Strider 12 Pro

100/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Gearing Type
Weight
5.60 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Strider 12 Pro. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

15 reasons to buy

  • At 5.6lb, the 12 Pro was light enough for an 18 month old child to lift and carry.
  • The 12 Pro’s ‘performance’ footrest had a wide area for feet to rest on.
  • Maneuverability was increased, due to the lighter aluminum frame.
  • Narrow grips with large ends are comfortable and stop little hands sliding off.
  • The 12 Pro’s light weight allowed kids to move faster than on steel models.
  • An aluminum frame boosted rust-resistance over that of steel models.
  • After using a 12 Pro, some children trained onto pedal-bikes within minutes.
  • The 12 Pro was easy to put together with a single, included allen key.
  • A ‘pro-level’ race plate limits oversteer and bears an inspiring ‘number 1’.
  • The 12 Pro, like other Striders, was seen as a great way to improve balance.
  • Handlebar and seatpole adjustment was easy, using quick-release levers.
  • Solid foam tires were completely puncture-proof.
  • Owners said the 12 Pro was solid, standing up to drops and crashes.
  • Plenty of room for growth was offered, with included long and short seatposts.
  • Parents felt that the 12 Pro’s extra cost was well worth it for the weight savings over standard models.

6 reasons not to buy

  • Some owners felt the 12 Pro was overpriced.
  • A rear handbrake would increase security and assist training.
  • Shiny foam tires rolled with less traction and ease than inflatable alternatives.
  • The seat-tube, extending below the downtube, could catch on kids’ ankles.
  • More colors than just silver and special editions would have been nice.
  • Some parents were concerned that product registration required giving their children’s personal details.

Bottom line

The 12 Pro’s alloy frame and handlebars shave a reported 700g off the weight of the steel Classic and Sport models. It’s light enough for tots to pick up and turn around, by themselves. That’s very important, because learning toddlers tend to fall over and drop their bike, a lot. In order to avoid discouragement, after their umpteenth fail, it needs to be easy to pick back up. That means it’s also no trouble for parents to haul around. A spare seatpost offers 12cm of height adjustment for growing nippers. The handlebar and stem can be raised by 8cm. All of this is easily done with quick-release levers. Wide and grippy plastic platforms give kids somewhere to rest their feet while coasting. It is a decent price-hike over the Classic and Sport models, so you’ll need to weigh your priorities...

Expert Reviews

90/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
90
Cycling Weekly

Strider 12″ Pro Balance Bike

There are cheaper balance bikes on the market, but do bear in mind the weight. The heaviest ones can come in around 5kg, around half the weight of an average toddler. Imagine trying to pick that up or maneuver it…

Visit full review
90
Mountain Bike Rider

Strider Pro 12 Balance Bike Review

Of course all of this doesn’t come cheap… investing in a bike that will give them years of joy, and hopefully set them up for a lifetime of cycling, that’s money well spent.

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Elizabeth Pyo

Strider Pro Balance Bike Review

It’s super-duper light, lighter than any other balance bike that we have tried.

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The Mennonite Mom

Strider Bike – 2 Year Old Progression.

Our son just turned two and is already cruising all over the farm and having a grand time!

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The Dad Lab

Balance Bike: Strider 12 Pro

…it is a way to shortcut the traditional way of learning to ride a real bike… it is ultra light, making it super easy for him to handle.

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User Ratings

98/100 based on 342 ratings
  • 5 star
    94%
  • 4 star
    5%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

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Strider 12 Pro in comparison to averages

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