As passionate mountain bike riders, we believe sharing our love of the sport with our little ones is a fantastic way to inspire them and start teaching bike skills early. Want to learn how to get your kid started on a bike? Discover our steps from early days to balance bike rides!
Early Bike Exposure (0-6 Months)
During the very early months, we enjoyed daily walks with the baby stroller, spending at least 2 hours each day outdoors. Honestly, it was the most efficient way to help him fall asleep and for me to stay fit and relaxed, even after sleepless nights.
Despite some brands offering bike trailers for infants, we didn’t feel safe until he could sit up independently (at the age of 6 months). He was so tiny, and we felt it was still not the right time for us and for him. However, indirect exposure to biking was already happening. His room had a large drawing of a mountain bike rider, his little wardrobe had mountain bike stickers, and he watched his dad compete in enduro races at just 3 months old. I believe these early experiences helped shape his interest in the sport.
6-12 Months: Trailer Time – Laying the Groundwork for Teaching Bike
When he turned six months old, we tried our Tout Terrain bike trailer, and he loved it immediately. He was excited to try it out and smiled the whole time, until he fell asleep comfortably outdoors. It was winter, so we dressed him in a ski suit and brought an extra blanket. He felt comfortable and secure, thanks to the two side cushions.
We were thrilled to share our passion for cycling with our little one. Together, we explored many beautiful places in Trentino and abroad with the bike trailer. It was undoubtedly the best family investment we’ve made so far. Moreover, we believe that watching us ride our bikes with him was another way to inspire his love for the sport, even though he wasn’t riding himself yet.
12-24 Months: Balance Bike – The First Step in Teaching Bike Skills
For his first birthday, we gifted him a balance bike. As parents, we invested considerable time in finding the ideal bike. We thoroughly researched options, reading reviews, watching videos, and prioritizing overall aesthetics and comfort. We were immediately drawn to the Commencal Ramones, which perfectly matched the colors of the Amaury Pierron DH Champion. It was priced moderately, offered very small sizes (we chose the 12), and was renowned for its stability and comfort.
As he began to walk (12-13 months), we sat him on the balance bike, though he was too small to reach the ground with his feet to push himself. We pushed and held him to give him the experience. At 18 months, he enjoyed pushing the bike alone but didn’t like to sit on it.
There was then a period when he seemed uninterested (around 20 months), and we worried that biking wasn’t his thing. However, we knew it was just a matter of time and patience. We never forced him to ride but always kept the bike available for him to explore.
Then, a few days after he turned 2, he decided it was time to ride, and we were impressed by how quickly he learned. It was clear that during the previous 2 years of indirect exposure to mountain biking, he had observed a lot and learned how to ride.
A significant motivational factor came from watching a 2-year-old girl ride her balance bike. From that moment, he spent countless hours practicing, learning how to push, ride downhill, and overcome his fears. We were amazed by his progress, but this was also part of his character. He had to decide when he was ready, and his intrinsic motivation was truly impressive.
After 24 Months: Learning to Brake – Key Skills in Teaching Bike Independence
When we noticed that he was gaining too much speed, we decided to add brakes to his balance bike. Initially, he experienced braking even when pushing uphill and found it amusing. However, this was also a way for him to learn how to use the brakes. After a few rides, we were impressed by how quickly he learned. Although he still prefers to ride downhill fast and sometimes forgets to brake, he has made significant progress.
Now that he is so confident on his bike, riding with the trailer is becoming more difficult. He gets bored more easily and prefers to ride his own bike. We are now figuring out how to organize future family rides. This may involve carrying his bike along with the trailer and reducing the length of our rides.
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching your child enjoy the sports you love. We’re excited to continue our biking adventures together and inspire him to explore new horizons.
Discover more sport parenting tips in our dedicated section!
