Boardman JNR Balance Bike 12" 2026 - Kids Balance Bike











The Boardman JNR Balance Bike 12" gives little riders a lightweight introduction to cycling. Its 3.7kg aluminium build, wide 12in tyres and child-sized rear brake help develop balance and control, while a saddle handle makes carrying easier for parents.
Key Features:
- Triple-butted aluminium frame with smooth welds helps keep weight to just 3.7kg
- Lightweight rigid alloy fork keeps steering responsive and easy to manage
- No drivetrain or pedals, allowing children to focus on balance and steering
- Rear V-brake with adjustable-reach lever designed for smaller hands
- 12in alloy wheels with wide 1.75in Kenda Kontact tyres
- Ergonomic handle beneath the saddle makes the bike easier for parents to carry
- Available with 0% APR finance
The Boardman JNR Balance Bike 12" is designed to give young children a simple and confidence-building introduction to riding on two wheels. Without pedals or a drivetrain to worry about, little riders can concentrate on learning how to balance, steer and control their speed before progressing to a pedal bike.
Keeping weight low is particularly important on a first bike. The triple-butted aluminium frame and lightweight alloy fork help bring the complete bike down to just 3.7kg, making it easier for smaller riders to manoeuvre, push along and pick up.
The frame also uses a single downtube design to provide plenty of standover clearance. This gives children more room to stand comfortably over the bike and put their feet securely on the ground while they're building confidence.
Smooth welds and a premium finish give the JNR Balance Bike the same considered appearance as the larger bikes in Boardman's junior range, while its proportions and components are designed specifically around younger riders.
Wide 12x1.75in Kenda Kontact tyres provide a stable contact patch and help absorb some of the bumps and vibrations from everyday surfaces. Their fast-rolling design keeps the bike easy to get moving as children learn to push, coast and build momentum.
Lightweight alloy hubs and black alloy rims help keep rotating weight down, making the wheels easier for a young rider to get rolling. Hex-bolt axle fastenings also avoid exposed quick-release levers.
As confidence and speed increase, the rear V-brake introduces children to controlling their speed with a conventional hand brake. The Radius VL 210-D brake lever is designed for smaller hands, with adjustable reach helping bring the lever comfortably within reach of little fingers.
The one-piece alloy handlebar and stem create a simple, lightweight cockpit that's appropriately sized for the bike. Combined with the low frame and manageable overall weight, this helps make steering and handling less intimidating for riders taking their first steps on two wheels.
Boardman has also considered the parent when designing the saddle. An ergonomic handle underneath provides a convenient place to pick up and carry the bike when little legs get tired or attention turns to something else.
The Boardman JNR Balance Bike 12" is ultimately about building the foundations for cycling. By allowing children to develop balance, steering and braking skills before introducing pedals, it provides a natural first step towards riding a pedal bike independently.
Occasionally, without notice, manufacturers change product design and/or specifications.
| Frame | Lightweight Triple butted, smooth weld aluminium |
| Fork | Lightweight alloy |
| Headset | External NECO H134 1" Aheadset |
| Stem | Boardman JNR 1-Piece Alloy |
| Bars | 1-Piece Alloy |
| Rear Brake | Rear V-Brake |
| Brake Lever | Radius VL 210-D for small hands |
| Speed | 1 |
| Rims | Black Alloy |
| Front Hub | Lightwieght Alloy with Hex bolt fastening |
| Rear Hub | Lightwieght Alloy with Hex bolt fastening |
| Spokes | Steel - Black |
| Front Tyre | Kenda Kontact 12" - 1.75 |
| Rear Tyre | Kenda Kontact 12" - 1.75 |
| Seat Post | Alloy |
| Saddle | Boardman JNR with Ergonomic handle under the saddle for easy carrying |
| Weight | 3.7 KG |
Junior Bike Size Chart
|
Approx. Age |
Height (cm) |
Type / Wheel Size |
|
1 - 4 |
77 – 105cm |
Balance |
|
2 - 4 |
85 – 105cm |
12" |
|
4 - 6 |
105 – 117cm |
14" |
|
5 - 7 |
112 – 125cm |
16” |
|
6 - 8 |
117 – 132cm |
18” |
|
7 - 10 |
125 – 136cm |
20” |
|
10+ |
136+cm |
24” |
Read our kids bike size guide for more information on kids bike sizing.
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