Why Balance Bikes

The easiest way to teach kids how to ride

Riding a bike is a skill that requires coordination, confidence, and balance! Attempting to master everything at once can be tough (we know, we’ve been there). It’s important that kids learn balance first, which is why many parents these days turn to balance bikes!

Balance is a Kid's Superpower

Balance bikes make learning to ride a bike a much easier and enjoyable experience. By focusing on balance first, Strider Bikes allow riders to learn how to steer and lean through turns, which are physical skills that can’t be accomplished using tricycles or training wheels.

What is a balance bike?
Fundamentally, a balance bike is a bike with no pedals.
Are balance bikes a new thing?
Although many people think that balance bikes are a new phenomenon, they’ve been around since the early 1800’s. The modern bicycle didn’t exist yet, and adults needed a way to get around. The original balance bike was pioneered in 1817 by German Karl Drais, who attached two wheels to a wooden frame. This way of transportation was fast, efficient, and didn’t require any pedaling.
Fast forward to 2007, Ryan McFarland took a note from history and the first Strider Bike was born when his 2-year-old son Bode was struggling to ride on tricycles and other kids’ bikes. All the contraptions Bode was attempting to operate were too large, too heavy, and too complicated! Ryan went on to weld, chop, and sand Bode’s little 12-inch bike in his garage until he came up with what would become the very first Strider Balance Bike!
How do balance bikes work?
Kids straddle the seat and to move forward, they propel themselves by scooching along with their feet. We call this "striding."
Although this may seem like a Flintstones-type method, a balance bike teaches kids just that – balance! Learning to balance on two wheels is the part that takes practice.
Once kids are proficient at handling and balancing a bike, adding pedals is the next step. After mastering balance, learning how to pedal only takes a short amount of time. To help your kiddo (and you!) through the process, we provide free, step-by-step learning guides.

Shop Balance Bikes

5 stars

Missed out on training wheels! We transitioned from a 12-inch Strider to a 14x when he was 3yrs old. On his 4th birthday we wrapped up the pedals as a gift and put them on the same day. He hopped on the bike and pedaled away . . .first try. No help from me. I feel like I kinda missed out on the thrill of the struggle. Ha! Putting the pedals on with one bolt was so easy the four- year-old could have almost done that by himself too!

Chuck

Learn To Ride

No training wheels or tricycles needed!

Strider vs Tradition: Better by 2 Years!

Balance is the key to riding a bike. Tricycles and training wheels don’t teach balance. It is as simple as that. Strider allows your child to feel the lean of the bike and learn to control it through the steering. Starting with a Strider Bike creates a safe, easy, and fun path to pedaling like a pro with zero gaps and solid overlaps. Now kids can learn to ride a bike two years sooner!

Rock
Stride
Ride

0-2 years

2-in-1 Rocking Bike

Make play time rock (literally). With an easy to attach base, this bike grows with your baby up to 4 years old.

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1-4 years

12 Balance Bikes

Our lightweight 12″ Balance Bikes introduce your child to the freedom of riding through a natural progression that leaves those nasty ol’ training wheels to rust.

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3-6 Years

14x Convertible Bike

The Strider 14x is the perfect tool to help your child go from a balance bike to a pedaling pro! Once they master balancing on a larger bike, the optional Easy-Ride Pedal Kit installs in seconds

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5 stars

Amazing Bikes! I have taught a lot of kids how to ride bikes. I bought two Strider 12 Sport bikes for my almost 3 year old twin grandsons. They took off like crazy kids. A year later they are pros and this is still their favorite activity! We are on our second set of wheels and our 10th pair of shoes!

Margaret

5 stars

One year old loves it! Bought for our daughters first birthday, with the Strider! She absolutely loves it! The rocking base helps her to get on/off on her own and keeps the Strider sturdy so she can use it now as well as later on!

Lacey

5 stars

Chuck

Where will your Strider take you?

Rock
Stride
Ride

Learning to ride isn’t just about the end goal of pedaling, but about everything children gain in the process: Strength. Confidence. Experiencing failure and success. Feeling fear and learning to overcome it. The thrill of taking risks and the wisdom in slowing down. Bravery. Determination. Kindness.

Riding a bike allows kids to make a connection with others, nature, and themselves. From family bike rides, strolls in the park, and neighbor kids riding together to grand adventures on trails unknown, we know that life on two wheels brings with it joy, laughter, tears, triumphs, memories, and most of all, a sense of togetherness. All in all, learning to ride a bike is a monumental milestone for any kiddo. We know kids grow at completely different speeds, so we recommend measuring your rider’s inseam to find the right Strider Bike to fit their size. Checkout our helpful guide to find the best fit.

Awesome Questions

No training wheels needed?

Training wheels often result in a one step forward three steps back approach to learning. Without learning the essential skill of balance first, progressing past training wheels is a long hard road peppered with frustration. Skip the training wheels and stick to the fundamentals instead.
Why a balance bike?

Balance bikes help kiddos master balance first, so they’re ready to take on everything from pedaling to dirt bikes and beyond! The Strider Bike design features a lower center of gravity to keep their striding form efficient, effortless, and fun.
How do I add pedals?

Checkout these short videos to learn how to add pedals to a 14x or 20x.

Custom Adaptive Bikes for Toddlers

The Adaptive Strider Program partners with RAM® Mounts to help kids with height and limb differences have the chance to learn to ride a bike. With a newly purchased Strider 12 Bike, we will work directly with you to ensure proper fit and provide modifications to the bike at no additional cost. Before you know it, your child that you thought would never ride a bike will be ripping up and down the street!