I love watching Beckham grow. I love hearing him sing the alphabet a thousand times a day. I love hearing him try to say new words. I also love how even though he says “Mom!” 50 billion times a day, he wants me to see what great things he is doing. Strider is a company that will give your child successes. With Strider Sports you will hear your child saying, “Watch me, Dad!” and “Mom! Check me out!” Strider “designs efficient, no-pedal balance bikes that encourage toddlers to ride, learn, and explore the world on two wheels. Founded by Ryan McFarland in January, the goal of Strider Sports is to simplify a bike to its essence, so that proper size, lightweight and simplicity combine to eliminate any fear of riding and instill confidence in young new riders.” Strider sent Beckham the biggest confidence win he has had recently. Beckham received the 12″ Strider Sport in green.
This no-pedal bike has so many wonderful features I don’t even know where to begin. Let’s start at the top, front…the handlebars. These handlebars are smaller so my two year old’s little hands can easily grip them and steer the bike. It also has a padded bar cover to protect little ones while learning to ride for the first time. The Sport model comes with two seat options…small and XL. The small saddle is nice and narrow and perfect for a little body. Use the XL seat as your child grows. The tires are made from EVA polymer (industrial foam) making them super light and durable…in fact! they will never go flat! (Can I get these on my jogging stroller please!?) The seat and handlebars can easily be adjusted without the need for tools. This is great because when my husband sees that the bike needs to grow with my child he can make the quick adjustment right then and there! Although the bike doesn’t have pedals it does have foot rests. They are properly positioned directly below the seat for natural balance. The grip strip allows the child to stand while gliding as well as giving them a stable place to put their feet while jumping the bike.
Beckham could hardly wait to get his new bike out of the box. In fact, he was dragging the box around the house for hours until dad got home from work to put it together for him. He was checking the bike out on the box and telling me how excited he was. The first thing he told my husband when he walked through the door was that he was going to ride his bike. It took next to no time to put the bike together–great for my impatient child. No tools were needed–great for my hubby. No one had to show my son how to ride. He threw his leg over the top, sat on the seat, and off he went. He was walking that bike all around the house. We took it outside and he was running around in no time. “Mom! Watch! ” “Dad! Look!” He is becoming more coordinated and balanced each time he rides it. It is just a matter of time before he is sitting and doing long glides with his feet on the feet rests. He is just enough of a dare devil that he will be trying standing and jumping soon enough. Guess I better run to the store and get him a helmet stat!
Look at the excitement on his face! He is having a successful moment and he is pretty darn proud of himself.
He loves riding his Strider. I love that it builds his confidence and gives him wins. It is low to the ground and super lightweight so if he tips over with it he isn’t gong to hurt himself—meaning he won’t be afraid to jump up and try again. I love that he is active. I love how excited he gets to take his bike to the park. We have even taken it to Dad’s work for some quick buddy bonding. It is a win for everyone. The 12″ Strider Sport retails for $119 and is available in green, black, blue, orange, pink, red, and yellow. The 12″ bike is great for ages 18 months to 5 years. (18 months would have been too young for Beckham but I have seen some 18 month olds that would have rocked this.) Your child is going to get your money’s worth with this bike….especially because they can use it up to 5 years old!! Not only are they going to have a great time on this bike, on and off road, it will help them transition to a pedal bike so much easier. Training wheels will never be needed. Strider bikes range in sizes from 12″ – 20″ and from $99 – $289. If you want, add on colored accessories, a foot brake, heavy duty wheels, a larger handle bar, or even snow skis!! You will be able to find the right bike for the right price. These bikes are for everyone. Bigger bikes are great for teens and adults who are learning to ride for the first time or even those who are dealing with special needs challenges. “Strider bikes have turned individuals with Down syndrome, autism, low muscle tone, poor balance, arthrogryposis, and cerebral palsy into bike riding enthusiasts!”
