Frog Tadpole Mini

This is the smallest version of our best selling Frog balance bike, designed to get even one to two year olds scooting about gleefully.

The Mini is therefore built on a smaller frame than the regular Frog Tadpole.

Its wheels are also smaller - 10 inch.

The Tadpole Mini is suitable for young 'uns with a minimum inside leg measurement (crotch to floor) of 24cm / 9.5 inches.

Otherwise, the Mini shares all the features that made the Frog Tadpole our best selling balance bike

• It has a more aluminium alloy rich spec than most
• It's not just the frame. The fork, wheels, handlebars, brakes stem and seatpost are all strong, lightweight aluminium alloy too
• A steering lock on the headset prevents the common rookie error of oversteering
• The Tektro rear V-brake with a child-friendly short reach lever makes it easy for children to learn how to slow down
• These brakes wouldn't look out of place on a £400 adult bike
• This brake is mounted above the chainstays and out of the way to avoid catching the young rider's feet
• Kenda hybrid tyres make for a comfortable smooth rolling ride
• Being proper pneumatic tyres, they're far more comfortable than the solid tyres sometimes fitted to small kids' bikes
• The quick release seatpost makes it easy to adjust the saddle height as the child grows
• In a world where most kids' bike models come in just one colour, the Frog Tadpole is available in 3 different colour options: red, green and pink
• Manufacturer's published weight: 3.46kg/7.6lbs

Balance Bikes
It's generally recognised that practicing on a balance bike is the easiest way for a child to learn that fundamental life skill - riding a bike.

A balance bike has no pedals, cranks or chain. This means that the youngster learns how to steer and balance without fear of dunking their wee ankles on the pedals.

The absence of pointy chainrings makes the balance bike an intrinsically safer introduction to cycling. The absence of an oily chain makes the balance bike a cleaner initiation too.

Present an infant with a balance bike and they almost always instinctively know what to do - jump on the saddle and scoot along the pavement, hobby horse style.

Once the youngster gains confidence, he or she can rest their feet on the wider chainstays and experience one of life's most enduring pleasures, freewheeling (or, as Americans put it, just coasting along). If they need to slow down or stop, it's equally instinctual for kids to realise when it's time to get their feet back on the ground.

When it's time for the youngster to graduate to the next level - their first bike with pedals - they're already almost there. They can balance. They can steer. Pedalling is then a natural progression that the young rider quickly adapts to.

We obviously believe that balance bikes are an all-round good thing. Check them out and we're sure you'll agree. Enjoying life to the full is simply a matter of finding the right balance.

Bike sizing guide by brand.