I still can not believe that I am picking out Christmas presents for my little guy, but here we are… November already! I swear Christmas comes earlier and earlier every year. Or do I just get older and older? HA! Either way, Christmas here we come!
I’ve been told that it is better to give than to receive, which is good because I LOVE to give gifts! Since my son is approaching his second birthday, my immediate thought was “I want to get him a bike!” Can you picture it with me? We’re all snuggled up around the Christmas tree and daddy comes wheeling in a new bicycle… shrieks of excitement and hugs all around!
As I started researching what to get my “almost” 2 year old, I stumbled across STRIDER bikes. Traditionally, you would get your child a tricycle, then a bike with training wheels and then one day you’ll be running behind them with the training wheels off afraid to let go because they might fall. With the STRIDER balance bike though, children are able to learn the concept of balance and steering BEFORE they ever learn to pedal a bike!
With no pedals, I thought this bike was the coolest concept ever, but also wanted to run it by my husband’s “engineering mind.” After watching several YouTube videos, we were both convinced that not only did this bicycle look like a lot of fun, but it made sense as well!! Why run before you walk? Or pedal before you balance???
For the sake of this review, we let our little guy ride on it for a few days (hey, he’s two and when we bring it out on Christmas it will be new all over again! hehe). I was amazed at how quickly he began to grasp the concept of the STRIDER balance bike! You could practically see the cogs turning in his cute little mind as he moved the handle bars side to side and watched the wheel turn at the same time. At first he walked the bike while straddling it, but after a couple days he began to sit on the seat and scoot around!
Seriously, this is one of the best inventions ever! The STRIDER balance bike was easy to assemble (I did it by myself in less than 15 minutes), and it seems to be very durable! My son may have only used it for a few days, but he was not exactly gentle with it. Despite the drops, this bike does not have a ding on it and it will still look brand new Christmas morning 🙂
STRIDER Sport features:
- Industrial foam tires that are light weight and will never go flat
- Machined-aluminum quick release for handle bar allows “No Tools” height adjustment
- The durable, all-weather mini-saddle is designed specifically for beginning riders and their tiny hips. Smaller, narrower, and lighter than a typical saddle, this seat allows for proper riding position and posture. ** The Sport model also includes a padded XL saddle and long seatpost to fit kids over 3 years
- Unique, frame-integrated footrests are properly positioned directly below the saddle for natural bike balance. This position also fosters the advanced ability to stand while gliding as well as pumping and jumping the bike
Join me with putting a STRIDER balance bike under the tree this year!!
STRIDER – Sport :: $119
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A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One lucky SIMPLE reader is going to win a STRIDER balance bike! Here’s how to enter:
Heidi
November 24, 2014 at 9:09 pmMy dad taught me! I love looking at the pictures 🙂
Johannah
November 24, 2014 at 2:15 pmTrial and error. I had a tricycle at first — but of course the balance is the real issue and never remember having training wheels — so trial and error.
Jaime
November 24, 2014 at 1:28 pmMy dad taught me how to ride a bike on a dirt rode with ditches on both sides. Let’s just say I learned how to use the break REAL quick. 🙂
trixx
November 23, 2014 at 10:01 pmI learned from my big brother
Lisa L
November 23, 2014 at 7:51 pmMy dad taught me how to ride a bike…lots of practice after dinner!
Brittany Millsaps
November 23, 2014 at 8:14 ammy dad
Crissie Woolard
November 21, 2014 at 11:18 pmMY DAD TAUGHT ME TO RIDE WHEN I WAS ABOUT 5, BY HOLDING THE BIKE OF THE BIKE
Jen
November 21, 2014 at 2:03 pmMy dad taught me on our gravel driveway. It was a great day when we moved and got a paved one 🙂
Sacha Schroeder
November 21, 2014 at 12:15 pmMy dad taught me!
latanya
November 21, 2014 at 8:30 ammy dad taught me
Cassi
November 20, 2014 at 3:58 pmI would love this for my 3 year old! I learned to ride a two wheeler the old fashioned way…my dad pushed me and ran along side me 🙂
Cassi
November 20, 2014 at 3:57 pmI would love this for my 3 year old! I learned to ride a two wheeler when I was about 4 years old the old fashioned way…with my dad pushing me and running along side me 🙂
amanda
November 19, 2014 at 10:03 pmMy mom helped me learn , with lots of practice and skinned knees I finally got it!
Leela
November 19, 2014 at 4:46 pmI watched others and then got on one and went for it.
Jennifer Nutter
November 19, 2014 at 4:10 pmi learned by getting on and getting pushed. i believe i had training wheels for a split second. 🙂
Holli G.
November 17, 2014 at 4:21 pmMy brothers taught me when I was 2.
Anel
November 17, 2014 at 3:40 pmMy older sister taught me and my other sisters how to ride a bike!
Sarah Hayes
November 17, 2014 at 3:37 pmi think my brother taught me when i was about 7
Terra Heck
November 17, 2014 at 6:45 amI learned to ride a bike from my brother. He exhibited a lot of patience with me! Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Jessamine D.
November 16, 2014 at 7:34 pmTraining wheels first.
Jessica O
November 16, 2014 at 2:15 pmFirst training wheels then my dad took them off and help onto my seat as I rode, then let go!
rebecca day
November 15, 2014 at 7:05 pmtraining wheels
Heather Dawn
November 15, 2014 at 2:32 pmMy dad took off one of my training wheels. When I kept my balance, he took off the other.
Melanie
November 15, 2014 at 12:57 pmI learned with my friends pushing at the back of my kid-sized, chain-brake bike 🙂
Nicole H
November 15, 2014 at 12:08 pmTraining wheels and my dad helped. I’ve been wanting a balance bike for my daughter.
Deborah
November 14, 2014 at 6:24 pmI had training wheels at first and then my Dad taught me.
Melissa L.
November 14, 2014 at 3:48 pmI honestly don’t remember how or when I learned to ride a bike.
Miranda Welle
November 14, 2014 at 12:24 pmI learned from my dad. He would hold on to us as we drove around the yard and then he’d slowly let us go.
Jennifer
November 14, 2014 at 7:43 amtraining wheels for me! then my mom made me wing it!
Cassandra Eastman
November 13, 2014 at 10:31 pmMy dad just sort of pushed me on my bike down the driveway until I got it down, haha! This would be great for my 3 year old who tries keeping up with her bigger brother.
Katie T
November 13, 2014 at 9:18 amI can’t remember…but I know it was with training wheels! I’d love to teach my son (18months) with a Strider Bike!!
Tina M
November 13, 2014 at 9:14 amMy dad taught me
Lauren
November 13, 2014 at 5:11 amTotally learned the old fashioned way. I dint remember how old I was but there was a new subdivision going in across the street and we would all go over to ride bikes. Sweet memories!
Vera S
November 12, 2014 at 11:39 pmMy mom taught me to ride a bike. I have great memories of that.
Krystal
November 12, 2014 at 1:53 pmQuite honestly, I don’t remember. I do remember falling and skinning my knee, though!
Racquel S
November 12, 2014 at 1:07 pmI learned by my dad holding on the back of the bike while going down a steep hill! Altho’ it might not been that steep but it sure felt like it back then!
Lisa E
November 12, 2014 at 11:52 amMy dad taught me how to ride a bike
Heather Hayes Panjon
November 12, 2014 at 9:31 amI Learned To Ride A Bike With Training Wheels.
Sindy Murray
November 12, 2014 at 6:10 ama friend teach me and help gained confidence.
Karen O
November 12, 2014 at 6:09 amMy dad taught me to ride a bike, and I had training wheels.
Jillian T
November 12, 2014 at 12:10 amWe live on a slight hill so my dad would run alongside and then let go. I learned to ride by coasting.
Lynn
November 11, 2014 at 10:18 pmMy older siblings taught me!
Kate
November 11, 2014 at 7:52 pmMy dad taught me!
nannypanpan
November 11, 2014 at 7:21 pmI think I learned by watching my sisters
Jacey T
November 11, 2014 at 7:07 pmTraining wheels
Katie
November 11, 2014 at 5:37 pmOn training wheels! But my daughter learned on a strider and they’re awesome.
Brandy (Lynn W rafflecopter)
November 11, 2014 at 3:11 pmMy neighbor friend (maybe 8yo) taught me!
Masooma
November 11, 2014 at 2:30 pmMy dad taught me how to ride a bike, but it has been ages since I’ve rode one!
Gina
November 11, 2014 at 1:24 pmThe traditional mom-or-dad running behind the bike. What a workout for them!
Erin Lehman
November 11, 2014 at 11:25 amMy daddy taught me 🙂
Nina H
November 11, 2014 at 10:22 amMy friend taught me how to ride a bike
Jessica
November 11, 2014 at 9:28 amI learned to ride a bike with training wheels.
Kristen
November 11, 2014 at 2:37 amMy dad taught me by walking/running by me until I could balance myself.
Danielle Jones
November 11, 2014 at 12:36 amI learned going down a hill when I got to the bottom I just started pedaling.
Kelly F
November 11, 2014 at 12:16 amMy dad taught me with training wheels!
Natalie S
November 10, 2014 at 11:24 pmI started with training wheels, but ultimately my dad taught me.
Katie Lantz
November 10, 2014 at 11:17 pmMy mom and dad taught me on our driveway! 🙂
Allie
November 10, 2014 at 10:27 pmI had training wheels to start
Darlene Ysaguirre
November 10, 2014 at 10:03 pmMy older brother taught me after running into a wall a few times and a couple of trees i finally got the hang of it.
Nikole Seeger
November 10, 2014 at 9:53 pmI don’t remember who taught me to ride a bike. I do remember it was blue and had smurfs on it and I rode it down a little grass hill frequently. It is a scattered memory.
Beth Rees
November 10, 2014 at 9:24 pmMy dad actually taught me and all my brothers and sisters
adina
November 10, 2014 at 8:59 pmmy father patiently taught me!
D Schmidt
November 10, 2014 at 8:54 pmI learned to ride when I was about 8
Patricia
November 10, 2014 at 7:24 pmWith the help of my parents.
melissaandkeith miller
November 10, 2014 at 4:21 pmI learned with training wheels.
Michelle T
November 10, 2014 at 3:52 pmI had an older sister. I think I just followed her lead. I don’t remember training wheels, but I may have used them.
Talia
November 10, 2014 at 2:02 pmI had training wheels, but I remember wanting to be so much like my older brother, that I asked for them to be taken off early so I could practice the old fashioned way.
amy pugmire
November 10, 2014 at 1:12 pmMY sweet dad taught me how when I was 5. Oh how I miss that guy! He was such a great example. Thanks for the chance!
Amanda Lea
November 10, 2014 at 12:50 pmTraining wheels
lissa crane
November 10, 2014 at 12:15 pmMy neighbor taught me how! I never did have training wheels and I sure did fall a lot!
Anne Perry
November 10, 2014 at 11:25 amI had training wheels.
Adrianne B
November 10, 2014 at 11:18 amMy dad taught me to ride a bike by putting me on it and pushing me up and down the street til I was ready to pedal.
Heidi Daily
November 10, 2014 at 11:14 amI didn’t learn to ride a bike until I was in second grade and my Mom sat on the back of my bike and helped me balance.
Nancy
November 10, 2014 at 11:01 amI learned to ride a bike the old-fashioned way: trial and error.
Samantha C.
November 10, 2014 at 10:53 amI learned through trial and error. My dad helped me and after awhile, I finally picked it up!
Renee
November 10, 2014 at 7:37 amI actually don’t remember learning how to ride a bike, but I’m guessing my Dear Old Dad was running behind me while I yelled, “Don’t let go!!” 🙂