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The Toy Man® News & Views
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Product Reviews / Evaluation Report Summaries (ERS) |
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Induction Certificate Number:
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74020120831-585
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Induction Date:
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August 31, 2012
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Certificate License
Status: | Active |
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FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes
by:
Rev. James G.W. Fisher - Editor / Product Evaluation Expert
Evaluation Report Summary (ERS) Date:
08/31/2012
The FirstBIKE™ is the perfect training bike for developing your child's sense of balance and motor skills. This expedient cycle is the ideal companion for
walks and discovery journeys, because young children can already keep up with their parents walking speed without trouble.
[ Please refer to A-2-Z Company Index for contact information.]
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to encourage greenBusiness™
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Product Type
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Release Year
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Primary Usage
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Target Age / Max. Weight
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Target Gender
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Bicycles, Tricycles & Accessories |
2011 |
Consumer/Education |
2 to 5 Years |
Female/Male
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Evaluation Report Summary (ERS) - Index
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Evaluation Report Summary (ERS) Category Rating Scores |
Category rating scores are based on scale from 1 to 5. Rating score must be 3 or higher to pass in each evaluation category.
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Critical Skills Development |
Design Quality |
Ease Of Use |
Marketability |
Saddle Structure |
Visual Appeal |
4.5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Final product / service rating is averaged from the sum total of ALL applicable evaluation category scores. Only scores of "3" or higher are published.
There are a total of 357 evaluation categories which are used in our evaluation process.
(NOTE: Not all categories are applicable to any one product or online service.)
Only 6 of the evaluation category rating scores for this New Inductee's evaluation are featured for public view.
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Critical Evaluation Information These icons represent important attributes with which this product / service
is associated, contributes to, or encourages development of.
Select any of the unique icons below to learn more about the specific attribute it represents. |
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Trade Industry Sales Types
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Safety / Quality Classifications
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CE Marked | UL Approved | JPMA Certified |  | (Not Applicable) | | | ASTM Compliant | eco-Friendly | eco-Conscious |  |  |  |
UPC Code / ISBN# | Manufacturer SKU | Age Grading | Not Available | Not Available | Labeled/Appropriate |
Manufactured In | Safety Hazard/Warnings | Taiwan | |
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About Our New Inductee
A quick yet informative glance at what this New Inductee is all about. |
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The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes are for children ages 2 - 5, just as most other balance training bikes for kids. These bikes are rapidly making training wheels a thing of the past. A child just sits down, pushes forward with a walking motion and suddenly they realize that they are moving with next to no effort!
What has been an exciting yet challenging time of a child's early years, now has a whole new face without the bumps and bruises with the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes.
A mesmerizing collection of colors to choose from in the product line helps to suit the preferences of not just the consumer but the retailer as well. As an added plus, some models of the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes have the luxury of a precise rear drum brake that provides an added level of safety during use. This is essential for a child to learn better safe bike handling skills, and a greater comfort for parents. |
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"OMG!! My daughter won't touch the bike we bought her yet she is having so much fun on that green one with the cute little bell thing."
* A quote from a mother at the Disneyland Resort park in Anaheim, CA during our latest product demo and giveaway event. |
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The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes are far more than just another training bike for developing your child's sense of balance and motor skills. They are on the cutting edge of innovative new product design. The future in balance training bikes is here and the FirstBike Balance Training Bikes are on the very crest of the wave!
The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes are built with new-generation glass fiber re-enforced polyamide compound, more readily recognized as fiberglass re-enforced plastic (FRP). This unique new compound makes the frame of the bikes not only lighter, but practically indestructible as well.
If all of this isn't enough, there's even more to learn about the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes as you will soon see in the sections to follow. C'mon, let's move on to the next section to discover even more exciting details about the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes. |
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Additional Details and Perspectives
More than just a cursory glance with aspects of relative importance. |
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While wood based balance bikes have earned their place as an ever evolving standard in today's marketplace, the fiberglass re-enforced plastic (FRP) frame bikes such as the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes may challenge that position. Based upon our own extensive research, we predict that the FRP frames may actually create an entirely new standard of their own.
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"As far as toddler balance bikes are concerned, the FirstBIKE are likely to be passed from one sibling to the next, rather than being discarded. The FirstBIKE is best defined as a new-generation toddler balance bike that maintains a compelling Eco-friendly signature."
* A quote from one our independent evaluators who performed a full analysis and study of all of the FirstBIKE balance training bikes. |
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To assist our readers more effectively in learning more about the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes, I have created a bullet list of many of the features they have to offer:
Designed in Germany and feature the highest quality materials and parts.
Children are able to ride a FirstBIKE Balance Training Bike from as young as 22 months
A fiberglass re-enforced plastic (FRP) frame that equalizes the distribution of stress applied
An ergonomic adjustable saddle to be consistent with the age of the child using the bike
A precise rear drum brake that gives a child optimal control over their FirstBIKE
A variety of FirstBIKE Balance Training Bike color choices and accessories are available
Reflectors, mud guards, 12" wheels with maintenance free bearings, treaded tires, and safety grips
Weight with drum brake is 3.9 kilograms. Length 84 cm, width 36 cm, height 56 cm, wheelbase 54 cm
Polyurethane Rubber Airless tires
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As stated in the beginning of this section, while wood based balance bikes have earned their place as an ever evolving standard in today's marketplace. Based upon our own extensive research, we predict that this is bound for change.
Based upon the evidence we have garnered in our research, there is a high probability that the FRP frames may create an entirely new standard of its own. They may even become the dominant standard for the development of balance bikes.
As part of our standard evaluation process, weight that far in excess of that which is the maximum recommended, was applied to the FirstBIKE samples. This was performed repetitively for an extensive period of time while the bikes were being pushed and pulled, back and forth as well as banked and turned. Despite the excessive abuse, the FirstBIKE samples all managed to pass with no visible or detected sign of aberration or safety risk.
Changing Gears...
Changing gears now, we will move on to our independent evaluators and read their professional perspectives in their evaluation of the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes. Are you ready? |
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Independent Evaluator Reports
Extensive independent study and analysis by credentialed scholars. |
The information to follow is comprised of excerpts from inclusive detailed Evaluator Reports pertaining to this New Inductee. These reports have been prepared by top credentialed scholars from their own extensive independent study and analysis. |
* These excerpts have been posted verbatim, paraphrased, or a combination of both, in order to encapsulate the primary details conveyed in each of the evaluation reports in a brief summary form. |
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Plastics Engineer, BS, ME, Ph.D.
New Product Alloys and Blends Development Architect
"As far as toddler balance bikes are concerned, a FirstBIKE is likely to be passed from one sibling to the next, rather than being discarded. The FirstBIKE is best defined as a new-generation toddler balance bike that maintains a compelling Eco-friendly signature."
"The FirstBIKE has stepped away from the beaten path with new inspiration for the future in product development. A diligent effort to amalgamate a lightweight frame, functionality, durability, safety and visual allure with a competitive price point has been realized with the FirstBIKE.
We all know that technological development with products is rapidly changing. The developers of the FirstBIKE are what I see as one of the leading pioneers in the future of that development."
"A limousine ride designed for toddlers...that's literally what the FirstBIKE is. The streamlined lightweight FRP frame combined with the profound symmetry of frame, fork, saddle and wheels affords a child a more than reasonably smooth ride. The comfort of a riding experience devoid of high impact to any part of their body is a residual result."
"For retailers, the FirstBIKE is a new artery of substantial sales just waiting to be discovered. For the consumer, the FirstBIKE is the safety net they've been waiting for. It is the perfect enticement to draw a child to take their first steps in learning how to balance on a bike safely. No bumps and bruises with the FirstBIKE, just a well built bike and lots of fun." |
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Behavioral Psychologist, PhD
Physical Therapist / Special Needs Professional
"The FirstBIKE balance training bike follows the contours of the developmental needs of the age group for which it was designed. I guess you could say, much as as a sock follows the contours of a foot so precisely. With such precise contour of design and function, a bountiful wealth of benefit is gained for a child."
"Comfortable and simple to use, the FirstBIKE balance training bike creates a symbiotic relationship both physically and emotionally for a child. It is a wonderful product for helping a child build a greater level of confidence and self-esteem while contributing to the steady advancement of gross and fine motor skills simultaneously."
"The FirstBIKE balance training bike has a distinct advantage over the wood balance training bikes. Wood can warp and splinter just to start. Because wood balance training bikes are organic based, they have a porous surface within which germs can more easily remain and escalate in growth.
The compound material of the FirstBIKE balance training bike is more non-porous and eliminates many of the common concerns associated with wood based products. This enables the FirstBIKE balance training bike to be suitable for use in education and recreational facilities as well at home."
"The substantially longer period of functional use equates to a stronger return on investment. For facilities and families alike, a larger number of children will be enabled to have the FirstBIKE balance training bike available for Play. At home, as one child grows out of it, another sibling can take their place. This enhancement of value contributes to ecological concerns. More use - Less waste." |
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Consumer Hands-on Evaluation
Details about the experience at our consumer hands-on evaluation event. |
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Evaluation Category Rating Scores and Summary
A sampling of the evaluation category rating
scores from the product review itself. |
There are a total of 357 evaluation categories in our entire evaluation process. (Not all categories apply to any one product or service under evaluation.) |
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CRITICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:: Rating Level - [4.5] 
FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes pulled a one-two punch in regard to CRITICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT for a win. A quote from the report prepared by one of our independent evaluators said it so well;
"Comfortable and simple to use, the FirstBIKE balance training bike creates a symbiotic relationship both physically and emotionally for a child. It is a wonderful product for helping a child build a greater level of confidence and self-esteem while contributing to the steady advancement of gross and fine motor skills simultaneously."
After reviewing all feedback forms, video tapes, staff notations and category rating sheets, it was determined that although the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes contributed so successfully to CRITICAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT, the final rating scores were lacking of a perfect rating score by 1/2 a point. The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes achieved a very high ratings score of [4.5] stars
for CRITICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
DESIGN QUALITY: Rating Level - [5] 
The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes underwent excessive levels in weight capability, flex, shock absorption, and a wide number of other tests in the evaluation. In our careful study of the bikes upon completion of the testing there was no visually apparent evidence of any failure or aberrations. This confirmed the benefit gained from the fiberglass re-enforced plastic (FRP) frame.
After reviewing all feedback forms, independent lab test sheets, video tapes, staff notations and category rating sheets, the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes succeeded in acquiring a perfect rating score of [5] stars
for DESIGN QUALITY.
EASE OF USE: Rating Level - [5] 
FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes must have been used to create the dictionary definition for EASE OF USE. Just as some of our other New Inductees in similar class, the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes were easy to assemble, and so simple to use. Kids just jump on the bike and away they go. No cranks, no pedals, just an experience of fun that stimulates the imagination to an endless measure for a child.
After reviewing all feedback forms, video tapes, staff notations and category rating sheets, it was clear to see that FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes achieved a perfect rating score of [5] stars
for EASE OF USE.
MARKETING VALUE: Rating Level - [5] 
The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes powered through this evaluation category process with the greatest of ease. The results for the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes in this evaluation category were mind boggling. Once again, I will refer to a quote from the report by one of our independent evaluators;
"For retailers, the FirstBIKE is a new artery of substantial sales just waiting to be discovered. For the consumer, the FirstBIKE is the safety net they have been looking for. It is possesses the perfect enticement to draw a child to take their first steps in learning how to balance on a bike safely. No bumps and bruises, just a well built bike and lots of fun."
With a very competitive MSRP, and plenty of visual appeal , the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes have proven they capture the attention of kids and adults alike. The fiberglass re-enforced plastic (FRP) frame provides the key element that pushes the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes to the top to grab the brass ring.
After reviewing all feedback forms, video tapes, staff notations and category rating sheets, FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes pulled its weight all the way to a perfect rating score of [5] stars
for MARKETING VALUE.
SADDLE STRUCTURE: Rating Level - [5] 
The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes came riding through with the highest of rating for SADDLE STRUCTURE. This is one of the most important elements in our evaluation due to the long-term impact on the spine. If the saddle is not precise in design, the results could be experienced by a child for life.
As we carefully went over the design of the saddle with a professional bike designer who assists us with the evaluation of bicycles for all ages, we were all quite impressed with the details conveyed to us in his report. So many details that the average consumer would never even be aware of yet they are so important all the same.
After reviewing all feedback forms, video tapes, staff notations and category rating sheets, the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes successfully completed this evaluation category with a perfect rating score of [5] stars
for SADDLE STRUCTURE.
VISUAL APPEAL: Rating Level - [5] 
The FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes raised the roof with praise from staff and consumers alike. With everything from the packaging to the balance bikes themselves, the FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes established a very strong response for visual appeal; a rather overwhelming response in our feedback forms.
After reviewing all feedback forms, video tapes, staff notations and category rating sheets, it was clear to see that FirstBIKE Balance Training Bikes made their mark with a perfect rating score of [5] stars
for VISUAL APPEAL. |
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Since 1971, "The Toy Man®
Seal of Approval" has served as an emblem and standard for professional recognition
of a product or online service having met the globally recognized evaluation standards of
The Toy Man® Product Guide.
This emblem was first established in 1971 by the International Parenting Institute™. It is modeled
after the "Good
Housekeeping Seal of Approval®",
an emblem of recognition for products which meet the globally recognized high standards set forth by
the Good Housekeeping Institute®.
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THE TOY MAN®
ECO-RECOGNITION SEAL
"An emblem of the highest recognition...
for support of ecological concerns applied in full measure." |
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The Toy Man® eco-Recognition Seal™ embodies the highest recognition for products and services which provide a significant contribution to ecological concerns by one or more of the following; |
- earthFriendly™ / Recycled / Recyclable materials are being used primarily or entirely in the manufacturing of the product.
- Product is or will soon be available exclusively or primarily online.
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THE TOY MAN®
AWARDS
"These are globally recognized awards that are received by a limited few,
yet they provide the well earned recognition well beyond the average that is truly deserved!" |
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"The Toy Man® Award of Excellence" is awarded to inductees that have an overall Evaluation Category Rating Average, ECRA™, of [5] Stars. That is the highest level of rating available on a 1-5 scale evaluation model. The ECRA™ is
based upon the overall average from all applicable
evaluation categories" |
PLEASE NOTE: There are a
total of 357 evaluation categories with a minimum of
231 being applicable to any one product or online service in our evaluation process with 6 being featured in the Evaluation Report Summary, ERS. |
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The
Toy Man
® Award serves as an emblem of recognition for products & online services that contribute substantially to positive skill growth and/or productivity.
This distinguished award is exclusive as well as unique, with the editor's signature which represents a product being selected as an  |
PLEASE NOTE: The eChoice™ Award images which were used from 1971-1984, 1984-2007 and 2007-April 2010 have been retrired. Although the versions of the eChoice™ Award have been retired, they still remain valid. |
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The Toy Man®
S.T.E.M. Award -
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.), play a vital role with innovative new ideas being
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to give recognition to those that have held their course in completion of graduate studies
with an end result of a valuable contribution to society and/or industry needs.
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