About Our New Inductee A quick yet informative glance at what this New Inductee is all about.

	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. "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. 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. Return to Top

	Additional Details and Perspectives More than just a cursory glance with aspects of relative importance.

	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.    "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. 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 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? Return to Top

	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.

	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."

	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."

	* PLEASE NOTE: At the request of our independent evaluators their names are not disclosed to protect their personal and professional privacy. Their labors are provided at no charge to assist us in providing a well-balanced and accurate evaluation report summary, (ERS). All opinions and or statements from the independent evaluator(s) featured here do not represent the opinion of The Toy Man® Product Guide, any member or division of Epiphany Communications and the International Parenting Institute. Return to Top

	Consumer Hands-on Evaluation Details about the experience at our consumer hands-on evaluation event.

	The FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bikes made several of our consumer hands-on evaluation events quite the place to be. So much excitement and fun for kids and parents alike. The only sad part is we didn't give away a FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bike at every event. Little toddlers were reluctant to having to let go of the bike so another child stirred the emotions for many of us.  There was a very clear preference evident with the toddlers and most adults in comparison to the other balance bikes we had available. "Those balance bikes my kids got to try out were not like anything else I've seen.  When my older daughter spilled her shake on it I just had to do a quick wipe and it was gone! Too bad the floor doesn't clean up so easy." *  A humorous quote from one of our consumer hands-on evaluation participants demonstrating the added convenience of the FRP frame. The quote from the mom whose teenage daughter spilled or shall I say dropped the entire contents of her shake on the FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bike her little sister was riding, was from one of our consumer hands-on evaluations where we allowed food and beverage there for the first...and LAST time. We enjoyed seeing her mom so shocked at how quickly she was able to clean the shake content off of the FirstBIKE™.  As she said herself, it wasn't so easy with the floor due to it being a carpeted floor. Despite that, it was funny and demonstrated the advantage of the glass compound frame of the FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bikes. When our consumer segment was completed, it was quite enjoyable to see so much positive feedback from the people at the resort and surrounding areas in their feedback forms. All of the families who participated enabled our staff to get a good sampling of valuable feedback from the kids and parents.  The green and blue FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bikes were quite the rave with parents and kids alike. Even the tiniest of 2 year old tots had an opportunity to ride on a FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bike with smiles aplenty.  After reviewing all feedback forms, video tapes, staff notations and other peripheral information, we all agreed that the FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bikes pooled one of the strongest levels of approval and praise. This ensured the FirstBIKE™ Balance Training Bikes passing this segment of our evaluation. Return to Top

	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.)

	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. Return to Top