Schwinn Toddler Balance and Skip 2 Bike, Boys and Girls, Fits Kids 28 to 38-Inches Tall, Beginner Rider Training, 12-Inch Wheels, Foot-to-Floor Frame Design

Our oldest child didn't use a balance bike, instead he had training wheels on a small bike and then again on a larger bike. It was utter agony teaching him to ride without the training wheels when he was 6 years old. Lots of tears and frustration for both him and us. So his younger sister was given a wood balance bike when she was 2 1/2. It was too big for her at the time, and before she grew into it, her brother was playing around on it and his weight broke the axel.So. We finally got around to getting another bike for her, and purchased this Schwinn. She is now a little over 4 1/2, average height for her age, which makes her too tall for many of the balance bikes out there--we went to a physical store and had her try out a few. However, the Schwinn is a great fit. We don't anticipate that she'll ride it for long; probably just 3-4 months, and then she'll be ready to ride (training wheel free!) a small pedal bike.Here's what I like about the Schwinn: adjustable seat and handle bars, which we raised since she's no longer a toddler. Rubber, inflatable tires, like a real bike! I was surprised in the store to see that the Strider bikes they had included plastic wheels. Not sure if all Striders are that way, but I think the rubber makes for comfier ride and is obviously more like a 'real' bike. Sturdy frame in a cute color, and cost less than Strider and other brands we looked at. And most importantly, she loves it: was very comfortable hopping on and giving it a try.We purchased this from Amazon Warehouse, and bike was in perfect condition when it arrived.

I did settle for this bike because it was within my price and I wanted something that was solid and would last. This has a steal frame and may be a little heavier but not much. I also like that it has real rubber inflatable bike tires was not impressed that some did not, even the more expensive bikes. This bike will definitely last a long time and help train several other kids after my daughter is done with it. Assembly was pretty easy just had to attach the front wheel, handlebars and seat. The front forks came over tightened but I was able to adjust it and the seat was really difficult to tighten, not worried about it just had to torque it a bit.Someone had stated that they cut the seat to make it lower and I might do the same. My daughter is about 36 inches and 29 pounds and wears 4T pants and I think for her to stand completely flat footed with both feet over the seat cutting the post would help improve her control.It did not come with inner tube stem covers so I think I might order some Hello Kitty ones or maybe just some classic dice. The handle bars also had some scratches on them but I really figure they will accumulate more quickly, so not worried and not really noticeable. The handle bar cover does not have any padding to I might order another one or just cut one from a fun noodle so she can't knock out a tooth or something.Totally happy with this bike I remember my first bike was a Schwinn and I think my daughter will love it too.

After purchasing this Schwinn Balance Bike on Amazon and coincidentally finding a virtually brand new Strider Balance Bike at a local kids' consignment shop a day later, my wife and I gave our 2 1/2 year son old a choice between this bike and the Strider and he chose to keep this one. I'm so glad he did! This bike has been great for him!It is definitely a bit bigger and heavier than the Strider- which I wasn't sure if that would be good or bad, but for us, it seems to be a pro (he's a little on the tall side so that may play a role). The Schwinn seems sturdier and more solid than the Strider to me. I also like the larger foot-rests which the Strider doesn't have (though the Strider does have sand-paper like traction on its small footrests and this one doesn't have anything (though you could add your own if you want)). The Schwinn also has a nice, cushioned seat while the Strider has a hard plastic seat (I personally like the idea of a softer seat, but the one drawback would be the possibility of it tearing- but so far we haven't had any issues with that).However, since this review wasn't meant to be a thorough comparison between the two (others have done a great job doing that already), I will just say that after 3 or 4 months of regular use, this bike has held up well and has proven to be a quality purchase for us. Our son loves riding this bike and it didn't take him long at all to start lifting his feet up while he rode to practice balancing while coasting. I don't think it will take long at all for him to transition to a pedal bike when it comes time for that.Overall, I consider this Schwinn a win and would definitely recommend it to anyone considering a balance bike for their child (though if your child is on the small or more fragile side, the Strider might be a better option for you).