We just took delivery of this Lefty-equipped balance bike from Cannondale, and despite its diminutive size, it bears many of the same signature designs that define its grown-up bikes.
Naturally the bike is cast in Cannondale’s signature chunky aluminum tubing, with the stout and nicely machined head tube resisting front end flex, an ovalized down tube improving lateral stiffness and beefy chainstays that are braced by a large gusset making the most of every ‘scoot-scoot’ forward.
Of course, the real story here is the Lefty fork — while it will limit your little-one’s hub upgrade options in the future, it is great to see one of Cannondale’s flagship technologies trickle down to the highly competitive world of toddler-friendly-tech.
A chunky four-bolt BMX-style stem should withstand even the biggest hucks. Large flanges on the outside of the soft ribbed grips should also stop tiny hands from inadvertently flying off the handlebars when your tenacious-toddler sends a massive gap.
The skinny 25mm seatpost should provide a degree of bump-taming flex and has a wide range of adjustment that will easily accommodate quickly growing legs.
The radially-laced 12-inch 16 spoke wheels are shod in tyres that have a tacky soft feel and with no cranks to worry about your little ripper should be able to get properly knee down without fear of pedal strike.
Balance bike racing is becoming ever more competitive with each passing season and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few of these high-performance machines at the scoot-o-drome in the future.
The bike comes in at £200 / $200 / €200 and is available in the electric-green and blue paint job pictured here or a handsome lilac and turquoise combination.
We’ve no doubt that the shredding-protégé in your life would appreciate one of these under the tree this Christmas!
Are you a Cannondale owner who wants one of these for your own brood of children? Or are there any other kids bikes you would have killed for as a yoof? Show us your snaps in the comments!
