Mom Always Finds Out was provided with a Strider Balance Bike for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own, based on our personal experiences with the bike.
My 2-year-old son loves to try to keep up with his 3 older brothers. They ride bikes, and now, thanks to a Strider balance bike, so can he! Or at least he can TRY to keep up…and that’s all that matters to him.
Great Size For Toddlers As Young As 18 Months Old!
The Strider no-pedal balance bike is the perfect size for my recently turned two-year-old. Strider is one of the smallest sized balance bikes that I have seen, which means it fits toddlers as young as 18 months old. Other balance bikes are still too tall for my 2-year-old to sit on.
Adjustable Fit For Kids 18 Months to 5 Years
This bike isn’t just for babies. The seat and the handlebars adjust to fit your child as he/she grows. We started out with the seat at the lowest point for my toddler. Then, he had a growth spurt and we were able to adjust it up an inch. I really like that the adjustable fit means a safer ride for my son as he grows. By the way, the bike is easy to adjust – no tools necessary. The bike is also a lightweight 6.7 pounds.
Getting Started: Our Learning to Ride Process
My son didn’t hop on the Strider and immediately take off riding. It’s a learning process, and I see him progress as the weeks go by. He started out simply straddling the bike and walking with it up and down the sidewalk in front of our house. For hours! The Strider bike has been a great way for him to improve his motor skills and get more playtime activity.
I have noticed that now my son has started to sit back more in the bike seat and actually lets his feet lift up off the sidewalk and glide from time to time. That is major progress because that is how these balance bikes are supposed to work! Kids use the balance bike to learn balance and glide while they ride. Once they have that skill, they can easily make the switch to a pedal bike.
Skip the old-fashioned training wheels method – balance bikes are the way to go! I recommend balance bikes to all of my friends and family with young children.
Strider Balance Bike Features:
EVA Polymer Tires. At first, I was concerned about how the tires would hold up to use. They are more like a hard plastic instead of a rubber tire. So far, they have held up great to many hours of outside use on sidewalks, dirt trails, and the street. Strider says that these tires (12-inch size) are maintenance free and will never need air. Another bonus to using EVA Polymer tires are that they are so lightweight, which makes the bike easier for young children to control.
Mini-Saddle (Seat). The bike seat is tiny! The smaller design is especially for toddlers’ bodies so that they can ride with the proper posture. I really like that the weatherproof seat will not tear up and can hold up to outdoor elements like rain and snow.
The Strider bike can be used both indoors and outdoors. We will definitely bring ours inside this winter to help my son get exercise. He loves this bike! It’s like a magnet for him. The first thing he goes for outside is his Strider bike.
MotoCross Style Handlebars with Pad. The mini-handlebars are perfectly sized so toddlers easily can grip on to them.
LAUNCHPAD™ Footrest. The footrest is part of the bike frame and is a feature for advanced riders. Once kids learn how to lift their feet up and coast on their balance, they need a place to set their feet. This is the comfortable and natural place for them to do that.
Color Options:
Strider balance bikes are available in a wide variety of colors! What is your child’s favorite color Strider?
WHERE TO BUY:
Strider bikes (ST-3 Model, $89.99) are available for purchase online at StriderBikes.com
Click to learn more about Strider bikes and find a Strider dealer near you.
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Do you have a toddler who is ready to learn to ride a Strider bike? What do you think about the Strider? Let me know in the comments section.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I love that now even the smaller children can feel like their big brothers/sisters by riding their OWN bike! So fun.
Jennifer Wagner says
This sounds like a great idea for getting kids used to the feel of a bicycle.
Jeana says
I’m a big fan of these balance bikes. Totally makes sense to me and can’t wait to try one with my son.
shari says
This looks like a lot of fun!!
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
I’ve been really thinking about getting one of these for my son. I like the price of this one, I’ve seen others more expensive.
Robin Wilson says
I have never seen a balance bike, a bike with no pedals. I can see how it would be great exercise for a child. But in the end I wonder if it helps them learn how to ride a bike easier. I would imagine that is does.
md kennedy says
I SO wish they’d had these when my little brother was young – he had such a hard time transitioning from his Big Wheel to a bike…
Craig Rooney says
I want to buy one for my little one. I keep hearing how awesome they are, and stories about 18 month-olds using them. I’m wondering if it’s worth the cost? Or if we should just go for a regular bike with training wheels? My son’s only 2.5, so we’re probably a little ways off from a traditional bike.
Nicole says
Hi Craig –
Yes, I think that a balance bike is totally worth the cost. And if your son is 2.5, he will be able to use it for years. My sons who started out with balance bikes learned to ride a traditional bike way faster than my older ones who never had a balance bike. I would definitely buy a balance bike for a toddler because they will be able to use it (even if they just walk around on it for a few months, one day it will “click” for them and they will take off!)
Sorry for my delayed response. I had a bunch of comments get hidden from me and just now found them. Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks! –Nicole