Review of the Strider Sport

We first bought our son a wooden balance bike when he was 2.5. He loved that wooden bike and was cruising around with his feet off the ground in no time. By his 3rd birthday he was able to pedal a 12 inch kids bike with no training wheels. The balance bike gave him the skills to handle, balance and manage a two wheeler.

The problem with that wooden balance bike? It feel apart after 6 months!  Literally in pieces. And I have heard similar stories. In 2008 we decided to carry Strider at our bike shop. After researching the bikes and hearing from satisfied customers we thought Strider Sport would be a good fit. It is on of the lightest balance bike on the market (6.5 pounds),  it comes in seven colors (we know how important colors are to a toddler!)  it is durable, and the tires never go flat.

The Strider Sport allows you to skip the tricycle stage and maybe the 12 inch sized bike that often only lasts for a year. The seat adjusts easily so it can fit kids from age 18 months to 5 years, making it unnecessary to purchase multiple bikes as children grow. Our son loved his Strider bike until he was 5 years old. He used it for tricks and to get around town when a bike isn’t practical. We suggest you start them on one at 18 months and by three they’ll be ready for a pedal bike.

Positives: Strider Sport

• Training wheels can be dangerous on uneven surfaces
• Kids learn balance and control before they have to worry about pedaling. Pedaling takes more muscle control and strength
• Kids that start on a balance bike can skip training wheels and move right into a 16 inch wheeled bike
• Kids can venture off-road unlike with training wheels
• Snow ski attachment is so fun and works great!

• Good value

Negatives: Strider Sport

• Strider logo stickers can fall off if left in the elements.
• It is a much better fit for a 18mo to 3yo toddler than older toddlers and kids due to narrow seat and frame size.
• If you plan to mountain bike this might not be the best option because of the tires. You can upgrade to air tires.

Price and Where to Buy

MSRP: $119

Buy on Amazon for $90-119 or check with your local bike shops.

Differences between Strider Sport vs.Classic vs. Pro

What is the difference is between the Strider Pro, Sport and Classic models? Like most bikes, the short answer is the weight. In addition the Pro and Sport come with a padded seat, extra long seat post and tool-free adjust which is really worth it in our opinion.

The Pro: Aluminum frame, fork, handle bars and seat post. Available in Silver only. Weight is 2.54 kg (5.6 pounds). The Pro comes with a padded seat, extra long seat post and tool-free adjust.
The Sport: Steel frame, fork, handle bars and seat post. 7 colors available. Weight is 3.0 kg (7 pounds). The Sport comes with a padded seat, extra long seat post and tool-free adjust. The Classic: Steel frame, fork, handle bars and seat post. 3 colors available. Weight is 2.9 kg (6.5 pounds)

Strider has a great quiz on their site to help you decide which bike to choose.

Interested in checking out other balance bikes? Check out this post on the best balance bike for kids 1-5.