We just bought this for our 3yo son afte

We just bought this for our 3yo son after waiting for the Kinderbike Morph, but that hybrid is backordered and my son is longing for a new bike (his bday was last Nov and we kept putting off a purchase, thinking the Morph would be more ideal). Well, we love the Strider - it is so lightweight - over 2lbs lighter than the Kinderbike and it matters to a young rider. We just got the XL post seat too since our son is taller. The new 2012 model allows the user (ahem parent) to adjust both the handlebar and seat height which is great for adjustments on the 'go.' Thanks Strider and as always THANK YOU AMAZON After extensive research on the right balance bike for my 18 month old, I went with a red ST-3 Strider. While I didnt want to pay this kind of money, the expectation is she uses it for 3 years or so and when she is done with it she'll hop on a big-kid bike and ride away. My son, who is older can ride a bike fine now but he is still hesitent and that's because he started on training wheels and the transition is scarier.I first Spotted these balance bikes at a car show and was amazed at the kids ability to ride around on it so I started my research and was hooked on the idea.Primary reasons for choosing a Strider over the other manufacturers was that it's seat can go as low as 11", it has a steel frame, and the new ST-3 has the small grips. Given that this was being given to an 18 month old, the smaller the better. Reviews on various sites also helped seal the deal over the wooden bikes and some of thec omposites. I would've considered a kinderbike but besides their own website, they seem hard to find. The wooden ones Ive seen all look pretty beat up and more like a 'craft' instead of an actual bike. Their website marketing showing kids riding their striders like BMX bikes brought me in too, although it'll be a while before my little one does that!The bike itself is really tiny. The best way to tell this online is to watch the assembly video on their own website (an excrutiatingly boring video however). Its really light weight also which is good for someone so small to pick up off the ground, which she can. Assembly was easy, although I has to use a mallet to attach the quick release on the handlebar stem because its a little tight. Took about 5 minutes with the help of my 6 year old. More time to take all the packaging off than putting it together. The stem is attached to the handlebars directly, there is no neck clamp as in a traditional bike. I was a little worried about this since I thought maybe I wanted some adjustment backwards to make it easier to reach but the bike is tiny and really doesnt need this. Overall construction is fine (paint, weld points, bolts, screws etc seem to be of decent materials) but they could've sprung for some painted on 'Strider' emblems instead of the cheap stickers which I can see peeling off quickly. It would've added to the belief that $99 was worth spending on something so diminutive and simple. My sons Schwinn, complete with metal pedals, front, rear and pedal brakes cost about this and it's got 18 or 20" wheels on it, so a lot more material and engineering over this little bike. (That said his bike is all stickers too, but with orange flames and racing stripes on the seat!)The seat itself is a hard plastic, not like a standard bike seat which is cushioned. We'll see how the comfort of that is over time. She'll need to learn some new words first before she can express that though.My tiny 18 month old (girl) saw the bike and hopped right on and immediately started walking with it. She didn't want to get off. Its the reaction I was hoping for, so that's great. She is very small for her age but she can straddle the bike fine and the seat is as low as it can go. With shoes on she should be just right for it. She can reach the handlebars and the smaller grips of the ST-3 are definitely a good thing.The tires are interesting. They are a semi-soft-hardish solid plastic mold, not the inflatable kind. We'll see how long they last, but I doubt my tiny one can do anything to really mess them up.One thing I do wish Strider would do is let you customize the bike more on order. I would've ordered straight from their site (instead of amazon) had I been able to choose wheel colors, seats or handlebars to match the bike instead of the all black. They do let you configure it, but not actually buy it. The red on black is great though and I chose that over pink (for resale value, LOL) and in case she wanted to share with her boyfriends (LOL) who may not want to ride a pink bike.We'll see how she does with it over the next few days as these are first impressions. I am looking forward to seeing her balance with it. She really loves bikes and trikes and now that she has one her size, she's really going to get going.UPDATE (10/2012):So she didnt take to the bike as much as I thought she would gravitating more to her brothers old tricycle and scooter. She's maybe used it 10 times so far and only for short spurts of time before switching to somethign else. When she does get on the bike, and she is small for her <2 year old self, its really fun to watch. she sits on the seat and walks with the bike, holding the bars and not falling down. If she continues to use this, it wont be long before she lifts her feet and glides. She is getting a bit bigger and I may be adjusting the seat up from the absoute bottom.The reality is that just watching her a little bit I can see how this method of learning is far better than the training wheel one is. Any kid can learn to peddle once they reach the peddles but the kids in the neighborhood who learned on training wheels are 6-7-8 years old before they arent scared of tipping over anymore. MinsI bought 2 Strider bikes, directly from Strider sports. Blue and GreenThe bikes came unassembled, but the tool required for assembly is provided.It took maybe 10 minutes to figure out and put together.The boys were antsy, so we tried them out right away! They loved their new bikes, they mostly did the walk along, and a few "sits and feet pushes". Every day we go out they get better!I really love the idea behind the balance bike. Once kids learn to balance they can ride a two-wheeler, no need for training wheels!!! Pedaling takes a minute or less to learn. Besides, training wheels don't help "train" anything, but oh maybe how to pedal, go fast and fall down.What is more important in riding a bike? Pedaling, or balance? Balance...first step!I can already tell the difference with the Strider bikes.Before on their trikes, they never attempted to steer, or pedal, it was useless.Now, after a few days, they have already learned to steer, to turn, and avoid obstacles!UPDATE: Still loving the bikes. We even took them camping!After 4 months, my oldest is now going down hills and balancing with his feet up!!!!My 2yr old is getting there too, and gaining confidence! My daughter got this bike when she was 2, and was up on two wheels (no training wheels) at a very young 4. My son who is 2 1/2 is a pro at the balance bike. We are now looking for a bike to get him up on without training wheels, as he goes so fast on the Strider that he is now in need of brakes! The bike has held up extremely well and has accompanied us on many trips to the park and camping. I would by this bike all over again in a heartbeat!! This bike is great. On day 1 my 20 month old was able to "ride" it. He hasn't figured out the footrests to coast on his own yet but give it some time. Most kids this age don't have the leg muscles to pedal a regular bike unless theyre going down hill anyway so why even bother. This bike helps the child learn to balance and avoid obstacles first without having to wonder when they're ready for training wheels to come off. You can immediately see them learning to balance with the bike just by trying to mount or dismount. It builds independence and eliminates that false sense of security with training wheeled bikes. Of course you will not be able to go on "family ride" with a Strider bike, but a 2 yo shouldn't be doing that anyway. My son who's now 5yo learned how to ride a regular bike by the time he was 2.5yo thanks to this bike. I love it. Now my daughter who's only 18 months already tries to get on it and she's actually pretty good considering she's so young. This bike will help yet another child to ride a bike. Thank you STRIDER!!! First, the page for the previous version made it seem like the bike was intended for older children (i.e. not my 20 month old), however, the actual box labels it as 18 months old plus. Assembly is easy since there isn't really any aside from attaching the front wheel/handlebar assembly. My daughter managed to pick it up right away (initially she just wanted to 'walk' it standing to the side using the handle bars, but after about 15 minutes, I convinced her to try walking straddling the seat), and he's been riding this around our back yard loving it ever since. The only thing I would change about this bike is the tires- it's great that they'll never go flat, but I would prefer tubed tires that I can over-inflate for her on grass. Debating between the KinderBike and the Strider ST-3 PreBike... and it came down to availability (the KinderBike has been trying to get the 2012 version out since Christmas as best as I can tell and it's now June 1st! I couldn't wait for possibly a better bike).The Strider ST-3 PreBike has new hand grips that are perfect for my 2-year-old (he a small one 5th %) the super low adjustment down to 11-inch was needed for him, and the bikes weight of 6.8 lbs is the lightest balance bike which is barely light enough for the little guy. My 4-year-old loves her bike too so light she can man handle it and has taken to riding it soo much she refuses to ride the tricycle now!Definitely worth the $99! The kids LOVE them! I ordered the Strider for my 2 1/2 year old son after we bought him his first balance bike, a Raleigh Lil Push. There's nothing wrong with the Raleigh, but it was a little bit too big for him as the seat is a bit wider and doesn't lower as much as the Strider.When he got his Strider for the first time I could tell he was a lot more comfortable with the lower seat position and slimmer seat. We both dig that the bike has footrests, I esp like that the handlebars and seat can be adjusted by a clamp instead of an allen wrench.The concept of teaching a child to balance before pedaling is genius! We'll never use training wheels to teach our children how to ride a bike. The Strider is a solid product and I highly recommend it! I happened to find one of these at a yard sale and snatched it up for my son when he was 4. He had already been struggling with a typical toddler bike with training wheels, and we decided we wanted to try something else, so we bought the Strider. He was a little awkward for the first few days, but within a week he was riding at quite a decent clip and even lifting his feet up for a few seconds here and there. By the end of the summer he could coast for long periods of time on the bike with his feet up on the footrest. We were absolutely AMAZED, and he was SO PROUD of himself. You should have seen the huge grin he'd have on his face as he'd yell, "Mommy, watch this!!" and put his feet up and coast down a long hill.When we transitioned him to a bigger bike at the beginning of this summer, he completely skipped over the "training wheels" stage. He just got on the 16" bike, we gave him a couple of tips on how to get started, and off he went, riding like a pro. We then gave the Strider bike to his younger sister, who is 2 and extremely petite for her age. She immediately loved it. Not only did it make her feel like she was riding a "real bike" like her brother, but she could learn at her own speed.She has literally had it for three months now, and she is riding like a complete pro. She's still 2, by the way...we now have a 2-year old cruising down long hills with her feet up and strangers looking at her like she's a complete genius. The bike holds up AMAZINGLY well, is incredibly light to carry (my 2-year old can pick it up and get on it all by herself...all she needs us for is to fasten her helmet!) and it has given her a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. She and her brother chase each other around in the driveway now, and she, on her Strider, is able to go nearly as fast as her brother on his regular bike.I've heard some people express concern that the bike has no brakes, but seriously...it doesn't need them. The child's feet are so easily moved from resting position to "running position," that my children could always stop in a millisecond if they needed to. I think it would actually be MORE complicated with brakes, because it would just add one more thing to think about. If the child needs to stop, he puts his feet down. Done. Bike stopped. And this is instinctual for the children, so you can be confident they will be able to successfully stop.Seriously, this is a groundbreaking invention for children. I wish I had thought of it, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Don't go for the look-alike brands...get the real thing. It will last you through several kids and still look and perform great. In fact, I accidentally ran over the original I had purchased from the thrift shop with my minivan, and even though it still looked okay at first glance, the bike frame was bent and so my daughter couldn't balance. She was absolutely devastated. I told my husband that I didn't care how much the thing cost at regular retail...we were replacing it. My daughter was overjoyed when her new bike was delivered, and she uses it literally EVERY DAY.I cannot speak highly enough about this product. It completely eliminates all those worrisome days of trying to teach your kid to balance without training wheels and fretting that they're going to get seriously injured. With the Strider, the child learns on his own, and you just get to sit back and watch the progress with pride.This is an AMAZING PRODUCT. In my opinion, if you would like you child to be able to ride a bike sometime soon, get him or her one of these NOW. It will save you a lot of stress and headaches in the long run, and both you and you child will be beaming with pride.Thank you, Strider!!! sram pg 1070 cassette 10 tufo 700x32 primus tubular tire world jerseys retro usa 1956 rockshox sektor rl dual position mongoose crossway 125 comfort bike gore bike wear womens contest nirve cherry blossom ladies 3 the original big wheel 16 uvex xp 100 bicycle helmet pearl izumi mens launch kicker pearl izumi mens elite barrier thule fit kit for 400xt look keo blade pedals carbon race face atlas fr direct diamondback womens 2012 airen 1 shimano ultegra di2 sm ew67 castelli sottile jacket transparent m wheels manufacturing assorted hub cone cannondale midweight long sleeve jersey cannondale race tape short sleeve race face turbine 3x10 ring sta tru black high flange tms 4 bike swing down assos fi mille_s5 bibshort w allen sports single child steel castelli 201213 womens rosso corsa nirve sunflower 1 speed bicycle elite parabolic indoor roller bicycle deda zero 100 44cm black tagalong pet bicycle basket bike m wave child luggage bicycle canari cyclewear mens pro elite poc index air adjustable glove diamondback 2012 response mountain bike tsg 12 evolution special makeup thule 1571 fit kit for pump lezyne carbon road drive stainless steel tensioner atd mountain bike short mtb allen deluxe swing away 4 micargi rd 269 fixed gear weeride 12 inch push bike zero rh distance bib tight exustar mens exustar sm333k carbon yakima superjoe pro 2 bike flybikes agua fork 27 flat surly big fat larry tire ritchey pro 31 8 80mm jandd extreme front rack black shimano di2 sw r600 shifter xlab turbo wing black polaris 16 inch steel folding shimano xtr rd m980 10 ergon gc3 biokork bicycle handlebar hutchinson python mrch ust k sugino rd messenger crankset white nutcase dazed and amused bike ritchey wcs 4 axis road avon am41 venom front tire wheel master weinmann lp18 front little tikes 3 in 1 fox racing dawn patrol jacket nhl boston bruins jersey white hjc cs 2n white med craft mens active logo bib lezyne alloy drive small hand weinmannshimano zac19 rear wheel 26 yakima whispbar s53 rail roof louis garneau 201213 tri lite casco warp carbon fiber cycling showers pass elite pro jacket mlb san francisco giants mens assos 2011 cycling summergloves black craft active extreme short sleeve ritchey disc ocr rear mtb alpinestars alps kevlar knee guard azonic ultra cross handle bar park tool bench mount workstand giordana 2012 mens pinarello pro ibex mens indie zip teeebony minoura b60 d dial magnetic avid elixir 9 rear disc crash test dummy cycling jersey evo triple trainer toe clipspdlook fsa sl k cx brake hollandia opa 28 citi bicycle giordana 2012 mens pinarello pro fizik 2012 vitesse tri triathlon giordana formared carbon short womens lezyne carbon road drive 2 joytrax se2 bike trailer kit pearl izumi mens phase splice polar cs500 cadence cycling computer selle italia man gel flow sugoi mens rs jersey gunmetal castelli colpo full zip jersey schwalbe cheap 2 nashbar carbon mountain bike fork crank brothers pica premium multi tacx galaxia roller