Stabilisers are out. These days it’s all about balance bikes. That’s good news for kids as they’ll learn to ride more quickly – but it does mean they’ll miss out on that glorious moment when your rattling, scraping stabilisers were finally unscrewed and you cruised off on two wheels for the first time. Balance bikes are just small bikes without pedals, but this one really is a beauty. The lightweight S-shaped wooden frame and the front forks are made of marine ply and birch, while the handlebars and seat post are aluminium. The saddle is faux leather and the tyres reassuringly rubbery. It’s only 12in tall, but you’ll find it almost impossible not resist the urge to sit on it. Even the clever name makes you smile: Early Rider Bonsai. Buy one and pass it down to each of your children… (amazon.co.uk)
Price: £129.99
Frame: wood
Size: 12in
Ages: 2-3
Weight: 3.75kg
DIY is better by bike
Homebase is rolling out a new cutting-edge delivery system at two of its busiest stores – in Finchley and Cambridge. It’s called the bike. Inspired by the sight of David Jason delivering groceries in the BBC TV programme Open All Hours, Homebase has decided to go back in time and find a much simpler and greener solution to congestion on our roads. The robust delivery bicycles are pretty much the same as those used 50 years ago and are capable of carrying loads of up to 100kg. Already customers have used them to pedal home BBQs, garden furniture, paints, compost – and even a toilet bowl! The bikes save customers delivery charges and aren’t affected by most traffic regulations, such as No Parking restrictions. They are easy to pedal, even when fully loaded, helping to cut down upon city traffic congestion and pollution. The bikes also reflect the fact that an increasing number of urban customers do not own a car. A deposit of £50 is required at the time of hire – but this is refunded in full when the bike is returned. It’s a great idea and taps into the fact that more of us than ever are depending on bikes to get around cities. If the trials go well, Homebase could roll the idea out to other stores across the country. My only problem will be that my local Homebase is on the other side of a steep hill…
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
