Balance Bike--Strider?

[cpapay]

*Update**

We went ahead and bought DD the Hotwalk today. We went to the bike store to "look" at them.....DD saw the bike and jumped right on and started walking around. Since myself and DH already own Specialized bikes DH was SOLD. =) We got the matching Specialized helmet to go with the bike.....too cute!!

carrie

Hello!

Since DH promised DD(2yrs old) that when winter was over and the robins returned we would look for a bike----She saw two robins yesterday....so now it is time to finally decide on a balance bike. We've looked at puky, glider rider and the Specialized Hot Walk. Today I came across the Strider bike---anyone have this bike or can comment on it?

http://www.stridersports.com/

Right now I'm a little stumped as to which bike we should buy. The Puky would have to come from Germany---and with the exchange rate it makes the bike more than I'd like to spend. I'm not totally sold on the Glider Rider---not sure why....and the HotWalk doesn't have a glide plate--which my DH thinks is important. Oh......for some reason DD wants a pink bike =)


Thanks is advance for your help!

carrie

[janeybwild]

Sorry, no help but I'm interested in them too. You may want to re-post this in the lounge for traffic.

[kcimato]

Love this bike. So glad you posted.

[LBW]

Hi Carrie,

Can you tell me how much the Hotwalk weighs? Also, can you measure from the ground to the top of the seat at the lowest setting?

I'm looking for a balance bike for my middle son - he's turning 2 in May. His older brother has a Puky XL, and I'm considering another Puky (the LR1), the Hotwalk, or the Strider. Thanks for the Strider link - I hadn't seen them before.

Thanks!

[cpapay]

The bike weighs approx 8.4lbs and the distance from the floor to the seat is about 13.25 inches. From looking at the Strider they quote 7lbs and 11 inches at the lowest seat height. My DD isn't able to sit on the seat of the Hotwalk and walk the bike yet, but she loves walking the bike around. Prior to going to the bike store my DD didn't have any experience with a ride on bike/trike. When we got the bike off the display she immediately wanted to start walking it around----I was happy to see how intuitive the bikes is.

On another note--I got an email from Strider today and they verified that the paint used in their bikes is certified to comply with California Prop 65 environmental standards. They also communicated their bikes are made in China by a manufacture who produces lots of the brand name bikes we see in America. The Specialized Hotwalk is also made in China. The Strider bike really intrigued me, they look like really fun bikes too.

HTH

carrie

[LBW]

Thanks so much! I emailed the Strider folks with some questions. I think our local bike shop carries the Hotwalk, so like you we might end up buying one because we'll be able to try it out.

Did you see this youtude video? It's the cutest thing ever!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hw8rl9EfDF0

[cpapay]

Oh my...that is the cutest! I can't wait until the weather really warms up and DD can start enjoying the bike!

carrie

[american_mama]

How much is the Hotwalk? I do know the brand Specialized is a big brand, but is it hard to find a bike store that carries the Hotwalk?

[cpapay]

The hotwalk was $130 at our local bike shop. We just called our local shop and they had the hotwalk in stock. If you find a shop that carries Specialized they should have it to look at.

HTH

carrie

[Pegster]

I've seen both the strider and the specialized and there is not comparison. The strider is junk. Get the specialized and it will last for a long time. It's worth paying the difference. The strider reviews from customers always mention it's cheap parts.

[niccig]

Don't worry about not having a foot rest for gliding. DS has a puky with a foot rest and he never put his feet on there. Now on a bike with pedals, he still takes his feet off the pedals and sticks them out in the air in different positions- he says he's doing tricks..

[DrSally]

I've seen both the strider and the specialized and there is not comparison. The strider is junk. Get the specialized and it will last for a long time. It's worth paying the difference. The strider reviews from customers always mention it's cheap parts.

I think it depends on what you're looking for. The Strider is a bit lower than the hotwalk, I believe, so better for a younger child. I think ours is plenty sturdy, given that DS will ride it for 2 years and DD will ride it for 2 years. The price difference wasn't worth it to me to get something that may be incrementally better.

[vonfirmath]

We just got the Hotwalk from the grandparents cause he saw it in a window and knew I wanted a walk-bike. (Had forgotten the Strider part, but it sounds like this is better -- and now I know its a good bike)

That You-tube is SO cute and made me cry and I can't wait to film our boy on his bike now.

Matching helmet eh?

How about pads for this age?