The answer is no!  Most people don’t realize the vast difference between 12″ balance bike sizing.    The biggest variation is the starting seat height.  The next is the handlebar range.  These things make a big difference at the starting point of your child’s balance bike experience!   I hear  parents disgard this advise because they have their eye on a specific bike.    Then they are frustrated when it arrives and doesn’t fit right away.  One of the most common bikes this happens on is the Skuut.    The starting seat range is 13.5″ which most kids don’t reach the minimum 14″ inseam range until 2 1/2 or 3 years old.    Nothing says it better than a picture.  Here is the Skuut balance bike  next to the Strider Prebike at the lowest settings (11″ seat range) and the Skuut at the lowest seat range:

Skuut and Strider balance bike starting seat height

Here is another picture of one of our medium balance bikes the Mini Glider – which has a wider seat range than the Skuut, but a higher handlebar starting height.  This is why the Mini Glider is a great choice for older toddlers ages 3 and 4 years old who need more arm room.

But wait!  Don’t think the Strider Prebike balance bike is too tiny for your child!  It has one of the widest ranges of adjustments for balance bikes.  Here is what it looks like with the handlebars up and the original seat at the highest range.  Strider Sports also has an XL seat post to bring it a few inches higher.

Here is a great picture of the age range the Strider Prebike Balance bike can handle:  I’m guessing this is a 2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old riding together at one of the many Strider races held around the US.

The important thing to remember in choosing a balance bike is to check out the seat range first, then the handlebar range. Pay attention to photos that may be available of younger and older kids on the bikes to get a feel of how your child will fit into this range.   Remember the most important fun thing about giving your child a balance bike as a present is that they can use it right away!    Nothing spoils the surprise more than the bike not fitting and having to wait or send it back.

Check out “what bike is best” at Kids Balance Bikes online store or feel free to call us to discuss sizing options for your child if you are not sure at 503-709-8782!   There is the right size bike out there for your child and more coming out on the market every year!  2012 is going to awesome for balance bike options!

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