Convertible balance bikes are marketed as the ideal solution for parents seeking a seamless transition from balance bike to pedal bike. These 2-in-1 wonders promise the best of both worlds, eliminating the need to purchase separate bikes as your child grows and develops their riding skills. But do these convertible models truly deliver on their promise, or are they a compromise that falls short in both modes?
At usabikers.net, we’ve rigorously tested a wide range of balance bikes with pedals to provide you with the insights you need. Drawing on our extensive experience guiding families through the balance bike to pedal bike journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you understand if a convertible balance bike is the right choice for your child. Below, you’ll find our detailed reviews, comparisons, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Top Balance Bikes with Pedal Kits: Reviews & Comparisons
To help you navigate the options, we’ve summarized our top picks for balance bikes that convert to pedal bikes. These models have been evaluated based on their performance in both balance bike and pedal bike modes, ease of conversion, features, and overall value.
| Balance Bike With Pedals | Seat Height Range | Balance Bike MSRP | Pedal Kit MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strider 14x | 15″ – 22″ | $219 | $70 | Affordable, optional pedal kit, footrest, adjustable handlebars |
| LittleBig | 14″ – 21″ | $295 | $75 | Dual hand brakes, durable frame, flippable frame for growth, no coaster brake |
| Strider 20x Sport | 21.5″ – 33.1″ | $379 | $80 | Larger size for older kids/teens, dual hand brakes, adjustable stem & handlebars, optional pedal kit |
strider bike with pedals
Strider 14x: The Affordable and Versatile Convertible Balance Bike
Price: $219 (balance bike only), $70 optional pedal kit
Seat Height: 15″ – 22″
Weight: 12.5 lbs (as a balance bike)
Brakes: Coaster brake (pedal bike mode only)
Best for ages: 3 to 5 years (or inseams 15″ to 20″ in balance bike mode, 14″ to 20″ in pedal bike mode)
Pros:
- Optional Pedal Kit: Purchase the pedal kit only when your child is ready, making it budget-friendly.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to other convertible models, the Strider 14x offers excellent value.
- Footrest for Tricks: Encourages balance and bike handling skills beyond basic riding.
- Quick Pedal Kit Installation: Adding pedals is a straightforward process, taking just minutes.
- Adjustable Handlebars: Accommodates growing children for a comfortable fit over time.
Cons:
- No Brake in Balance Bike Mode: Larger 14″ balance bikes benefit from hand brakes, which the Strider 14x lacks in balance bike configuration.
- Coaster Brake in Pedal Mode: Coaster brakes (backpedal brakes) can hinder the learning process for new pedal bike riders and are less effective for stopping quickly.
- Short Crank Arms: The pedal bike mode may feel cramped for children over 5 due to the short crank arms, limiting comfortable pedaling for older kids.
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What You Should Know About the Strider 14x
The Strider 14x represents Strider’s entry into the convertible balance bike market, building on their reputation as a leading balance bike brand. This model features larger 14″ air tires (compared to the 12″ foam tires on the original Strider), a more substantial frame, and taller handlebars to provide ample room for growing riders. The inclusion of a larger footrest further enhances its suitability for children starting their balance bike journey a bit later.
A key advantage of the Strider 14x is its optional pedal kit. This allows parents to purchase only the balance bike initially and add pedals when their child demonstrates readiness, effectively spreading out the cost. However, it’s important to note that the Strider 14x is unique on this list for not including a handbrake. While foot braking is typical on balance bikes, the larger size and potential speeds of a 14″ balance bike make a handbrake a valuable safety feature, especially for developing riders. The pedal mode utilizes a coaster brake, which, while simple, is generally considered less ideal for learning to pedal compared to hand brakes due to the inability to position pedals for starting and modulation of braking power.
best overall
LittleBig: The Premium Convertible Balance Bike with Dual Hand Brakes
Price: $295 (balance bike only), $75 optional pedal kit
Seat Height: 14″ – 21″
Weight: 11.2 lbs (balance bike), 14.6 lbs (pedal bike)
Brakes: Dual hand brakes (in both balance and pedal bike modes)
Best for ages: Size 2T to size 5 clothes (minimum seat height 14″ as small balance bike, 18″ as large balance bike)
Pros:
- Superior Braking System: Features dual hand brakes and avoids a coaster brake, promoting proper braking technique from the start.
- High-Quality Construction: Durable frame and components ensure longevity and performance.
- Flippable Frame Design: The innovative frame flips to grow with your child, offering three bike sizes in one.
Cons:
- Shipping Costs: Ships from Ireland, incurring a $49 shipping fee for US customers.
- Limited Handlebar Adjustability: Handlebars have only two height settings and may be low for taller children in pedal bike mode who prefer a more upright riding position.
What You Should Know About the LittleBig
LittleBig Bikes pioneered the concept of a high-quality convertible balance bike, offering a premium option at a competitive price. The LittleBig stands out as a true “three-bikes-in-one” solution. It starts as a small balance bike with a low 14″ seat height, then transforms into a larger balance bike (18″ minimum seat height) by flipping the frame, and finally becomes a pedal bike (18.5″ minimum seat height) with the addition of the pedal kit.
The flippable frame is a defining feature, allowing the bike to adapt to your child’s growth stages. After your child outgrows the small balance bike configuration, flipping the frame raises both the seat and handlebar height, extending the balance bike’s usability. When pedal-ready, the pedal kit seamlessly integrates to convert it into a functional pedal bike.
A significant advantage of the LittleBig is its consistent use of dual hand brakes in both balance and pedal bike modes. This fosters early development of proper hand braking skills, making the transition to a standard pedal bike smoother. For customers in the US, it’s crucial to request US brake setup (left brake for front wheel, right brake for rear wheel) when ordering.
best for OLDER KIDS
Strider 20x: The Convertible Balance Bike for Older Children and Teens
Price: $369 (balance bike only), $89 optional pedal kit
Seat Height: 21.5″ – 33.1″
Weight: 11.2 lbs (balance bike), 14.6 lbs (pedal bike)
Brakes: Dual hand brakes (in both balance and pedal bike modes)
Best for ages: Heights 49″ – 72″ (older children, teens, and even adults)
Pros:
- Larger 20″ Size: Ideal for older children, teenagers, and individuals with developmental delays who benefit from a larger balance bike platform.
- Dual Hand Brakes, No Coaster Brake: Provides effective and familiar braking control.
- Adjustable Stem and Rotating Handlebars: Offers extensive adjustability for a customized and comfortable fit across a wide height range.
- Optional Pedal Kit: Flexibility to add pedals when needed, or not at all, catering to individual needs and preferences.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: Currently available in only one color, which may restrict personalization choices.
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What You Should Know About the Strider 20x
The Strider 20x Sport stands out as the largest balance bike currently available, designed to accommodate older children, teenagers, and even adults. Its exceptional adjustability, with a remarkable 12″ seat height range and adjustable handlebars, ensures a long-lasting fit. This bike is engineered to comfortably fit riders ranging from 7-year-olds to fully grown adults, offering extended usability.
For older children or teens who may have developmental delays or prefer to remain on a balance bike, the Strider 20x Sport’s optional pedal kit provides flexibility. Parents can choose to add pedals now, later, or not at all, depending on their child’s individual progress and preferences. This adaptability makes the Strider 20x a versatile option for a broader age range and varying developmental needs.
Note: While we previously tested the discontinued 16″ Strider, our evaluation of the 20″ Strider is based on product specifications and market analysis, as we have not yet conducted hands-on testing of this specific model.
DIY Balance Bike with Pedals: Converting a Pedal Bike
In reality, any pedal bike can be temporarily transformed into a balance bike – essentially creating your own “balance bike with pedals” setup! Simply remove the pedals and crank arms from your child’s existing pedal bike.
Lower the seat height to allow your child to have a slight bend in their knees when standing over the bike. This ensures they can comfortably propel themselves and stop effectively using their feet. Once they gain confidence in balancing and maneuvering in this configuration, you can re-install the pedals.
This DIY method is most suitable for children aged 5 and older who are learning on 16″ bikes or larger. It serves as a short-term strategy to quickly introduce pedaling skills on their existing bike.
However, we advise against this approach for toddlers and preschoolers in size 2T – 4T clothing. 12″ and 14″ pedal bikes are significantly heavier than dedicated balance bikes, often by 6-10 pounds. This added weight can be challenging for young children weighing only 25-40 pounds to manage. Furthermore, the seat height on most 12″ and 14″ pedal bikes, even at their lowest setting, is often too high for children in size 2T (and most 3T) to use comfortably as a balance bike.
Balance Bikes with Pedals: Key Things to Consider Before You Buy
Performance: Do Convertible Bikes Excel in Both Modes?
It’s a common understanding that 2-in-1 products often represent a compromise, rarely achieving top-tier performance in both functionalities. Our testing experience aligns with this: every convertible balance bike we’ve evaluated performs better as a balance bike than as a pedal bike.
BALANCE BIKE MODE: Convertible balance bikes generally function well as balance bikes, effectively teaching children balance and coordination. However, they are typically heavier than dedicated balance bikes. For lightweight, petite, or hesitant children, this added weight can make the bike feel cumbersome and less manageable.
PEDAL BIKE MODE: While the balance bike mode can serve your child for a considerable period, the pedal bike mode tends to be a more temporary solution. The pedals are often smaller, and the crank arms are shorter compared to dedicated pedal bikes. This can make pedaling feel less efficient and comfortable, especially for longer rides or distances. As your child gains confidence and strength, they may quickly outgrow the pedal bike mode and feel restricted by its limitations. It’s common for parents to find themselves needing to purchase a dedicated pedal bike within a few months of adding the pedal kit to a convertible model.
Value: Are Convertible Bikes a Cost-Effective Choice?
The primary motivation for many parents considering a balance bike with pedals is cost savings. The appeal of purchasing a single bike that transitions from balance bike to pedal bike, rather than buying separate bikes, is understandable.
While convertible bikes can appear to save money initially, it’s crucial to consider the potential trade-offs in experience. A dedicated balance bike is often superior to a convertible model in balance bike mode, offering lighter weight and optimized geometry. Similarly, a dedicated pedal bike will almost always outperform a balance bike with an added pedal kit in pedal bike mode (unless comparing to very low-quality department store bikes).
If your goal is to bypass purchasing a 14″ pedal bike after a balance bike, we often recommend skipping the 14″ pedal bike stage altogether. 14″ pedal bikes are typically outgrown very quickly. Many balance bikes offer sufficient seat height adjustability to accommodate children until they are ready for a 16″ pedal bike. While a balance bike might become slightly smaller as your child grows towards a 16″ pedal bike, this can be a more cost-effective strategy than investing in a convertible bike with pedals or a short-lived 14″ pedal bike.
Pedal Compatibility: Can You Add Pedals to Any Balance Bike?
No, you cannot add pedals to just any balance bike. Pedal kits are specifically designed to be compatible only with balance bikes engineered to accommodate them. We have compiled a list of known convertible balance bikes within this article for your reference.
Pedal Kit Installation: How Difficult Is It?
The difficulty of attaching a pedal kit varies depending on the brand and model. We’ve found the Strider 14x and SmartTrike Xtend to offer particularly straightforward installation processes, often taking just a few minutes.
Attaching the pedals to the LittleBig is slightly more involved but remains manageable for most parents with basic mechanical aptitude. The process is generally not overly complex.
The BMW Balance Bike with Pedals: A Historical Note
BMW previously manufactured a balance bike with pedals, which is believed to be one of the earliest examples of a convertible balance bike design. However, these BMW models are no longer readily available for purchase. While we haven’t had the opportunity to test the BMW convertible balance bike, we recognize its historical significance in the evolution of this bike category.
