Once the pedals are attached, the 14x Sport has a nicely narrow Q factor (the distance between the cranks) of 5. Though foam tires never need to be refilled, they make for a ride with slightly more drag, and in our testing we found that the Strider 12 Sport was less well suited to any surface that wasn’t pavement. Overall, the Banana GT Balance Bike seems to be a great investment for parents looking for a high-end, no-pedal bike for their little ones. The Guardian Balance Bike was a surprise hit during our 2023 testing round, as the preschoolers in the group fought over riding it.

Strider Classic: A true classic that doesn’t disappoint, the Strider is a solid bike if you need additional room for your child to grow into it. Many “budget” balance bikes are poorly designed and have such cheap construction that they fall apart quickly. Terms and conditions of warranties vary depending on the product, so please consult your owner's guide of the manufacturer directly for clarification.Please note: Manufacturers can sometimes change the specification of the products from time to time.

The Guardian bike’s handbrake is unique among balance bikes in that it slows both the front and back wheels. Like the Guardian Balance Bike, the Woom 1 also has a steering limiter, which in this case is little more than a strap and a thick O-ring bushing that prevents the rider from making jarring and potentially over-the-handlebar stops. This braking system slows both the front and back wheels, teaching children how to both balance and slow down without using their feet, which is an ideal precursor for riding a pedal bike.They loved the flashy design, easy-to-grip handlebars, low stand-over height, and well-constructed handbrake, which slows both the front and back wheels, a feature we didn’t find on any other bike we tried. At the time of purchase for this review, the Banana Bike LTF was also NOT listed as “LTF” on the listing (it just said “banana bike”), but was branded as “LTF” on the box and instructions. All you need to do is attach the handlebars; well-made online videos can direct you if you run into issues.

Plus, the GT Bike comes with a new premium ultra-comfy durable seatpost, extra safe grips, and 12″ inflatable durable air tires.If that seat-to-bar distance is too great, the child will be hunched over and placing too much weight on the handlebars. Featuring a stand-over height of 10 inches and a remarkable seat-height range of 15 to 22 inches, the 14x Sport weighs 12. are flared from the seat tube, which firstly allows the tyres to be wider but also keeps feet away from the wheels. With a Master's Degree in Marketing from Northwestern University, Carrie left the corporate world behind to dedicate her career to testing and improving kids' bikes and bike products. That gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike on their own because they can learn to stop without dragging their feet on the ground.

All clothing, any fabrics (including seat covers and seat pads), rain and dust covers, tires, and PVC items. Our top pick from Guardian (left) and our upgrade pick from Woom both feature a 7-inch stand-over height, a handbrake, and a steering limiter. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH).The Woom 1 balance bike doesn’t compromise on anything: It offers simple assembly, solid parts, and ideal geometry. The bike is designed to help teach your children how to balance and steer, which are essential skills for riding a bike. If your kid is close to being ready for a pedal bike and is tall: Trek’s Precaliber 12 was one of the more robust bikes we tried, and like the Strider 14x Sport, it converts from a balance bike to a pedal bike with just a bit of work. The biggest change from the last version of the GT banana bike is the upgrade we've made to the headset.