The Balance is in the Design

Building a Prototype

Knowing that the key to the design of a Balance Bike is enabling balance, I based my first glider prototype on the same geometry as a downhill mountain bike*, with a lower center of gravity to give the rider increased stability and a slower balancing speed. It was handmade out of PVC in my backyard in the suburbs of Boston, while there was still snow on the ground.

Original PV Glider

PV Gliders in Production

Since that first prototype, I perfected the design, making minor adjustments to the steering angle and the seat height, and began manufacturing Glide Bikes™ by hand in my workshop in Wilmington, NC, where I moved in 2005. I was proud to be the only Balance Bike designed and manufactured in the U.S.

*Downhill Mountain Bike Geometry (65° seat and head tube angles) is designed to give the bike the slowest balancing speed possible. Regular Mountain Bike Geometry is 68-69° seat and head tube angle. Road Bike Geometry is 70-71° seat and head tube angle.