Strider Running Bike – a review

I sometimes hide under a rock, and so I realize these may not be new to you. But until my friend (an independent Strider dealer) sent me one of their PREbikes, I had no idea there was such a thing.

But, there are! Strider Running Bikes (PREbikes) are no-pedal, adjustable bikes that are used to train balance in preparation for pedal bikes. Or, they can be ridden as secondary bikes. Older kids use them as stunt bikes, I’m told (not that I’m mentioning that to my kids…yet).

The Strider turns learning coordination and balance into a simple, fear free walk (or stride) in the park. It took [me!] all of five minutes to assemble, and it’s so lightweight that even Bay Bit (heck, even Baby Bear) can carry it around (it only weighs 8 pounds – traditional bikes weigh around 30!). The lack of chains and pedals (and the superior material of the bike) result in its durable, lightweight quality. And the weight (or lack thereof) isn’t just for convenience. This carefully designed Strider characteristic helps young children to gain almost instant control of their Strider PREbike.

The Strider Running bike is pretty simple to adjust, too. But, not simple enough for me to switch it between heights for these photos we took on our walk. My older girls like riding the Strider at a lower setting than they actually need. The seat and handle bars are adjustable*, however, making the Strider a practical, fun, and looong lasting (and durable! NO CHEAP PLASTIC TOYS!) Christmas or birthday gift.

* You use a wrench to tighten and loosen the clamps that hold the seat and handlebars. The settings aren’t notched, and are 100% adjustable for children ages 2-5.

I wish I’d know about the Strider as each of my kids turned two and a half or three. Still, it seems we have a few more years to enjoy our Strider. I’m looking into getting one for all three of the younger kids (yeah, right, I might just have to bit the bullet and get one for all five).

Strider kids know they are in control (Wouldn’t that have been a nice feeling when you were learning to ride a bike??). They pick up their feet when they’re ready. 

If you have a toddler or young child who is asking for a bike, I highly recommend that you get them a PREbike from Strider in lieu of a pedal bike and training wheels. It will last through multiple children and is a fabulous value for the price. Additionally, it will teach them the balance they need to be superior riders once they are ready for a traditional bike.

To order your very own Strider PREbike, contact the lovely people at Amarillo Strider. They make ordering simple (payments are made via PayPal), and they’re available to answer any questions you might have. Oh, and they ship anywhere, too! When ordering, be sure to mention this review (there’s a free gift in it for you!).

Thanks, Josh and Rian, for introducing the Valentes to the Strider! You definitely have fans in us!