Testers praise the simplicity and effectiveness of Guardian’s SureStop braking system. It allows young riders to activate both brakes with one lever.
Reviewers praise “top-notch components” a sturdy build, and
“exceptional durability”.
A tester describes a “fun and natural ride”.
One tester commends the Balance Bike’s “widely adjustable” 12.5”-16” seat height.
Air-filled tires provide “great traction and cushioning”.
At 8.5lb, it’s light, weighing about the same as comparable bikes with no brakes.
A kids’ bike pundit likes the Balance Bike’s “cute”, colorful, and kid-friendly design.
It comes in 3 colorways, one with polka dots.
Experts say the Balance Bike fits kids in 2T-3T pants, with a 12.5″-14″ inseam. Guardian recommend it for ages 18 months to 4 years.
Experts laud “dialed-in, kid-friendly geometry”.
An expert admires how the long wheelbase enhances the Balance Bike’s stability.
A removable turning limiter stops the Balance Bike from ‘flopping over’.
A reviewer says the saddle is comfortable, plush and appropriately sized.
Reviewers say assembly is straight-forward, using the provided video and labeling.
Parents and testers like the easy-to-use quick-release seatpost clamp & lever.
The Balance Bike is competitively priced, next to similar options.
One tester says the Balance Bike’s adjustable brake levers are easy to reach.
The Balance Bike’s wheel bolts are rounded, to protect riders’ legs.
For one tester, the best feature of the Balance Bike is its low standover height.

5 reasons not to buy

One expert notes a lower-than-usual maximum seat height.
A tester is disappointed that the Balance Bike’s handlebar can’t be raised.
Some test-riders made contact with the rear brake or brake cable when pedaling.
One tester is upset that the Balance Bike won’t fit the very smallest riders.
One 2 y/o test-rider was too short for the Balance Bike. A 3 y/o test-rider had trouble reaching the brake.

Bottom line

Guardian Bikes use the SureStop braking system. It enables riders to operate both brakes by pulling one lever. Balance Bike reviewers say this system is "fast, easy, and effective”. One went so far as to say it provides, “…superior braking power for athletic and aggressive preschoolers”. Whoa. Testers say their own children easily moved on to pedal bikes after riding the Balance Bike. One reviewer believes that room for growth is limited, due to limited handlebar adjustability and maximum seat height. Interestingly, another reviewer notes a “widely-adjustable seat-height” as a plus. Some saw the bike as heavy, while others called it “lightweight”.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

84/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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Two Wheeling Tots

Level 4 expert

Guardian Balance Bike Review

Level 4 expert

The Guardian Balance Bike is one of the best quality balance bikes on the market. It quickly impressed our testers and their parents. The Balance Bike offers great performance paired with exceptional durability. Our 6 toddler testers loved the smooth and speedy ride…

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Rascal Rides

Level 3 expert

Guardian Balance Bike Review:
Teach Your Child to Balance AND Brake!

Level 3 expert

If you are deciding on your child’s first balance bike, this is one of the best options. With the wide rider age range, SureStop braking system, and lightweight design, it would be difficult to find a more suitable option. The goal with this design is to have your child stop more effectively, and that is exactly what is achieved.

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Kids Ride Bikes

Level 1 expert

Guardian Balance Bike Review

Level 1 expert

The Guardian is an incredibly unique Balance Bike that is perfect for older toddlers… It is well worth the cost if you plan to introduce them to a balance bike and want a quick transition to a pedal bike later. However, if you have a younger, smaller toddler in the 1.5—2-year-old range this may not be the bike for you.

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Benjamin Mackenzie

Level 1 expert

Guardian Bikes Balance Bike Review
| Premium Quality, Safety, and Durability

Level 1 expert

The Guardian Bikes Balance Bike exceeded my expectations. The frame feels very rugged, the tires look great, and all of the components seem premium quality which, with this bike having a premium price tag, would be an expectation. We gave this to our 2-year-old as a gift… he was off and riding within just a couple of minutes.

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Bring The Kids

Level 1 expert

Guardian Bikes Balance Bike Review

Level 1 expert

…with air filled tires and the hand brake, it makes a great (and fast) transition into a pedal bike. Probably our favorite feature was the stepover height. Most other balance bikes that we’ve tried have a higher stepover… the hand brake and the slightly heavier frame seem to be best suited to bigger kids in the 2-3 year old range.

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