Which bike is best? Wood or metal? Which size bike will fit my child?

 

At Balance Bikes Canada, we are available to answer your questions and find which bike is best for your child.  We have tested each brand we sell with toddlers and preschoolers to make sure it passes our kid testing and we will not carry a brand that our own demo riders do not love.

 
These balance bikes are all based on the concept that teaches children how to balance first and make the transition to ride a two-wheeled bike without the need for training wheels. The bicycles have no pedals and the bike works by having your child walk, run, and glide with the bike. When your child is ready, he or she will be able to move-up to a pedal bike without the usual falls, bumps and scrapes that come with the traditional method of removing training wheels on a two-wheeled bike. 

The chart below will provide you with some comparing information to help in your selection.  One of the most important features to ensure proper fit is to measure your child's inseam  and make sure it is long enough for the starting end of the bike.   The chart below lists starting height in inches. 

Bike Models and Sizing
	Model	Material	Wheel size	Wheel type	Bike weight	Max child weight	Seat height	Warranty	CAD MSRP Price
	Strider	Metal	12"	EVA Polymer	6.4 lbs (4.9 lbs for Pro)	60 lbs	11 - 16" up to 19" with XL post	2 years	$139.00
	Mini Glider	Metal	12"	EVA Polymer	8 lbs	100 lbs	12" - 17.5"	Lifetime	$159.00
	Go Glider 16"	Metal	16"	Air	10 lbs	125 lbs	16" - 25"	Lifetime	$199.00
	Strider 16	Metal	16"	Air	17 lbs	187 lbs	19.5" -25"	2 years	$299.00
	B-Bip by Mamma Cangura	non-toxic plastic	12"	Plastic	6.7 lbs	60 lbs	13" - 17"	3 years	$149.00
	Kinderbike Laufrad	Metal	12"	Air	9 lbs	75 lbs	13-17"	Lifetime	$129.00
	KinderBike Mini	Metal	12"	Air	9 lbs	75 lbs	11-15.5"	Lifetime	$129.00
	Kazam	Metal	12"	Air	9.9 lbs	60 lbs	14 - 17.5"	2 years	$145.00
	Runners Speeders	Metal	12"	EVA and A Series - Air	6.7 lbs	80 lbs	12-17"	2 years	$110 / $115 (A Series)
	Runners Ultralight	Aluminium	12"	Air	7.9 lbs	80 lbs	13.5-18"	2 years	$139.00
	Runners Junior (1-2.5 years)	Wood	10"	Plastic	3.6 lbs	60 lbs	11-12.5"	1 year	$89.95
	LIKEaBIKE Mountain	Wood	12.5"	Air	7.7 LBS	165 LBS	12.5" - 16" XL up to 17.2"	2 Years	$319.00
	LIKEaBIKE Mini	Wood	12.5"	Air	7.7 LBS	80 LBS	11.5" - 14.5"	2 Years	$329.00
	LIKEaBIKE Jumper	Metal	12"	Air	7.5 LBS	100 LBS	13.4 - 18.5"	2 Years	$289.00
	Prince Lionheart	Wood	12 "	Air	10 lbs	75 lbs	12 - 16"	1 year	$139.99
	Prince Lionheart Chop / Whirl	Wood	12 "	Air	10 lbs	75 lbs	15 " -18 "	1 Year	$149.99
	Runners/ Princess/Police	Wood	12 "	Air	9.5 lbs	65 lbs	12.5" -16.5"	1 year	$139.00
	Wishbone Wood Recycled Edition	Wood	12"	Air	8.4 lbs 10.4 lbs	65 lbs	11” -18” 9" - 20"	1 year	$239.00
	FirstBike	Composite	12"	Air	7.5 lbs	75 lbs	13.5 - 17.5 ( with lowering kit 12")	5 year	$199.00+

 

This chart shows our recommendations based on demo riders.

Balance Bikes Canada Recommendations (some new models still under review, chart to be updated accordingly)

Age/Clothing size

Strider

Firstbike

Strider16

Kinder

LIKEaBIKE

Prince Lionheart

Wishbone

Mini Glider

B-Bip

Kazam

Runners

Go Glider

18 mos - 2.5 yrs (2T or smaller)

X

X (Mini only)

X (Mini only)

X

2.5 yrs - 3 Yrs (2T - 3T)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

3.5 yrs - 4 yrs (3T - 4T)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

4 to 5 yrs (4T - 5T)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

5 1/2 - 10 yrs (6T and up)

X

X

Please note for ages 2.5 and under, we recommend the Strider Classic or Sport as a first bike it is the lightest of all the brands, has a low seat height and is easy to carry.

If you prefer a wood model, we recommend the Wishbone 3-in-1 as it starts off as a trike.