Strider — Empowering Every Child to Ride

Strider is the balance bike that changed everything — and one of the most impactful active play brands we carry at Little Stars.

The Story Behind Strider

In 2007, founder Ryan McFarland just wanted to share his passion for bikes with his 2-year-old son, Bode. Frustrated by traditional options that were too big and complicated, Ryan built a better machine — stripping down and modifying a 12-inch bike to be super light and perfectly sized.

The result was the very first Strider Bike — and it worked beyond anyone's expectations. To date, Strider has sold more than 4 million bikes worldwide and is the leader in the balance bike industry, distributed in more than 75 countries. 

Why Balance Bikes Work

Traditional training wheels teach children to pedal first — then panic when the wheels come off. Strider's approach is the opposite: teach balance first, and everything else follows naturally. Founded in 2007, Strider isn't just a brand — they redefined what a balance bike could be, with a passion for two wheels and an understanding of child development that led to a simple, intuitive way for kids to learn. 

Most Strider kids skip training wheels entirely and transition directly to pedal bikes — often years earlier than their peers.

Beyond the Bike — A Community

Strider's passion doesn't stop once a child takes their first strides. They've created exclusive Strider Events — bringing children and parents together to meet new people and make new friends — and established the Strider Rider Fund, committing 1% of gross revenue to supporting organizations that help everyone develop a lifelong love of riding. 

Why Little Stars Carries Strider

The Strider is the toy that replaces the stroller — and the one parents thank us for recommending more than almost anything else. For PNW families who love outdoor adventure, getting children confidently mobile early is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Age range: 18 months – 5 years
Origin: Founded in Rapid City, South Dakota, 2007
Key feature: Lightweight, no pedals, teaches balance naturally
Models at Little Stars: Strider 12 Sport