Who remembers their first time on a bike? The moment that changed everything. The training wheels were removed. First the left and then the right. Dad or mum held the bike by the saddle and it almost felt like riding a bike. It took a few plasters and a few falls before I was able to do it without help. And then success! But there is an easier way: with a balance bike, even the youngest children can learn to keep their balance in a playful and safe way.
Ventus Titanium Jr. is the name of the new balance bike from Dutch titanium expert Van Nicholas, who builds unusual MTBs as well as racing and touring bikes. Named after its big racing bike sibling, the Ventus balance bike is designed to accompany - and inspire - children aged 3-5 as they start out on their biking careers. "Titanium is both light and robust, making it the perfect material for very young riders," says Ralph Moorman, Managing Director of Van Nicholas.
There is not much on the wheel - "due to the design" - but the frame, handlebars and stem are made of high-quality titanium, which is also used for adult bikes: Aerospace Grade 3AL/2.5V. Special thought has been given to the handlebars of the Van Nicholas Ventus Jr. Rubber grips with a small diameter ensure that small hands can get a good grip and the large handlebar ends prevent slipping off the grip and protect against falls. A full carbon fork and 12-inch carbon rims (!) reduce the weight even with these mini dimensions.
The Van Nicholas Ventus Titanium Jr. grows with you
Children as young as 3 years old can start cycling with this balance bike. With a padded seat and height-adjustable seat post, the Ventus Titanium Jr. accompanies children for a few years and grows with them until the first bike with brakes and gears can be purchased. The balance bike also has a special feature: an integrated foot platform. Young bikers can experience the feeling of riding a real bike by placing their feet on the platform. Van Nicholas has slightly widened and flattened the frame where the bottom bracket usually sits so that there is room for the feet. This allows the kids to make their first attempts at "rolling" on the balance bike.
You can find more balance bikes and MTBs for children here:
The wheel for the next generations
The beauty of titanium is its durability, so the Ventus Jr. will help many generations of children to keep their balance on a bike and maybe even fall in love with cycling a little - Ralph Moorman, Managing Director of Van Nicholas
The idea behind a titanium balance bike for children is durability and sustainability. Certainly tyres and grips will wear out and the frame will get a few scratches. But the former can be replaced relatively cheaply. And titanium can be polished again and again and is as robust as steel. In the best case scenario, the Van Nicholas Ventus Jr. can be passed down through the generations - or at least sold on very well when the little ones get on their first fully.
Nevertheless, the Van Nicholas wheel is a little expensive. The Titan Ventus Jr. is available for just under 1000 euros. However, you could say that the purchase will be worth it after the fourth generation at the latest. In the words of Ralph Moorman: "The Ventus Jr. is the perfect bike for your children's first cycling adventures. And their children... And their children..."
All important data on the Van Nicholas Ventus Jr.
- Price: 999 Euro
- Age: 3-5 years
- Weight: 2322 grammes
- Tyre size: 12 inch
- Material: Titanium (Aerospace Grade 3AL/2.5V Titanium)
- Height-adjustable seat
- Integrated foot platform
