New Strider Bikes In Stock at Balance Bikes Canada

Monday, May 07, 2012

On May the fourth, we celebrated my son's fourth birthday. Yes, he's a Star Wars baby and no, we didn't name him Luke. After school, we took in some rays and enjoyed some backyard play while the sun was still out. Our deck is home to a myriad of outdoor ride-on toys including tricycles, a wagon and bikes with training wheels, which sadly get used the least. Both my daughter, age 6, and my son love riding around in their three-wheelers. Last summer, we bought a larger two-wheeler with training wheels for my daughter but she is terrified to use it. Her fear makes it really difficult to help her learn how to ride a bike. Where my son is concerned, I think it will be a completely different situation. Why? Because we have one of the greatest ride-on toys in the galaxy - the Strider.

The Strider™ PREbike is essentially a small bike for kids ages 18 months to 5 years (when coupled with the XL seat), only it doesn't have any pedals. It is designed to give your kids a head start on learning balance and control of a two-wheeler, thus eliminating the need for a tricycle or training wheels. It also helps to develop muscles, coordination, motor skills, and endurance all while having fun. Available from Balance Bikes Canada, the 2012 model comes in six different colours: blue, green, orange, pink, red and yellow.

Here are some of the features of the new 2012 Strider ST-3 Balance Bike:

Super lightweight at less than 7 pounds.
Unique frame design has integrated footrests for gliding.
Puncture-proof all-terrain tires with sealed bearings and 5/16" steel axles. Tires never need inflating!
Durable welded steel frame and handlebars.
2 year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Adjustable handlebar and seat height fits riders from 30" to 44" tall.
Adjustable saddle height, from 11" to 16" from ground.
Low center of gravity and both feet on the ground make the rider feel more in control.
Costs $129.00.

Balance Bikes Canada was so kind as to include the optional XL seat post (currently priced at $15.00) which increases maximum seat height to 19 inches for taller riders. I highly recommend that if your child is 4 years of age or older.

The Strider comes in a box and requires some assembly, no tools required. It is primarily comprised of four major parts, the frame, the handlebars, the seat and the front wheel, along with a few little pieces to secure it all together. The assembly was pretty straightforward and I was done in less than 10 minutes. With the Strider quick-clamps, it's super easy to adjust the height of the handlebars and seat.

Once my son fished out his helmet, we tested it out on our deck. He was a little unsure at first but he didn't fall and felt pretty confident. On his second try, he was gliding away and loving it! Check him out on Day 3, in comparison to his first time on the Strider.

Balance Bikes Canada offers a huge selection of balance bikes and accessories such as handlebar bells. Since my daughter is six and doesn't have enough confidence to ride her bike even with training wheels, I'm almost tempted to get the Go Glider. In pink, of course. It's designed for kids ages 5-10 and based on well my son took to his new Strider, I know my daughter would have lots of fun on it. It is currently on sale for $169.00 (originally $210.00). Balance Bikes Canada ships to Canadian addresses only using Canada Post Standard. Expedited shipping is also available upon request. If you live in Toronto or Montreal, you're in luck since you can take advantage of local pick-up and save on shipping.

Are you interested in a balance bike for your little one this spring? Balance Bikes Canada has generously offered a $100 gift voucher to one of my readers. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Canada and you will need to fill out the Raffletcopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent product to facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.