When it comes to balance bikes, the Strider Sport ($129.99) and Strider Pro ($179.99) are the undeniable leaders in value. When upgraded to pneumatic tires, they are the best all round—delivering unbeatable performance at a competitive price. Strider engineers their bikes with a perfect balance of lightweight design and superior frame geometry, making them the go-to choice for young riders. The Strider bikes offer tool free adjustability, this is very important for ensuring a perfect fit as children grow. The 10-year-old featured in the clips below started on the Strider Sport pictured below.
Key Strider Features:
- Tool free Adjustable Handlebar: The Strider bikes features tool-free handlebar height adjustments. Raising the handlebar as they grow increases control while reducing the risk of falling over the bars.
- Lightweight Design: The Strider Sport weighs just 6.7 lbs, while the Strider Pro (with an aluminum frame) is even lighter at 5.6 lbs. This helps young riders maintain better control and balance.
- Optimized Frame Geometry: The Strider’s frame is designed for stability, with a perfect balance of reach and stack height. Reach is the distance from seat to handlebar, think of it as how long a frame is. Stack height helps determine the relationship of seat height to handlebar height, think of it as how tall a frame is. This all adds up to a confidence-inspiring ride.
Handlebar low, pneumatic tires
Handlebar high, pneumatic tires
The Strider above has been through three children!
*Be careful as many balance bikes have a modern headset design which is very limiting in handlebar height adjustment.
Tire Options:
- Foam Tires: The Strider bikes come with low-maintenance foam tires, which work well on concrete although they can be slippery on smooth skatepark surfaces or dirt trails.
- Pneumatic Tire Upgrade: As seen above. For better traction on challenging terrain, upgrade to pneumatic tires for $104.97. This option is ideal for dirt trails and slippery skatepark surfaces, providing more grip and stability.
Why Choose Strider?
- Tool-Free Adjustments: Easily adjust the handlebar height as your child grows.
- Lightweight & Stable: A light bike means better control, especially for younger riders.
- Performance-Driven Design: Strider bikes are built for stability and handling, making them a top choice for adventurous kids.
- No Need for Brakes: Most young riders naturally use their feet to stop, making brakes unnecessary at this stage. This reduces weight and maintenance. A handbrake is a simple concept, our experience is they pick it up quickly with a pedal bike.