

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3159 times

London BMX Olympian, Caroline Buchanan is hopeful of a berth at the next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but right now her focus is on developing Olympians of the future. This weekend Buchanan will reveal her new Signature Balance Bike which has just hit the shores. The fluorescent coloured miniature bikes are aimed at getting youngsters between 2 – 5 years old riding. The new DK Balance Bikes will be on show and ready for action at the ACT BMX State Championships in Tuggeranong.

The balance bike is small. It has a seat but no cranks which allows children to bypass training wheels. They sit on the seat and push or they can put their feet on the rear chain stays and learn to stand up. It is an ideal starting bike giving young riders a chance to learn to balance and control a bike.

“This is where the real grassroots of all cycling and motor sports really begins,” explained Buchanan. “It gets children active earlier which has health benefits but also it gets them learning to balance on a bike.”

Despite using training wheels herself and getting into BMX when she was 5 years old, Buchanan believes this push to get even younger riders on bikes could pay off at Olympic level.

The global scene has also changed with World Championships for this age group on similar bikes being held in Sarasota, USA this year. Japan has one of the largest groups of youngsters competing on balance bikes. The Australian BMX national body has introduced a mini-wheeler category to many of its race programmes.

With the introduction of balance bikes the cycling industry is heading into an exciting era. The total cost of Buchanan’s new Signature Balance bike will be $ 159. Helmets are also required.

“I can’t wait to show the rest of Australia what these little ones can do. They are just so excited to be on a track,” said Buchanan. “This could be the start of something amazing. Kids will remember their first ride, their first race and later their first jump and even their first podium. It all starts on a balance bike.”