NZ’s own Tri-ang – taking us back to the good old days

I don’t know about you but I love telling my kids stories from the good old days. You know the days before cell phones when all six if us had to share one landline, the days when we didn’t get to choose what shows we could watch on TV, and the long days spent playing in the bush making huts and fishing for eels, oh yeah those were the days!  

Then there were the toys we used to play with, like the pogo-ball, care bear, walkman, Atari and other classics like the little red and yellow tri-ang AT Cycle’s and metal tuff trikes. We would hoon down hills with legs flailing on the cycles, and tow our dolls around in the trailers of the trikes, too cool for school! 

If you look back at old photos of our parents childhood you may even see one of the cycles or trikes featured, as these little beauties have been entertaining kiwi kids since well before they became NZ owned in the 70’s. This got me thinking, with many of the toys from bygon days now extinct, what is it about the tri-ang brand that has managed to span the generations? 

A winning design has got to be one reason for it’s longevity. The classic low profile of the AT cycle (above) with its smooth edges and ergonomically designed handle bars makes it the perfect first bike. My 18 month old has nearly mastered his already, and trying to keep up with three big brothers is all the incentive he needs. The big sturdy wheels means he’s unlikely to fall off and the lightness of the bike ensures he can drag it round and follow the big boys even if the ground doesn’t allow him to roll.  It’s also robust and long lasting, which is great if it’s left outside.

The classic metal tuff trike (above) has to be one of my all time favorite bikes, I just wish the new accessories were available in my day! It’s such an easy bike for kids as young as two and a half to ride, and once they get going and realise they can make something move and steer it all by themselves its hard to get them off.

Pair that with the easy to attach trailer, pretty basket for the front and ringing bell, and they are away for hours incorporating the bike into their imaginary games.

Maybe the tri-ang range of toys has stood the test of time, not only because it is well designed, but because it has a retro coolness about it that us parents love. There’s nothing cuter than kids rocking old school Chuck Taylors, or wearing knee high sock with roller skates, and the tri-ang range of bikes, wheel barrows and trailers is the perfect cool accessory. They are bright and bold and whimsically retro!

Not only do they look good, they’re practical too. The classic red wagon is great for loading up with toys and things around the garden, they are easy to pull and super durable. And the classic red barrow makes helping mum and dad in the garden fun! 

The Tri-ang story hasn’t finished yet, as they expand their range to include more products such as trikes for bigger kids, new accessories, wagons, wheelbarrows, and tailors. For the whole range of Tri-ang trikes and all new accessories check out their website here.