9 Best Strider Bikes and Accessories
9 Best Strider Bikes and Accessories
Chances are you learned how to ride a bike using training wheels—but there’s a better, faster, and even safer way to learn. Strider balance bikes don’t have training wheels, and they don’t have pedals. The rider straddles the bike with their feet on the ground, sits down on the seat, then pushes off with both feet. Because the rider is low to the ground, they can always bring the bike back to a safe upright halt. And because there are no training wheels, the bike balances and steers like a normal bicycle. In a relatively short period of time, the rider is ready to make the transition to pedaling.
That’s the theory of it, at least. In practice, a lot of children love riding their Striders, so the company has expanded its lineup to include larger Striders, feature-packed Striders, and conversion kits to turn your Strider into a rocking horse or a ski bike. There’s even a kit to turn your Strider into a Strider with pedals.
Choose Your Size
Most Striders use a 12-inch wheel, which when combined with a rocker base can cover ages from six months to three years. For taller children, a 14-inch wheel will offer more stability and room. Strider also offers 16-inch and 20-inch options to help older children with developmental challenges experience the joy of cycling.
Foam Or Pneumatic?
Most Striders use a simple foam tire on a plastic wheel. It doesn’t go flat, it doesn’t require any maintenance, and it lasts a while. If you think you’ll be riding for long distances with your child, and you have the requisite ability to change a tire, some of the larger Striders have a pneumatic rubber tire.
How We Selected
To choose the best Strider balance bikes, we relied on our experience as parents of young riders and as satisfied owners of a Strider 12 Classic. We also attended several balance-bike races held at USABMX tracks and talked to parents of competitors about what works and what doesn’t. We also focused on Strider’s most affordable and versatile models, as well as a few conversion accessories.
With one of these balance bikes, your kid can start riding as early as 6 months old.
