Review on 🚲 Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike - Ideal for 18 Months to 5-Year-Olds - Improved SEO by George Woods

I've done a lot of research on balance bikes for my 3.5 year old. He was willing to give up his trike and I wanted something reliable but not outrageous. So let me start by saying that I often buy mid-range products. I don't want cheap junk, but I don't want to spend money on expensive products either. Especially things that little kids might use for a season or two. The Strider was a great purchase. I checked out the Woom (if you're looking for high end bikes then this is for you) and I just couldn't justify the price. I looked at cheaper bikes (under $50 for example) and was seriously concerned about quality and durability. Balance bikes are designed for a very short period of a child's life. A few seasons is all you get from them no matter what you buy. Yes. The Strider has "plastic" (or rather foam core) wheels instead of real rubber or air tires and the tread wears out significantly with very little use. However, my son has no issues with slipping or falling due to the material of the bike. no The Strider does not have handbrakes. But honestly, do you need them? My 3.5 year old has great footwork. It's not like we ride mountain bikes with a balance bike. When the time comes we will convert it to a bigger bike with brakes. Assembly was easy. They offer a variety of colors (anyone with a preschooler knows how important THAT is). And the place where he can rest his legs on the frame is perfect. Its height is easy to adjust and he can easily lift it himself as it is so light. My only major issue is that I found the connection on the handlebars to be too loose. It's buckled multiple times for no reason, and that's a problem when you're trying to learn to ride a bike. I was also a bit annoyed that after 48 hours of driving, the "profile" on the wheels was already clearly worn. It's a bit expensive for this to happen. But overall it's not cheap junk or overpriced madness. This is a good mid-range balance bike for riding around the neighborhood, on the driveway, and on the patio. He likes it and I'm very satisfied.