Our child (2 years and 8 months old, 93 cm tall) really wanted a bike. However, he’s still too small for a 14-inch one – he can just barely touch the ground with his tiptoes. So we decided on a 12-inch balance bike where he can safely stand with both feet and practice balancing.

Why the Runride 900?

The Runride 900 turned out to be the perfect choice for balance training. Thanks to its real air tires (instead of solid rubber ones like on the Runride 500 or 100), it rides almost like a real bike – even on uneven terrain. We honestly didn’t expect that before buying it. Below, we’ll share how it performs in everyday use.

Features

Tires

The bike comes with air tires that provide good cushioning and grip on all kinds of surfaces, plus aluminum hubs and ball bearings for a smooth, effortless roll:

Brake

There’s a real rear V-brake with a child-friendly Stop-Easy brake lever, making braking both safe and easy:

Footrest

Kids can rest their feet comfortably on the frame while gliding – it helps them stay balanced and adds to the fun:

Extras

We also added a small handlebar bag – perfect for our little collector of stones and chestnuts:

Conclusion: Runride 900 vs. Woom Go 1

We’re very happy with the Runride 900. Unlike the scooter our child usually rides, this balance bike performs really well off paved paths. The air tires show their full strength on bumpy terrain:

Ride & Safety

A steering limiter like the one on Woom bikes would be a nice feature, as our child loves tight turns at home and sometimes oversteers the handlebar.

Comfort & Equipment

The Runride 900 features a built-in footrest on the frame – no extra platform needed, unlike the Woom Go 1. A small bell or light set would have been a nice touch, even if the bike isn’t meant for road use. Reflective details or tire stripes, like on the Woom, would also improve visibility at dusk.

Design & Weight

The saddle is very comfortable, and our child is already learning to balance and glide short distances – the best preparation for the first real bike. The aluminum frame keeps it light, weighing only 3.6 kg, just slightly more than the Woom Go 1.

We also love its sleek, sporty look – that bright yellow color really stands out!

Value for Money

The Runride 900 looks more modern than many other models, even though the components clearly come from China. But in terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat – especially considering that the Woom Go 1 costs nearly twice as much.

What do you think?

What’s your opinion on Decathlon’s balance bike? Or would you rather spend twice as much for a Woom? Let us know in the comments!