One of the hardest things to teach a young child is balance. You can place them on the bike and teach them how to peddle but most kids need time before they are able to remove those training wheels that keep them from toppling over. However, the Strider PREbike hopes to eliminate that problem by taking away the pedals and teaching kids how to balance. By teaching them how to balance first they are able to eliminate the wobbling from side-to-side that bikes with training wheels do and help the child build up their confidence.
Tell us a little about the Strider PREbike.
The Strider PREbikes are lightweight, weighing less than 7 pounds, and have a low seat height and patented frame design and wheelbase that make it easy for kids to perfect their center of gravity while maintaining control. Children can use their own leg-power to propel the bikes, thus eliminating the focus that traditional bike training methods have placed on pedaling. We have designed the frame with Launchpad footrests for advance riding skill development, and equipped the bike with puncture proof EVA polymer tires and sealed bearings for low maintenance. With the adjustable saddle and handlebars the Strider will grow with your child from age two to age five or six.
What inspired it?
As a parent of two boys, Ryan McFarland (inventor/owner) became frustrated with the drawbacks of traditional beginner’s bikes. Traditional bikes are very heavy and have training wheels that ironically do no training what so ever. Being a tinkerer, McFarland purchased a small children’s bike at the local K-Mart and began cutting and welding. The goal was to get the seat height under 12” and to lighten the frame. These changes were critical to accommodate the shorter inseam and the minimal leg-muscle power of a toddler.
How does it work?
If your child can walk… your child can ride a Striderâ„¢.
Even tiny little children, before the age of two, are drawn to the Striderâ„¢. At first, kids will grab the handle bars, straddle the bike and walk without ever sitting down on the seat. And they’re completely stable: Two wheels, front and back. Feet firmly on the ground. Hands bracing the handle bars. The next step: Kids quickly learn to sit down, push with their feet and zip right along as they balance on two wheels. Plastic push toys, scooters, tricycles and training wheels can’t do this. Here’s an added benefit for parents: Your child will become significantly more mobile. The Striderâ„¢ opens up a whole world for your child to ride on. Take your child’s Striderâ„¢ to an outdoor gathering, a nearby park, or anywhere else you walk. With a Striderâ„¢, there’s no more dawdling little ones. Your child will easily be able to keep pace.
What are the advantages of using a Strider over a traditional tricycle or bike with training wheels?
Unlike tricycles and bicycles with training wheels, which can become unsteady when not on smooth, flat paved surfaces, children on Strider PREbikes are able to venture ‘off road’ on uneven terrain without worrying about tipping over. The simple and natural progression to two-wheel pedal biking is greatly enhanced with a Strider PREbike, allowing parents and children to avoid the embarrassing stigma associated with children age seven and older clinging to tricycles and training wheel bikes.
What is the age limit?
The Strider PREbike is designed for children from age two to age five, although we have riders ranging from 18months to 6 years of age. The design allows for children from 30” — 42” tall to enjoy it, with the ability to adjust the saddle and handlebars to fit.
How much does it cost?
With a selling price of $99, $25 per year is very affordable for an educational toy that will easily hold up to 4 years of toddler use.
When was the product launched?
Strider Sports Int’l. Inc. is a relatively young company with our first sale occurring in November of 2007.
In what ways has it evolved since then?
Since November of 2007, SSI has been driven primarily by positive word-of-mouth, and Strider PREbikes are now available through hundreds of dealers nationally as well as several International dealerships.
Any goals that you still hope to accomplish?
Our goal is to continually strive to offer the best balance bike on the market and to change the way the world teaches their toddlers the life lesson of riding a two wheeler.
Do you have any advice you’d like to offer fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?
Stay focused and be ready to work harder and more hours than you ever imagined.
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