An expert approves of the Cub Plus 2’s “kid-friendly” geometry.
The Cub Plus 2 boasts air-filled rubber tires for improved comfort, shock-absorbance and grip.
These rubber tires allow little ones to ride safely on mild gravel, grass and dirt.
The hand-operated rear V-brake helps train young riders for a pedal bike.
The Cub Plus has a low minimum seat height of 11.5”, to fit kids from 18 months.
Adjustable handlebars allow the Cub Plus 2 to be resized alongside growing riders.
A 23.5” wheelbase gives little riders plenty of stability and arm room.
One reviewer recommends the Cub Plus 2 for “jumping off curbs”.
An expert sees the Cub Plus 2 as a great value, especially for a bike that includes a hand brake.
The Cub Plus 2 features a real, steel, threaded headset.
With an aluminum frame, the Cub Plus 2 will outlast rust-prone steel options.
With a padded saddle, riders retain comfort even after shedding diapers.
The Cub Plus 2 features grippy, soft grips with large bumper ends to protect child and bike, in the event of a fall.

4 reasons not to buy

Young test-riders struggled to engage the Cub Plus 2’s hand brake.
At 8.7 lb, the Cub Plus 2 is heavier than a number of similarly priced bikes.
With 3.5” of seat height range, the Cub Plus 2 will be outlasted by bikes offering 5”.
A tester found the Cub Plus 2’s minimum handlebar height to be too tall for the smallest riders.

Bottom line

The Cub Plus 2 is Retrospec’s premium balance bike. Pneumatic rubber tires provide grip when cutting corners, and cushioning while riding over mixed terrain or dropping curbs. Lo, a hand brake! It’s not something you see on a lot of balance bikes and it’s an excellent aid in training kids toward their first pedal bike. Both the seatpost and handlebar are adjustable. However, a tester says the Cub Plus 2’s minimum handlebar height is too high for shorter kids that fit the bike’s impressively-low minimum seat height. Young testers did not find the brake easy to engage. With it’s well-thought-out geometry and ‘budget-plus’ build, the Cub Plus 2 is an affordable balance bike option that allows for toddlers to ride to their potential.

Expert Reviews

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Two Wheeling Tots

Level 4 expert

Retrospec Cub Balance Bike Review

Level 4 expert

The Cub Plus steps it up with air tires and a handbrake. It offers amazing value for the price point. The air tires make it better suited for toddlers adventuring through varied terrains as well as taking on small jumps. The brake lever is certainly stiffer and harder for kids to pull compared to higher-end balance bikes.

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