*Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.*
Although I don’t have an official Holiday Gift Guide here on Listen to Lena, avid readers will take note of this post title and rub their hands with glee. Why? Because my “Put a Bow on It” series highlights some of my favourite gift giving ideas, and often, you can win them right here!
If you’ve got kiddos, chances are you’ve heard of the Strider Bike, available from Balance Bikes Canada. (And if you’re unfamiliar with the product, prepare to have your mind blown. Seriously.)
My first memory of learning to ride a bike was graduating from my Big Wheel to a small green two-wheeler, complete with rickety, hand-me-down training wheels. How I hated the “thump-thump-thump” of the wheels as I zoomed over the sidewalk, and couldn’t wait to learn how to balance on my own. While I can’t remember exactly how long the transition took, I do remember wanting to feel like a big girl – hey, even at 5 years old, I was embarrassed by my ride.
Ryder is now 4 years old, and until recently, showed little interest in riding a bike. (I blame the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Escalade in our garage, ha ha!) But, as he grew older and grew taller, I began thinking that maybe it was time to force the issue, because I didn’t want him to fall behind – even if it was just at play. My husband, bless his heart, was worried about what the neighbours would think because he was too old to be sporting training wheels.
“Ha!” I scoffed. “There’s no such thing as training wheels anymore! We’ll just get him a Balance Bike.”
Don’t know about Balance Bikes? Let me introduce you to their most popular model – the Strider ST-3 No-Pedal Balance Bike. “Give your kids a head start on learning balance and control of a two-wheeler! The Strider PRE-bike eliminates the need for a tricycle or training wheels and offers your child a vehicle he or she can have a blast riding for years. The Strider develops muscles, coordination, motor skills, and endurance… all under the guise of sheer fun!”
Here’s what makes it AWESOME:
Balance Bikes Canada generously sent one our way for review (and relief – finally, Ryder is on a bike!). Since he is on the taller side for a 4 year old, we also needed the Extra-Long Seatpost with Saddle. The seatpost extends the saddle height another 3″ to a maximum of 19″ from the ground.
Well, I wish I could say that we reviewed the item over weeks and had interesting tales to tell, but the truth is, Ryder got the balance thing down pat in a matter of days. DAYS, folks! (I’m pretty sure I was in training wheels for months.) The Strider bike offers a low center of gravity and the ability to place both feet on the ground, which made Ryder feel much more in control. Because he was allowed to push alongside the bike, find his rhythm and finally, have the confidence to balance his feet on the footrests, it allowed for a safe, secure and empowering bike riding experience! At last, I can honestly say that Balance Bikes are worth the hype – every child should learn to ride a bike this way.
And off he goes. I must admit that my husband did most of the “coaching” – I simply asked him, So can he ride a bike yet? And he said… “Yes”. At first I thought he was joking, because I was certain he had only taken him out a handful of times. Turns out, that’s all he needed!
More nice-to-know features:
Super lightweight at less than 7 pounds.
Unique frame design has integrated footrests for gliding.
Puncture-proof all-terrain tires with sealed bearings and 5/16″ steel axles. Tires never need inflating!
Durable welded steel frame and handlebars.
2 year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Adjustable handlebar and seat height fits riders from 30″ to 44″ tall.
Optional XL seat post increases maximum seat height to 19 inches for taller riders.
Paint certified to be significantly below the CA Prop. 65 limits for heavy metal content, including lead.
Optional foot brake available.
No need for tippy training wheels on a tall, heavy pedal bicycle or a tricycle with terrible pedal leverage ratios.
Rider weight limit of 60 pounds.
The Strider Bike retails for $129.00 at Balance Bikes Canada and is worth every penny. Now that Ryder has mastered the art of balance, we’ll be passing it along to little Reid – who at 2 years old is the perfect age to start learning!
Click here to visit Balance Bikes Canada.
WIN IT!
One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a Strider ST-3 No-Pedal Balance Bike (value $129.00). Alternatively, you may choose a $100 gift card to put towards the bike of your choice at Balance Bikes Canada. Simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
looks amazing for balance
I think they are really cool!
My son got one of these last spring and had the same experience. He was riding it within a couple of days and at age 3! I truly believe this played a huge role in building his confidence because this summer he learned to ride his two-wheeler without the training wheels. I was amazed!
I’ve heard of Balance Bikes and think it’s great bike for a child to learn how to ride a bike on. Very safe!
I have never heard of these, but what a wonderful idea!
I have never seen or heard of them until now! They look to be an absolutely wonderful idea! This would sure come in handy next summer when my son will be starting to learn how to ride :)
Wow! Never heard of them – my 4 yo son would love one of these – I remember being on training wheels and then having them taken off..the freedom!
our friends have one and love it…would be an awesome gift for my boys.
My now 4 year old would love this bike…we bike everywhere in the summer and he would feel like such a big boy!
haven’t heard of them before, but look wonderful
No this is the first I have heard of them but look awesome!
Our friend’s kid has one, and he has mastered the “real” bike quickly, leaving our son in the dust. Pretty amazing.
I think it’s great for the kids to find their balance.
This would be perfect for my 3 year old daughter! A friend of mine told me about balance bikes and I think they’re a great idea!
My son sure could use one of these! I think they are great!
I have never heard of Balance Bikes . But,they look cool to win one.
My nephew used one and I was completely amazed at what he could do on it.
what a great idea, I have a niece this would be perfect for
No, I haven’t ever seen or heard of these bikes before but what a fab idea! My husband and I were looking for a great starter bike for our 4 yr. old son and this would really fit the bill. Thanks for posting…would be great to win!
Thanks, Lisa
My nephew would LOVE this!!!!
Havent heard of them but they look awesome
I hadn’t heard of them but think they would really build the childs confidence up and be so much fun!
I have heardof them but never saw one in action. They seem like a great way to give a kid confidence with balance
I’ve heard of them and I think they’re awesome!
Fantastic idea – and what a great looking bike!
I’ve heard of them and seen a cousin’s child on one, but my children have never tried them out. Looks neat!
Love this bike! Aidan struggled, and only learned how to ride without training wheels at age 6. This would be awesome for Josh! Ryder looks so big on the bike!!
This bike sounds amazing!! thank you so much for the info..my soon to be 4 yr old would love it. Poor guy seems to always tip the bike when turning. Def have to look into something like this!
Thanks so much for this giveaway! It definitely sounds great and safe for kids! :)
I have heard of them.. awesome idea! mine still need to get off the training wheels!
This is amazing!!! Wish they had it when I was a kid.
I have heard of these bikes. Great for balance and as a starter bike. I am considering getting my son one of these.
I’ve heard and seen these bikes. I think they are great! The kid around the block that has it goes along with his family for bike rides all the time and he looks no older than 4.
I’ve heard of them, and they sound like a great idea for teaching kids to balance.
Love them!
WOuld love for my faughter to try one out.
I have heard and seen the balance bikes at our local park. The kids looks like they are having lots of fun on them.
I’ve never seen this bike before, but I’m positive my 3 year old son would love it!
I’d never heard of this type of bike before but it looks pretty cool. I wish there was something like this for grownups. I still don’t know how to ride a bike :(
Never heard of it, but it looks cool.
I have heard of them but have not seen one. This would be fantastic as a gift for our grandchildren. If I was to win this it sure would help as money is more than tight this year.
Thank you.
I have never seen balance bikes but would love the chance for my kids to try one … they look like lots of fun and great way to teach kids to ride a bike!
I have a 3 and 4 yr old and both of them would love this!
Wow this is really neat!! I have a few nephews that will really like this!!!!!
I would love to get one for my Son who is having a difficult time learning to ride a bike
My friend had nothing but rave reviews about this bike for her little ones!
My son just turned 3 and I think he would really benefit from learning how to ride a bike with the balance bike. I’ve heard of the balance bike before but have never tried it with my son.
I have heard of them they seem like a really great idea for little ones not able to master the coordination of peddling.
I loooove the Pink Princess Bike for my girl. These are awesome. We’ll get one for her next year
My daughter has a balance bike (different brand), but we would love to get a Strider for my son. I like that it has foot rests.
I would love one of these for my son!!
What a great giveaway! These bikes are so great for learning to ride!
This would be perfect for our daughter. She’s a late learner too.
I really love these bikes and wish I would have had one for my older daughter who is 8, and still does not have the confidence to ride a bike. I now have a daughter who will be 3 in March 2013 I wanted to buy her one for xmas this year but we just dont have the budget to do it. They do have cheaper ones out there, but they have plastic wheels, which I am not fond of.
I have heard of them, but have not seen them before. I think they’re a great idea for kids to build their confidence in riding a bike without training wheels.
I work in a childcare centre; we are always on the lookout for used or on-sale balance bikes for the preschoolers to use in the playground. We believe in providing children with the materials they need to gain new skills on their own, at their pace, without interference from adults, and balance bikes are perfect for that.
never actually saw one but heard they are great
I have heard of them, I think they are fantastic
Yes – I’ve heard of them and after seeing my cousin’s child riding around on one I would love to get one for my youngest son!
I have never heard of them but I think they are great!
First time seeing them! Look neat!
My son got one of these as a hand-me-down from a family friend when he was 1 and a half… he was riding down hills by himelf by the time he was 2… it looked funny seeing such a little kid riding a bike! But he did it… never had a tricycle and will probably go straight to a peddle bike w/o training wheels… These bikes are AMAZING! Would love to win one for my nephew! Thanks
Heard about them but have never seen them but they look cool!
I seen one in action and it looked like fun!
This is a great bike! I would love one for my grandson.
hadn’t heard of them but they look cool
my neighbours son has one and it’s great to see him in action. He scoots around with his big sisters…no problem
i had never heard of these before but i have 2 boys and neither can ride without training wheels yet so this sounds perfect!
i’ve seen balance bikes before. love them!
commented: http://listen2lena.wpengine.com/2012/11/these-kozies-are-kind-of-crazy.html
I have seen that they are very popular and can see how they would be great to naturally develop balance for children.
I have seen balance bikes before and my daughter had one and it really helped with her balance – it was an easy transition to regular bike without training wheels.
I have heard all great things about these balance bikes!! My daughter would love this!
I have heard of them and think they are a great idea.
Have heard of them and seen my neighbor boy with one…think my boy would LOVE it for this next summer:)
This is the first that I’ve heard of them. I wish I had them back in the day so that I didn’t have to scrape my face against the concrete while learning. The kids would love this though. I’m too scared to let them go off on two wheelers still.
This is my 1st time hearing about Balance Bikes and I love them!!!
never heard of them, but it looks cute!
A couple of my son’s little friends have one, and they are AMAZING. I figured it was just another one of those things when I first saw them, but Balance Bikes proved me wrong. I’d love to win one for my son for Christmas – this would be very useful for him!
I’ve definitely heard of these incredible bikes.. Would love to have one for my youngest girl.. she is 2 and our oldest daughter was an early rider (riding without training wheels by 4yrs old).. so we saw this bike in action and thought what a fantastic way to introduce our youngest to riding with confidence! Would love to win one of these.. :)
I think they are a great idea.
I heard about them years ago from someone who grew up in Germany. She said that’s just how they learned. They look awesome!
My son hasnt had much experience with bike riding…and he is 8. I would love to be able to give him this opportunity.
Never heard about this. But would like to win for my daughter.
Goodness, this is exactly what we are looking for! Love this! My daughter is turning 4 and just loves bike riding. Her current bike is just a bit too small, so this would fit perfectly. Great contest!
Great gift idea for my 4 year old daughter. She also has an Escalade and a bike with training wheels. But prefers the motorized vehicle :)
I had heard of them & I think they sound like a really neat idea!
No I have never heard of them before, I think it’s great and my niece would love it very much!
this is the first time i’ve heard of this. I wish they had it when i was small!
I have never seen them or heard of them before – but they look great!
My 3 1/2 year old would like this. Imagine not having to go through training wheels. She could one-up her big sister.
My grandson would love this.
I’ve heard of balance bikes but I’ve never had the opportunity to watch a kidlet use one in person!
thanks
left a comment here (there was no space in my rafflecopter form today)
http://listen2lena.wpengine.com/2012/11/foodie-friday-the-gift-of-rice-krispies.html#comment-129460
i saw a kid use them in the park before. they look like a good bike to learn balancing
They are super cool bikes! Both my little nephews learned to ride on them
Very innovative.
First time I saw one I though the kid was riding a broken bike! Lol
I get them, and I actually believe it can work as described, but would it kill the manufacturer to make a set of pedals that can fit on after the kid gets the balance part down pat? Then it could actually be a bike with some longevity beyond the training period.
I heard of Balance Bikes and think that they would be a great beginner bike.
I’ve never seen one but it sounds like a great idea.
What a great way for someone to learn how to balance on a bike.
Preparing for a new baby boy. I think this would be great.
etaching a child balance is very important for riding a regular bike
Nice that it only weighs 7 pounds.
i have not heard of them before
im very interested in them though
i have seen a few around, they look really good to help the new bikers to have balance
first time of hearing about the balance bikes they look really cool
I have heard of them before. I like the Optional XL seat post and adjustable handle bars.
commented 11/22 here: http://listen2lena.wpengine.com/2012/11/toons-for-toddlers-its-chugginton.html
Never seen one but it looks like a marvellous way to teach young to balance on a bike.
I have heard of them before. I like that they are lightweight
No! never heard of Balance Bikes before! Love that they have wide handles for toddlers! and adjustable seat
Nice idea but hard to justify the price.
never heard of them but i would love to own one for our babyboy!
Interesting concept.
What an interesting product! My son is 3 and will be starting to ride a bike in the near future–this may be something I need to look into!
Never heard of them. I like it since it is light weight.
I’ve heard of these but didn’t give them too much thought till I read this post. I think my giant 2 yo son would love to have one.
I can’t wait for my kids to try one of these!
i have heard of these before.they liik like a safr bike to me
I have not heard of these bikes before……but I like what I see……BALANCE!
This product might save many scrapes and bruises like we all got trying to learn how to ride a bucycle.
My oldest son had one of these and got his balance so quickly- he never needed a bike with training wheels! Awesome!
Would have saved me some nasty falls as a child.
This is an amazing tool to help children find their independance, while learning a valuable skill . . . balance!
This bike is new to me. I like the adjustable handlebar and seat height. This would make a great gift for my 4 year old godson!
My neices and nephews have 5 little ones that could use this bike.
No, I had never heard of balance bikes before. I like that the tires never need inflating.
Seems like a cool bike. It would be an awesome gift for my nephew!
I wonder how the foot brake works – I got the impression this bike was for balance and did not ride.
These are such a smart invention! Wish I’d thought of it! I guess the next best thing would be to have one for my little one!
I have heard of them before, my favourite part is it teaching children balance…I saw one during the summer months and wondered what the heck, and Ive been seeing them ever since then popping up everywhere
This is so unique
My daughter just turned 5 and she wants to bike so bad but is having a lot of difficulties. I saw this and saw balance… and I need to try one these out to see if it can help her learn to ride!
My nephew had one and it was really interesting to watch him learn to ride with it. He transitioned easily to a pedal bike with no training wheels and was riding when he was 3!
– Dawn
I have heard of them before. I think they’re a great idea and I love how stylish and non-baby it looks!
I had not heard of these before. They are quite cute!
I’m thinking this could be used indoors do they little ones can be ready to ride when spring arrives.
Kids can get so much confidence learning to balance inside and show off their skills by being able to ride withour training wheels outside.
haven’t heard of them before, but they look great
1st time seeing them and they are so amazing
Yes, I have heard of them, and I think they’re a great transition before becoming a bike rider :)
I seen one for the first time last week, they look awesome and as soon as my son seen it he wanted one. My son has issues with balancing so this would be a fun way for him to work on it.
The lightweight makes it easy for the younger children to use.
I have never seen or heard of them until now but it seems like the bike is very appealing towards kids.
I love that it is so light weight
Great for balance. Can’t wait to see this in action
I have heard of them.. I think my daughter would love this
I have heard of balance bikes before. That would be awesome if they could help my boys figure out their balance on a bike!