There are two popular Strider balance bikes: Strider Classic vs Sport Balance Bike. Which one should you get?
Scooters and bikes are toddlers’ favorite outdoor toys. In this article, we will COMPARE the Strider Classic Balance Bike with the Strider Sport Balance Bike side by side. We will list their similarities and difficulties, as well as REVIEW these two balance bikes.
At the end of this article, you will have all the information necessary to decide whether Striker Bike Classic or Sport is right for you.
Read More: Strider vs Woom Balance Bike
Our Final Verdict
Winner: Strider Sport Balance Bike
It is more comfortable, easier to adjust, and can last longer
Budget Alternative: Strider Classic Balance Bike
It has sturdy built, never-flat tires, and is less expensive
What Are Strider Classic and Sport Balance Bike?
Strider Classic balance bike and Strider Sport balance bike are two popular models of balance bikes for toddlers and kids.
Balance bikes are one step-up from the parent-steering push tricycle. Once your child turns 18 months, she will not be content staying in a trike that is controlled by you. Rather, they will enjoy steering and pedaling the bike on their own.
A balance bike is a type of bicycle for toddlers to learn how to balance their bodies and gain control while biking. Balance bikes usually come with two wheels and don’t have any brake or pedal.
Strider is a popular brand that specializes in making toddler balance bikes. They claim to be “The boss of balance bikes”. There are three models in their balance bike product line: Classic, Sport, and Pro.
In today’s article, our main focus is on the Strider Classic and Strider Sport balance bike as they are the most popular models in the market today.
How to Compare Strider Classic vs Sport Balance Bike?
How to evaluate a balance bike? More importantly, what factors should you compare against when you put Strider Classic vs Sport balance bike side by side? These are the most important things to keep in mind
Comparison of Strider Classic vs Sport Balance Bike
What are the main differences between the Strider Classic vs Sport Balance Bike? In this section, we will list all the similarities and differences of the strider classic and sport balance bike.
1. Seat Height
Similarities: Both Strider Classic vs Sport balance bike feature adjustable seat height.
Differences: The range of the seat height for Strider 12 Classic is 11 inches to 16 inches. If your child is tall, you can purchase a separate XL Seatpost and Swaddle so that you can extend the seat from 15 inches to 19 inches.
The seat height range for Strider 12 Sport is also from 11 inches to 16 inches. However, the Strider Sport balance bike comes with the XL Seatpost and Swaddle so that you don’t need to purchase it separately.
2. Handlebar Height
Similarities: Both Strider Classic vs Sport balance bikes feature an adjustable handlebar. You can loosen the clamp at the headtube in order to move the handlebar up and down. The handlebar of both Strider Classic and Sport balance bike allows roughly 6 to 8 inches adjustability.
Differences: A key difference between Strider Classic and Sport balance bike is that Strider Sport features a quick release stem clamp so that you can adjust the height of the handlebar without using any tool.
3. Padding
Differences: One of the main differences between Strider Classic vs Sport balance bikes is the padding.
The Strider Sport balance bike comes with a performance padded saddle, padded handlebar, and toddler mini grip on each end of the handlebar. However, Strider Classic only comes with a plastic mini saddle and a standard grip, and it doesn’t have any padding on the handlebar.
Just keep in mind that many bigger toddlers prefer to pick up the bike by holding the middle part of the handlebar. Having enough padding in that area makes it easier and more comfortable for kids.
4. Wheels, Tires, Brake, Pedals
Similarities: Both Strider Classic vs Sport balance bikes have a 12-inch wheel option, and the tires on both bikes are made with EVA polymer foam. Additionally, neither Strider Classic vs Sport has a brake or pedal.
Differences: Strider Classic only has the only option of 12 inches but Strider Sport has two options: Strider Sport 12 inches and Strider Sport 14 inches.
5. Age Range
Similarities: Both Strider Classic vs Sport balance bikes can be used for toddlers older than 18 months.
Differences: Strider Classic is suitable for toddlers between 18 and 36 months (duration of 1.5 years) while Strider Sport is suitable for toddlers and kids between 18 months and 5 years (duration of 3.5 years).
Therefore, Strider Sport can last 2 years longer than Strider Classic.
6. Color Options
Differences: Stride Classic balance bike has three color options while Strider Sport has seven color options.
7. Bike Size and Weight
Differences: Stride Classic measures 28″ x 7″ x 13″ and weighs about 9 pounds whereas Strider Sport measures 27.2″ x 11.9″ x 7.1″ and weighs about 9.5 pounds.
As you can see the size and weight are not a big differentiator for Strider Classic vs Sport balance bike.
7. Price
Differences: Strider Classic balance bike costs around $90 and Strider Sport balance bike costs around $110.
Which One Is the Best: Strider Classic vs Sport Balance Bike?
After the comparison, we can see that the main differences between Strider Classic vs Sport balance bike are the wheel size options, easiness to adjust, and upgraded saddle, handlebar, and grip.
Our conclusion is that the Strider Sport balance bike is a better option than Strider Classic because for 20 dollars more, your child can get a much better riding experience and an extra two years of fun.
For toddlers who might be eager to try a kids’ bike with pedals shortly after learning how to use a balance bike, we recommend Strider Classic because it may not be worth it to spend more money on something that your child will outgrow easily.
Product Reviews
1. Strider Classic Balance Bike
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Strider 12″ Classic balance bike has been many toddlers’ favorites for years. It is a well-built high quality balance bike for toddlers to learn biking.
With the Strider Classic balance bike, your child can experience what it feels like to be on a bike without training wheels. Once he has better control of the bike and his body, he can put up his feet on the footrest of the front wheel so that he can relax while the bike is cruising away.
Stride Classic fits toddlers with an inseam of 12 to 20 inches. If your child is on the taller side, you can optionally purchase an XL Seatpost and Swaddle to extend the seat height.
There are several limitations of Strider Classic for you to consider. It only comes with 12-inch wheels, a standard seat, and an unpadded handlebar. Its life span is only 18 months.
Who Is It for?
Strider Classic Balance Bike is for toddlers who are starting to learn biking and are likely to move on to regular kids’ bikes quickly.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 28″ x 7″ x 13″
- Weight: 8.9 lb
- Wheel Size: 12″
- Adjustable seat and height: Yes
- Tire Material: EVA polymer foam tires
2. Strider Sport Balance Bike
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Strider Sport balance bike is the best balance bike for toddlers in the market today.
Besides its sturdy construction and high-quality material, Strider Sport is much more comfortable to ride on. The performance padded saddle gives more seating space for your toddler and can absorb more turbulence on bumpy roads. This can prevent your toddler gets tired easily while learning to bike.
Additionally, the foam padding on the handlebar makes it much more comfortable for your child to pick the bike up.
Strider Sport balance bike is also more parent-friendly because both the seat and handlebar feature a quick-release clamp. Therefore, you can quickly adjust the height without needing tools.
Lastly, Strider Sport has more options in the colors and wheel sizes.
Who Is This For?
Strider Sport Balance Bike is the best toddler balance bike that is comfortable, parent-friendly, and can last a long time.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 27.2″ x 11.9″ x 7.1″
- Weight: 9.5 lb
- Wheel Size: 12″ and 14″
- Adjustable seat and height: Yes
- Tire Material: EVA polymer foam tires
FAQs about Strider Classic vs Sport Balance Bike
What Age Is A Strider Balance Bike for?
All strider balance bikes are suitable for toddlers older than 18 months.
However, the Strider Classic balance bike is for toddlers between 18 months to 3 years and the Strider Sport balance bike is for kids between 18 months to 5 years.
Is 5 Years Too Old for A Balance Bike?
A balance bike is for toddlers and kids between 1.5 years and 5 years.
At age 5, your child can still ride a balance bike but chances are he might not be interested in it. There are many more options of kids bikes for 5 -year-olds to either learn how to bike or to practice biking.
Are Strider Bikes Worth It?
Whether Strider bikes are worth it or not depends on if your child is interested in biking and how fast he can learn.
Strider bikes are mostly used for toddlers and small kids to learn how to gain balance. The key benefit is to give your child the chance to experience the freedom of cruising on his own.
If your child is a fast learner, or she is not ready for an unassisted bike by age 3, you can skip Strider bikes and go directly with a regular kid’s bike.
Final Words
After this comprehensive comparison, we can conclude that with all things considered, the Strider Sport balance bike is the best balance bike for toddlers and kids. Though it costs $20 more, you save money on the upgrades and can give your child a more enjoyable riding experience for many more years.
If you are on a budget and don’t think your child will be interested in the balance bike for too long, then getting the Stride Classic balance bike might be a more logical choice.
Cecilia Yeung is a successful entrepreneur and product researcher. She has a background in psychology and children’s education. As a working mother of two, she loves to write about children’s education and development.
