{"id":7110,"date":"2022-08-13T12:07:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-13T12:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=7110"},"modified":"2022-08-13T11:40:32","modified_gmt":"2022-08-13T11:40:32","slug":"are-strider-bikes-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/are-strider-bikes-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Strider Bikes Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No two-wheel is better for kids to learn balance, coordination, and good handling than a balance bike. And whenever we mention a balance bike, it’s hard not to point out Strider when referring to the best balance bike brands. But are Strider bikes worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strider balance bikes are worth it because they come in solid constructions, are easy to adjust, comfortable to ride, less stressful to handle, and have puncture-proof tires. Furthermore, some are convertible into pedal options, and the bikes generally come in lots of color choices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, while these bikes may cost more than most balance bikes, they prove their worth in build quality, performance, and aesthetics, which you pay for.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn’t mean that these balance bikes are flawless as they, like every other, suffer a few downsides, which the manufacturer should look into. Thus, I’ll also review these downsides to enable you to weigh them against the positives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, I’ll review the Strider bike lineup to help you pick an option that suits your kid. That’s after you decide to go ahead with the brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But first, let’s walk through Strider’s brand history. <\/p>\n\n\n

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In a rush? Check out the hottest Strider balance bikes on the hotlist below:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Best Strider Balance Bikes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Strider-12 Classic<\/strong><\/a>: Most Affordable Strider Balance Bike <\/li>
  2. Strider-12 Sport<\/strong><\/a>: Best All-Around Balance Bike <\/li>
  3. The Strider-12 Pro<\/strong><\/a>: Best 12-Inch Balance Bike<\/li>
  4. Strider-14X Sport<\/strong><\/a>: Pedal Bike Convertible Strider Bike <\/li>
  5. Strider Sport 2-in-1<\/strong><\/a>: Best Rocking Strider Bike <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Brand History <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It all started in 2007 when Ryan McFarland tried everything to help his 2-year-old learn to balance on a bike. The young American dad had tried ride-on-toys, training-wheel kids’ bikes, trikes, and even kids’ motorcycles, and it cost him over $2,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The more he tried, the more frustrated his kid became, which got him thinking. He realized that the ride-ons were either too heavy to steer or too big to fit, and even worse, they didn’t focus on the kid’s balancing skill development.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s when building a balance bike came into mind, and Strider Bikes Company<\/strong><\/a> was born. Ryan’s first balance bike for the company was a 12-inch option which was super light for easy maneuver by a 2-year-old and even toddler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Today, Strider Bikes Company runs three 12-inch bike styles; Classic, Sport, and Pro. In addition to the 12-inch series, the company stocks the 14-inch series (Strider 14x Sport) and the 2-in-1 rocking bike. <\/p>\n\n\n

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    Are Strider Bikes Worth It? The Pros and Cons Compared!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Let’s look at the pros and cons of getting a Strider bike for your kid to help us answer the title. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Pros (Why Strider Bikes Are Worth)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here are the fantastic advantages of Strider balance bikes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. <\/strong>Solid Construction <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Strider bikes come with compact frames that won’t snap when riding and are generally safe for young kids. The frames are well-built to handle rough usage and are pretty stable to aid your kid in learning to balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. <\/strong>Easy to Adjust <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The seats are pretty adjustable, some allowing you to do it tool-free to fit kids of varying ages. That explains why the Strider 12 Series can accommodate kids aged 18 months-5 years while the 14-inch series can fit those aged 3-to 7 years. Even the rocking bikes are adjustable enough to fit kids from 6 months to 5 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. <\/strong>Comfortable to Ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are so many elements of Strider bikes that make them comfortable to ride. These balance bikes are super lightweight, mostly averaging under 6 pounds, thus making it easy for toddlers to ride them. They also feature footrests to offer support to the kids’ feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And more, their handlebars have soft mini grips and softly-padded seats (apart from the Strider-12 Classic) to feel comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. <\/strong>Less Stressful to Handle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Given that these balance bikes are super lightweight, they are easy to maneuver by kids. Their handlebars also enjoy good grip and come in a perfect size for easy handling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Plus, their seats are adjustable to match the kid’s stature, which is easy to control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moreover, the rear tires are closer to the seat to lower the center of gravity, improving the bike handling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. <\/strong>Puncture-Proof Tires<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Strider bikes come with puncture-proof foam tires that roll smoothly on paved surfaces. As a result, your kids can ride a Strider on the streets without worrying about puncturing the tires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. <\/strong>Convertible to Pedal Bikes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Strider-14X Sport<\/strong> allows you to add pedals. You don’t have to get a new pedal bike once your kid learns to pedal and steer the balance bike unless they outgrow it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can get the Strider Easy-Pedal Conversion Kit<\/strong><\/a> (View on Amazon) to turn the Strider-14X Sport into a pedal 14-inch kids’ bike. <\/p>\n\n\n

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    7.<\/strong> Color Variety <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Strider bikes come in the most vibrant and charming color choices to excite your kid.  Whether you want a bold color like red or orange or just something cool like blue or purple, there is a Strider kids’ bike out there for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Cons (Why Strider Bikes May Not Be Worth)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Strider bikes essentially suffer these issues: <\/p>\n\n\n\n