Kidvelo Bikes represents a prominent Australian kids’ bike specialist in balance bikes and a unique design of convertible balance to-pedal bikes for kids of all ages and abilities. They make lightweight, durable balance bikes that look like real bikes that mum and dad would ride, not toy-looking ones. The company’s 15-year experience in the balance bike industry enabled them to create a revolutionary 2-in-1 bike design that starts as a kid’s balance bike that can later convert into the kid’s first pedal bike by adding the included easy-ride pedal kit in mere minutes.
- Kidvelo Rookie 12 Balance Bike
- Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance to Pedal Bike
- Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals
- Kidvelo Rookie 24 Balance Bike for Teens & Adults
Another bike brand from the USA is Strider bikes. Established in 2007 in Rapid City, South Dakota, Strider Bikes is a major international seller of balance bikes. Strider Bikes is a brand that evolves with a kid’s natural growth process. It starts with a 2-in-1 rocking bike product that later transforms into a balance bike.
- Strider 2 in 1 Rocking Bike
- Strider 12 Sport
- Strider 14X Sport
- Strider 20X Sport
Let’s compare the balance bike models for both brands here to see the difference and find the best option for kids of all ages and abilities.
Comparisons Between Bike Brands for Different Size Balance Bikes
There are 3 sizes of balance bike ranges that both Kidvelo Bikes and Strider Bikes provide, targeting kids of similar ages. But their balance bikes differ in design, materials, features, and price. Let’s take a closer look at each model and how they compare.
Strider 12 Sport Versus Kidvelo Rookie 12 Balance Bike
Detailed Comparison: 12-inch Balance Bike Overview
Looking for the best balance bikes for toddlers? Look no further. Just compare the features of the Strider 12 Sport and Kidvelo Rookie 12 to observe which appears perfect for your little one’s biking needs.
Age
The Kidvelo Rookie 12 is perfectly suited for ages 18 months to 4.5 years.
The Strider 12 Sport is best suited for ages 18 months to 5 years.
Weight
Kidvelo Rookie 12 weighs in at 2.89 kg and is considered the lightest balance bike on the market with real air tyres. No foam wheels here.
The Strider 12 Sport, Strider 12 Classic and Strider 12 Pro are some of the lighter balance bikes on the market at 6.7 lb., about 3 kg (sports)
Seat Height
The Kidvelo balance bike has a comparatively low seat height range of 30cm – 44cm and a leg inseam range of 30 cm – 48 cm due to the sloped top tube for easy mounting of the bike.
The Strider balance bike has a lower seat height range from 28-48 cm (11-19 in.), with a vast inseam leg range of 30-51 cm due to the extra larger seat post included.
Wheels
Kidvelo Rookie, a 12 Balance bike, can run on terrains like dirt or grass with its Wanda Compass Lite BMX 12.5 x 2.1/4 tyres that provide a much more comfortable ride over all terrains and does not slip in wet conditions like a foam tyre will.
Strider bikes have puncture-proof EVA foam wheels, which are non-marking and almost maintenance-free. However, such tyres have their limitations as they lose traction, whereas air tyres stay firm and provide a more comfortable ride.
Brakes
A lot of research has gone into not placing brakes on our 12-inch balance bike. Toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years of age don’t have the finger strength to use hand brakes so stopping with their feet creates more confidence when learning to ride for the first time.
The Strider Sport 12 does not have hand brakes as they also believe that a young toddler feels safer putting their feet down from the footrest when they feel unsafe or need to stop quickly. Children at this age group intuitively use their feet to move and stop on a balance bike.
Handlebar & Grips
The Rookie 12 handlebar has a swoop design that allows for forward and back tilt adjustments as well as a 40mm height adjustment in the stem for that perfect fit for your growing child. It also has smaller-size grips with end protectors for that perfect grip.
The Strider has a fully adjustable handlebar range using a tool-free adjustable clamp. Unfortunately, it has a straight handlebar design that does not allow for forward and backward tilt to adjust for the perfect fit. It also has small diameter grips for small hands.
Footrests
A nicely designed performance footrest that is correctly angled with grip tape to keep little feet secure and teach the goal of balance and placing their feet up in a similar position to where pedals will be once they progress to a first pedal bike.
The Strider sport 12 has a nicely designed footrest that does not prevent little legs from running on this bike. Most kids will use a built-in footrest to go down hills or performing more advanced tricks on their balance bike.
Warranty
In contrast, Kidvelo Rookie 12 bike has a 5-year warranty on its frames and forks with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Will a full range of spares in Australia warranty issues are handled promptly to get your little steed back riding.
No solid warranty with Strider having a network of bike retailers and resellers. Finding the correct place to direct your questions may be difficult and time-consuming. They offer a limited 2-year manufacturing error warranty only.
Strider 12 Sport Vs Kidvelo Rookie 12 Specs Chart
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Kidvelo Rookie 12 | Strider 12 Sport |
| Price | RRP $229.00 AUD incl GST | $RRP 229.00 AUD incl GST |
| Age | 18 months to 4.5 years | 18 Months to 5 Years |
| Max. Weight | 30 kg | 27 kg |
| Seat Range | 30cm – 44cm | 28 – 48 cm (comes with XL seat post) |
| Bike Weight | 2.89kgs | 3.0kgs |
| Child’s Inseam | 30cm – 46cm | 30-51 cm |
| Frame | Aluminium Frame & Forks | Steel Frame (rusts in rain) |
| Rims | 12 “ Aluminium rims | Plastic rims |
| Wheels | 12-inch Air-filled All-terrain tyres for all surfaces | Ultralight moulded EVA Foam Wheels |
| Brakes | No hand brakes | No hand brakes |
| Saddle | Ergonomically-Padded Seat | Small seat |
| Footrest | Performance Footrests | Yes |
| Handlebars | Bent bars for adjustability front & back for the perfect fit. Small grips for little hands | Straight bars with small grips for little hand |
| Pedal Kit | Not available in this size | Not available in this size |
| Crank Arms | Not available on this model | Not available on this model |
| Bearings | Sealed Ball Bearings allow wheels to spin freely | Exposed bearings |
| Assembly | Easy 5 minutes | Easy 5 minutes |
| Colours | 4 Neon Colours | 7 colour options |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
| Certification | EN-71 | EN-71 |
Strider 14X Sport Versus Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance to Pedal Bike
Detailed Comparison: 14-inch Balance Bike Overview
Looking for the best balance bikes for older kids? Just add a pedal kit to your kid’s balance bike and watch them go. Let us compare the Strider 14X Sport vs Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance to Pedal Bike features.
Age
The Kidvelo Rookie 14 balance bike with pedals is perfectly suited for ages 3 years to 6 year olds.
The Strider 14X Sport is suited for ages 3 years to 7 year olds.
Weight
It’s super lightweight due to its all-aluminium frame and fork construction. Weighing in at 5.2kgs in balance bike mode and 6.6kgs in Pedal Bike mode your child will love riding up hills again.
Strider 14X Sport supports a steel frame and fork, which is not that rust-proof. the Strider 14X weighs in at 5.7kgs in balance bike mode and 6.9kgs in Pedal Bike mode.
Seat Height
The Rookie 14 balance bike has a comparatively low seat height range of 40cm – 54cm and a leg inseam range of 40 cm – 56 cm due to the sloped top tube for easy mounting of the bike.
The Strider 14X balance bike has a seat height range from 38cm – 55cm (15″ – 22″), with a vast leg inseam range of 40cm – 58cm.
Wheels
Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance Bike with Pedals uses BMX Grip-thread (air-filled) tyres that provides maximum traction on all surfaces and the most comfortable ride.
Strider 14X Sport offers cross-terrain 14” x 1.75” all-purpose tyres, giving your child a smooth ride on all surfaces while staying firm in the dirt..
Brakes
The Rookie 14 offers 3 brakes on 1 bike. Powerful easy-reach V-brakes on the front and back wheels teach kids how to stop on a dime in balance bike mode. Once the included easy-ride pedal kit is installed with a rear coaster brake this allows the child to pedal back to stop. (This rear coaster brake is required to meet Australian & New Zealand bike standards.)
Strider 14X Sport offers Front and Rear Lever Operated Drum Brakes. Drum brakes are an older and cheaper brake technology and are harder to adjust the brakes once they are not aligned. This bike does not meet Australian and New Zealand safety bicycle standards. Not available in Australia or New Zealand for this reason.
Handlebar & Grips
The Rookie 14 handlebar has a swoop design that allows for forward and back tilt adjustments as well as a 40mm height adjustment in the stem for that perfect fit for your growing child. It also has smaller-size grips with end protectors for that perfect grip.
The Strider 20X handlebar has a swoop design that allows for forward and back tilt adjustments as well as tool-free height adjustment in the stem for that perfect fit for your growing child. It also has smaller-size grips with end protectors for that perfect grip
Footrests
A nicely designed performance footrest that is correctly angled with grip dimples to keep little feet secure and teach the goal of balance and placing their feet up in a similar position to where pedals will be once they progress to a first pedal bike.
The Strider 14X sport has a nicely designed footrest that does not prevent your legs from running on this bike. Most kids will use the built-in footrest to go down hills or perform more advanced tricks on their balance bike.
Pedal Kit
Kidvelo Rookie 14 balance bike with pedals includes the easy-ride Pedal Kit in its original-mentioned price. It’s great value and helps parents easily to decide when their child is ready for pedals without having to buy a second bike.
The original cost of Strider 14X Sport doesn’t include the pedal kit price as the pedal kit is separately bought and installed when needed.
Warranty
The Kidvelo Rookie 14 bike has a 5-year warranty on its frames and forks with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Will a full range of spares in Australia warranty issues are handled promptly to get your little kiddo back on two wheels.
No solid warranty with Strider having a network of bike retailers and resellers. Finding the correct place to direct your questions may be difficult and time-consuming. They offer a limited 2-year manufacturing error warranty only.
Strider 14X Sport Vs Kidvelo Rookie 14 Specs Chart
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Kidvelo Rookie 14 | Strider 14X Sport |
| Price | $389.00 AUD incl. GST includes our easy-ride Pedal Kit | $369.00 AUD incl GST (Pedal Kit sold separately @ $118 AUD) |
| Age | 3-6 years | 3-7 years |
| Max. Weight | 50kg | 36kg |
| Seat Range | 40-55 cm | 38-55 cm |
| Bike Weight | 5.2kg Balance – 6.6kg with Pedals | 5.7kg Balance – 6.9kg with Pedals |
| Child’s Inseam | 40-58 cm | 40-58 cm |
| Frame | Aluminium (lightweight & rust-proof) | Steel |
| Rims | 14″ Aluminium rims | Plastic rims |
| Wheels | Innova Compass BMX 14″ x 2.0 Lite tyres create an excellent grip on all Terrains | 14” x 1.75” All-Purpose Tyres |
| Brakes | 2 x V-brakes plus rear Coaster Brake meets Australian and New Zealand standards | No hand brakes (rear coaster brake when pedals added) |
| Saddle | Ergonomically-Padded Seat | Small saddle padded. |
| Footrest | Integrated and removable | Included |
| Handlebars | Bent bars for adjustability front & back for the perfect fit. Small grips for little hands | Bent bars with a sweep with small grips for little hands |
| Pedal Kit | Easy-ride Pedal Kit Included | Not Included (purchase separately) |
| Crank Arms | 89mm crank arms with kids-friendly pedals for a secure grip on a child’s shoes | 76mm crank arms & half-size pedals |
| Bearings | Properly sealed bearings | Custom bearings |
| Assembly | Easy 10-minute assembly | Easy 10-minute assembly |
| Colours | 4 Neon colours | 4 Pastel colours |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty | Limited 2-year warranty |
| Certificates | En-71-1-2-3, AS/NZS 1927:2014, & ISO 8098 | CPSC Tested and Approved (USA) |
Strider 20X Sport Versus Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals
Detailed Comparison: Larger Balance Bike Overview
Looking for the best balance bikes for older kids or teens and adults? These two balance bike brands make for a great choice. Let’s analyze their various features to see which suits your kid the best.
Age
The Kidvelo Rookie 18 balance bike with pedals is perfectly suited for kids aged 5 years to 8 year olds who are learning to ride with or without pedals.
The Strider 20X Sport is suited for ages 8 years plus to Small Adults. It’s high-rise handlebars allow teens and adults to fit on this bike comfortably.
Weight
It’s super lightweight due to its all-aluminium frame and fork construction. Weighing in at 6kgs in balance bike mode and 7.6kgs in Pedal Bike mode your child will love riding up hills again.
Due to it’s All steel frame and fork construction the Strider 20X is not lightweight weighing in at 11.7kgs in balance bike mode and 13.1kgs in Pedal Bike mode.
Seat Height
The Rookie 18 balance bike has a comparatively low seat height range of 48cm – 64cm and a leg inseam range of 48 cm – 68 cm due to the sloped top tube for easy mounting of the bike.
The Strider 20X balance bike has a seat height range from 55cm – 82cm (21.4″ – 33.1″), with a vast leg inseam range of 57cm – 87cm.
Wheels
Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals uses BMX Grip-thread (air-filled) tyres that provides maximum traction on all surfaces and the most comfortable ride.
Strider 20X Sport offers cross-terrain 20” x 1.75” all-purpose tyres, giving your child a smooth ride on all surfaces while staying firm in the dirt..
Brakes
The Rookie 18 offers 3 brakes on 1 bike. Powerful easy-reach V-brakes on the front and back wheels teach kids how to stop on a dime in balance bike mode. Once the included easy-ride pedal kit is installed with a rear coaster brake this allows the child to pedal back to stop. (This rear coaster brake is required to meet Australian & New Zealand bike standards.)
Strider 20X Sport offers Front and Rear Lever Operated Drum Brakes. Drum brakes are an older and cheaper brake technology and are harder to adjust the brakes once they are not aligned. This bike does not meet Australian and New Zealand safety bicycle standards. Not available in Australia or New Zealand for this reason.
Handlebar & Grips
The Rookie 18 handlebar has a swoop design that allows for forward and back tilt adjustments as well as a 40mm height adjustment in the stem for that perfect fit for your growing child. It also has smaller-size grips with end protectors for that perfect grip.
The Strider 20X handlebar has a swoop design that allows for forward and back tilt adjustments as well as tool-free height adjustment in the stem for that perfect fit for your growing child. It also has smaller-size grips with end protectors for that perfect grip
Footrests
A nicely designed performance footrest that is correctly angled with grip dimples to keep little feet secure and teach the goal of balance and placing their feet up in a similar position to where pedals will be once they progress to a first pedal bike.
The Strider 20X sport has a nicely designed footrest that does not prevent your legs from running on this bike. Most kids will use the built-in footrest to go down hills or perform more advanced tricks on their balance bike.
Pedal Kit
The Rookie 18 balance bike includes the easy-ride pedal kit with the purchase of the bike. The Pedal kit has perfect-length crank arms and solid platform pedals that are super grippy for kid’s feet to keep them on the pedals when riding. The pedal kit is easy to install once balance has been mastered by your kiddo.
The original cost of Strider 20X Sport doesn’t include the pedal kit price as the pedal kit is separately bought and installed when needed. the pedals supplied seem to be very narrow so children have a hard time keeping their feet on the pedals when pedalling.
Warranty
In contrast, Kidvelo Rookie 18 bike has a 5-year warranty on its frames and forks with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Will a full range of spares in Australia warranty issues are handled promptly to get your little kiddo back on two wheels.
No solid warranty with Strider having a network of bike retailers and resellers. Finding the correct place to direct your questions may be difficult and time-consuming. They offer a limited 2-year manufacturing error warranty only.
Strider 20X Sport Vs Kidvelo Rookie 18 Specs Chart
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Kidvelo Rookie 18 | Strider 20X Sport |
| Price | $409.00 AUD incl. GST includes our Easy Ride Pedal Kit. | $635.00 AUD incl. GST (Pedal kit sold separately for $150 AUD incl. GST) |
| Age | 5-8 years | 8+ years |
| Max. Weight | 110kg | 109kg |
| Seat Range | 48cm – 65 cm | 55 cm – 84 cm |
| Bike Weight | 6kg Balance – 7.6kg with Pedals | 11.7kg balance – 13.1kg with Pedals |
| Child’s Inseam | 48cm – 68cm | 57cm – 87 cm |
| Frame | Aluminium (lightweight & rust-proof) | Steel |
| Rims | 18″ Alloy Rims, Alloy Hub, Chrome Spokes | 20″ Alloy Rims, Steel Hubs, Chrome Spokes |
| Wheels | Innova Compass BMX 14″ x 2.0 Lite tyres create an excellent grip on all Terrains | 20” x 1.75” All-Purpose Tires |
| Brakes | Front aluminium V-brake, Rear aluminium V-brake & rear coaster brake (AU/NZ) | Front and rear lever-operated drum brakes (US version) |
| Saddle | Ergonomically-Padded Seat | Padded Saddle |
| Footrest | Included Integrated and removable | Included |
| Handlebars | 640mm Forward and Backward tilt Adjustable for the perfect fit. Small grips for little hands | 660mm Forward and Backward tilt Adjustable. Small Grips |
| Pedal Kit | Easy-ride Pedal Kit Included | Not Included (purchase separately) |
| Crank Arms | 116mm crank arms with kids-friendly pedals for a secure grip on a child’s shoes | TBA crank arms & half-size pedals |
| Bearings | Properly sealed bearings | Custom bearings |
| Assembly | Easy 10-minute assembly | Easy 10-minute assembly |
| Colours | 4 Neon colours | 1 colour option – white |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty | Limited 2-year warranty warranty |
| Certificates | En-71-1-2-3, AS/NZS 1927:2014, & ISO 8098 | CPSC Tested and Approved |
Conclusion: Who Wins Best Balance Bike?
Whether you need the best balance bike for 2-year-olds or the best balance bike for taller kids, Strider bikes and Kidvelo bikes are both outstanding balance bike brands overall. Both have much to offer in the form of admirable features to get kids riding at all ages and ability levels.
The Kidvelo range of convertible balance bikes comes out on top with their innovative design of lightweight balance bikes, high-quality components, the ready availability of spare bike parts, highly competitive prices, with a fantastic 5-year warranty. Kidvelo bikes will surely help your child learn to ride a bike quickly and safely and fun.
