Balance bikes are some of the best inventions as for as cycling for toddlers go and the Banana Bike is one of the most desirable. Shaped and colored yellow like a banana, which model between the LT and GT give the best rides?
When my son turned three, my wife and I thought it would be nice to get him a little bike to start him off in the cruising world. My niece had gotten a Banana Bike for her 3rd birthday and we were already decided on the Bike brand we were going for.
Only to get to the store to realize how many variations of Banana Bikes were actually out there. It took us a while to sift through the collection and finally settled on two models we both couldn’t agree on.
So, here’s some information on both bike models that truly helped us make our pick.
What are the key differences between Banana LT and GT bikes?
Banana LT |
Banana GT |
|
Seat Height |
12.2†– 15.7†|
12.2†– 17.3†|
Best for Ages |
2 – 5 years |
2 – 5 years |
Wheelbase |
22 inches |
22 inches |
Max Weight Supported |
55 pounds |
55 pounds |
Color Options |
Pink, Blue, Green, Yellow |
Candy Pink, Blue and Yellow |
Tires |
11.5†puncture proof EVA |
12’ inflatable pneumatic |
Price |
Banana Bike LT vs GT – How they differ
Construct
What determines a bike’s stability, performance and usability is the elements and features embedded in it. The headsets of the LT feature a sealed bearing threaded set as opposed to the GT’s thread-less headset.
For a bike to have threaded headset means that your rides are guaranteed to be smooth, comfortable and unforgettable. This feature also eases the realignment process you may need to do to get your toddlers bike back in shape if she takes a fall.
As the GT has a thread-less headset, this indicates that you have the freedom to adjust handlebars upwards to 1.5 inches from the original position. This makes it ideal for fast growing kids who may outgrow the bike a little sooner.
Adjusting this headset requires the use of an Allen key and with this, the process is straightforward.
The build of the LT bikes allows for easier bike alignment in case of an accident while the GT’s build allows us to adjust the handlebars upwards to fit all sizes and heights.
Tires
Banana GT models have pneumatic tires with aluminum rims which is a step higher from the foam or plastic tires standard with most bikes. These air-filled tires can traverse a variety of terrain from grass, gravel, paves and dirt tracks which should prove very exciting for your little explorer.
On the LT bike, they used foam tires which have been widely preferred by parents because they do not suffer punctures and this eliminates the need for constant maintenance.
Though they provide a lower traction and cushioning compared to air-filled GT tires, your toddler is still guaranteed a unique riding experience every time. Wheels fitted on LT have more grip because of the tread pattern which makes it safe for use regardless of the terrain.
Pneumatic air tires featured by GT models may have greater traction and cushioning compared to LT’s foam tires but they sure do require much more maintenance compared to the latter.
Seat Positioning
Seat adjustments on the Banana Bikes is easy and requires no tools to do it. Both bikes feature a low height at 12.2â€. However, the maximum height that can be achieved by both is different with LT going as high as 15.7†and GT as high as 17.3â€.
Ground clearance or distance of the bike from the ground is 2.5 inches for the LT and 3.25 inches for GT. This makes a significant difference in the terrains you can go on for both bikes. The LT is limited to flat or semi-rugged terrain while the GT, can ride anywhere regardless of the ruggedness.
Seat adjustments on the GT models are easily done by using the quick-release seat post that’s built onto the seat’s shaft.
The GT bike gives more height in seat adjustments which makes it more ideal for toddlers who experience periodic growth spurts. LT bikes can adjust upwards to 15.7 inch while the GT goes on higher to 17.3 inch.
Banana Bike LT vs A Comparison Overview
Banana Bike LT – Overview
[amazon box=”B01N5V4SBY” template=”horizontal” ]This is a great and simply sophisticated bike for toddlers aged two to five years and it is fitted with foam tires which are puncture-proof and require no maintenance at all.
LT has a threaded headset meaning that your rides are guaranteed to be smooth, comfortable and unforgettable. This feature also eases the realignment process you may need to do to get your toddlers bike back in shape if she takes a fall.
Ground clearance or distance of the bike from the ground is 2.5 inches for the LT which limits it to flat or semi-rugged terrain. The seat is positioned at 12.2†high and can be extended up to 15.7†to customize it as your child grows.
The bike supports up to 55 pounds of weight and is available in four different colors which allows for inclusivity and variety for all tastes and preferences.
Pros
- Affordable
- Foam tires puncture proof
- Adjustable seat post
- Threaded and sealed headset
- Low standover height
Cons
- No steering limiter
Banana Bike GT – Overview
[amazon box=”B07ZC9R1K8″ template=”horizontal” ]Banana Bike GT is a robust and premium bike for toddlers aged two to five years and it is fitted with pneumatic tires with aluminum rims. They are air-filled tires that can traverse a variety of terrain from grass, gravel, paves and dirt tracks which should prove very exciting for your little explorer.
As the GT has a thread-less headset, this indicates that you have the freedom to adjust handlebars upwards to 1.5 inches from the original position. This makes it ideal for fast growing kids who may outgrow the bike a little sooner.
The seat is positioned at 12.2†high and can be extended up to 17.3†to customize it as your child grows. Ground clearance or distance of the bike from the ground is 2.5 inches for the GT and this indicates it can ride anywhere regardless of the ruggedness of terrain.
The bikeis available in three different colors which allows for inclusivity and variety for all tastes and preferences and it supports up to 55 pounds of weight.
Pros
- Affordable
- Pneumatic Air Tires
- Quick release adjustable seat post collar
- Thread-less headset
- Low stand-over height
Cons
- No limit to steering
Verdict: So, which is better, Banana Bike LT or GT?
Both bikes are impressive and they will offer your little toddler tons of explorative activities outside.
If you pick the Banana LT, you will get a low-maintenance bike with adjustable parts to fit your child’s ever-changing proportions. Unfortunately, this bike won’t take your child much into the wild side where all the fun is because it has a low ground clearance.
If your little one is curious and a dare-devil, the Banana GT bike is the ultimate got-to because it has a higher clearance from the ground and it has a quick release seat post collar for easy adjustments. However, their tires are prone to punctures and call regular maintenance.