The adjustable handlebar allows for a comfortable riding position, accommodating men and women of different heights. Reflectors are also included on the wheels for added safety when riding at night. However, some users have reported difficulty with assembly and the overall quality of the cargo basket. The combination of front V-brakes and rear band brakes adds extra durability to the bike, as they are strong and reliable in different riding conditions. And with proper maintenance, the trike can continue to provide a smooth and comfortable ride for many years to come.
He tried them on pavement, in dirt, and on gravel, in rain and sunshine, and quickly developed favorites. Then Jenni threw a bike party with 10 kids, ages 2 to 6. The kids raced around both paved and dirt paths, ripping around cones. After watching the kids in action, parents submitted their thoughts on the best options. The similarly budget Bixe Extreme Light Balance Bike was nearly identical to the Croco model we tested.
Of all the bikes we tried, the Strider 14x Sport was the favorite of older and taller kids. Among the tiny segment of balance bikes that can convert into pedal bikes (you need a $70 add-on kit), it’s the best option. But unlike the rest of the balance bikes we tested, which have 12-inch wheels, this bike has 14-inch wheels, so it best fits kids from about 3½ to 7 years old, depending on their height. Featuring a stand-over height of 10 inches and a remarkable seat-height range of 15 to 22 inches, the 14x Sport weighs 12.5 pounds, relatively light compared with other pedal bikes of this size.
The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike is far more versatile than the shiny-red metal trike or the ground-hugging plastic Big Wheel you may have had as a kid (modern replicas of which we also tested). This tricycle has four modes, for kids of different ages, and ample accessories, and it rides well on many different surfaces. This trike is an updated version of the 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike we tested for a previous iteration of this guide. The world of tricycles is wild and weird, with hundreds of options ranging from convertible 4-in-1s to fancy drifters to trikes that become balance bikes.
We appreciated that the infant harness was padded across the chest, but it didn’t tighten as well as our top pick’s harness. The INFANS Kids Tricycle is similar to our top pick, with more-durable steel features and a slightly easier-to-use steering mechanism. And our kid testers found it less easy to use, likely because the IFANS trike is about 4 pounds heavier than the Radio Flyer tricycle (20 pounds versus the Radio Flyer’s 16).
We’ve got a wide selection of bike sizes and styles, including electric, to fit a wide variety of riders. In most respects Giant’s Pre is on a par with our runner-up pick, the REI REV 12, but it’s available only in bike shops, so it’s harder to find. After a new round of testing, the Guardian Balance Bike is our new top pick.
The frame is constructed of aluminum, which we prefer over steel due to its durability and light weight. At 8.5 pounds, this model isn’t the heaviest of the bikes we tested, and it turned out to be the Goldilocks weight for kids in the 25-to-30-pound range. The weight grounds the bike during turns, but it’s still light enough that kids can ride fairly fast. Many of today’s parents (and grandparents!) may have fond memories of rolling down the driveway—and perhaps over homemade jumps, definitely helmet-free—on an Original Big Wheel. The actual Original Big Wheel was manufactured in Pennsylvania by a company called Marx, which went out of business in the 1980s.
It also adds stability to the bike, especially during turns or on uneven terrain. The Meridian Trike has an aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable. This makes it easy to maneuver while still being strong enough to support riders up to 300 pounds. A child can begin balance biking from as young as 15 to 18 months on a light bike with a low seat; they schwinn tricycle can simply rest their bum on the seat, hold the handlebars, and walk around. In July 2023, Woom issued a recall of bikes with a one-bolt stem clamp design, like the Woom 1, made from 2018 to 2021 because the stem and handlebars could detach. Many prefer to skip a balance bike and stick with a tricycle or scooter until they’re ready for a pedal bike.
In this review and buyer’s guide, we will take an in-depth look at the Schwinn Meridian Trike review and its features to help you determine if it’s the right bike for you. Install Front WheelLoosen both axle nuts at both ends of the axle and slide the tabbed washers out. Place the wheel into the fork dropouts, ensuring the tabbed washers are on the outside of both dropouts. Rotate the tabbed washer so the tab engages the hole in the fork dropout, then finger tighten the nut. Tighten both axle nuts.Close the front brake by inserting the cable fitting into the slotted carrier on the brake, then slide the rubber seal over the cable fitting.
She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and a mom to two kids, ages 1½ and nearly 4. Check first the tightness of the two hold-down screws on the rear axle drive sprocket. Sometimes these work loose, especially during the break-in period (first 500 miles). Symptom of these screws coming loose is sprocket clatter, chain skipping, and eventually you lose all drive tension (your pedals will spin and the chains move around but you won’t go anywhere). Be sure to check that the rear axle drive sprocket and secondary (short) chain are put back in alignment with the center sprocket off the transfer shaft before tightening the hold-down screws.