FAQ

What is a balance bike?

A balance bike is a two-wheeled bike without pedals or training wheels. It teaches children to master the most critical skill for riding—balance—by using their feet to stride and glide. This method prepares them for a pedal bike without the struggle, with many children learning to ride on their own up to two years earlier than those who use traditional methods.

Why should I avoid using training wheels?

Training wheels are often a source of frustration and confusion for kids. They prevent children from developing the most critical skill needed to ride a bike: balance. Training wheels create a false sense of security, teaching kids to rely on the wheels for stability, which is a skill they must un-learn later. A balance bike teaches balance from day one, setting kids up for a seamless transition to a pedal bike without ever needing training wheels.

Which Strider bike is right for my child?

The best bike depends on your child’s age, size, and skill level. Our 2-in-1 Rocking Bike is perfect for babies 6-18 months. The Strider 12 Sport is ideal for toddlers 1-4 years old. For older children or those ready to transition to pedaling, the Strider 14x (ages 3-6) is the perfect solution. To find your child's perfect match, we recommend our bike quiz to help guide you based on their unique needs and adventurous spirit.

What are the developmental phases of riding a Strider bike?

The Strider journey follows a three-phase progression: Basic Self-Balanced Riding, where kids learn to stride and find their center of gravity; Advanced Self-Balanced Riding, where they master gliding, standing, and turning; and finally, Independent Balanced Pedaling, which is the low-stress transition to a pedal bike.

What is the correct seat height for a Strider bike?

To find the right fit, the child's feet should be flat on the ground with a slight bend in their knees while seated. This allows them to comfortably walk, stride, and stop with their feet.

What is the correct handlebar height for a Strider bike?

A good starting point is to set the handlebar height relative to the saddle. If the seat is at its lowest setting, set the handlebar to its lowest setting. Adjust the handlebar reach so the child's elbows have a slight bend while they are seated comfortably. This ensures your child feels confident and in control, and it's easy to adjust as they grow.

What is your return policy?

Strider does not pay for shipping on returns. Strider can only accept products that were purchased directly from our online store. If you purchased a Strider product through a local shop, box store or different online site (including Amazon), you will need to honor their return policy.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Have your Sales Order ready when you contact Customer Service via phone or email.

2. You will receive an RMA (Return Merchandize Authorization) from our team, then clearly mark it on the returned package. Otherwise, we don’t know who to refund.

3. Ship the product back to Strider Headquarters using the carrier of your choice. Insurance is encouraged. Again, we do not provide return labels or pay for return shipping costs.

4. Patiently wait for the refund to your original payment method.

More Shipping Details

What is the difference between the 12 sport and 12 pro?

The Strider 12 Sport is the most popular Strider bike sold around the world. It has a lightweight steel frame, along with a padded seat and adjustable post that grows with your child. The approximate age range is 1 to 4 years, or an inseam range of 12-18 inches. The Sport features performance footrests, a handlebar pad, ultralight wheels, and mini grips.

The Strider 12 Pro has the same features of the sport, but comes in al all-aluminum frame! This makes the pro the lightest Strider!

The difference is 1000% for the rider! A lighter bike leads to a kiddo being more tempted to pick it up on their own. While it’s only a 1-pound difference to grown-ups, every extra pound makes it difficult for a small child to carry or maneuver. We want all a kiddo’s effort to focus on learning to ride, not lugging around a heavy bike.

What is the difference between the Strider 12 and the 14x?

What is the difference between the Strider 12 and the 14x? The Strider 12 inch bikes are our original balance bikes for ages 1-4, perfect for building foundational skills. The Strider 14x is a larger, "grow-with-me" bike for ages 3-6 that starts as a balance bike and easily converts to a pedal bike with the included Easy-Ride Pedal Kit.

Do Strider bikes have brakes?

Our Strider 14x has a foot-operated coaster brake for easy stopping. For our smaller Strider 12 models, children learn to stop naturally by using their feet.

What kind of tires do Strider bikes have?

Our Strider 12 bikes come with foam tires that are lightweight and puncture-proof. For a smoother, more cushioned ride, you can easily upgrade to our air-filled High Traction wheels. The Strider 14x and 20x models come equipped with air-filled tires for enhanced performance. You can even customize your child's bike with our Bike Builder, choosing these high-performance tires and other accessories to perfectly match their riding style.

Is assembly difficult?

No, assembly is quick and straightforward. Strider bikes arrive 90% assembled, and you typically only need to attach the handlebars and wheels. We provide Quick-Start Setup Guides and assembly videos to walk you through it.

How do I clean and care for my Strider bike?

Simply wipe the bike down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Be sure to dry it completely to prevent rust. For bikes with air-filled tires, check the PSI regularly to ensure a smooth ride.