GBP
We’ve been asked a few times recently about the difference between the Strider 14x and the LittleBig bike. At first glance they seem similar since they can both convert from a balance bike to a pedal bike, but in reality they have a number of differences. Both the LittleBig and the Strider 14X are designed to bypass training wheels and instead the rider goes straight from a balance bike to pedalling on the same convertible bike.
Frame and Fork
LittleBig Bike
Designed and hand assembled in Ireland, the LittleBig has a unique sleek frame design with a high quality finish. LittleBig has 3 modes: little balance bike, big balance bike and big pedal bike. The LittleBig available in 5 colours, all with a brushed alloy downtube: Brushed Edition, Flame Red, Electric Blue, Apple Green and Sparkle Pink.
Strider 14X
Made by balance bike giant Strider, the Strider 14x is the larger version of their popular balance bike, but pedals can be fitted too. It comes in two colours: Awesome Blue and Fantastic Green.
Brakes
LittleBig Bike
Front and rear hand operated alloy V brakes with kids specific short reach alloy levers. Using hand brakes on the balance bike allows kids to stop more easily and safely than using their feet.
Having front and rear brakes on a balance bike is particularly important for bigger, more confident riders or while going downhill.
If kids learn to use brakes on a balance bike, they won’t need to master this additional skill when transitioning to pedalling, making the process smoother and easier.
Strider 14X
USA versions of the Strider 14X comes with a rear coaster (back pedal brake) only. This means it’s not possible to brake while in balance bike mode (since there are no pedals fitted to operate the brake) In pedal mode only the rear wheel is slowed which can lead to skidding.
The UK version has a front and rear sidepull brakes with plastic brake levers, these brakes are not as powerful as V brakes and require more hand power to slow the bike.
Wheels
LittleBig Bike
Cartridge bearing alloy hubs laced to 14″ alloy rims with 20 spokes. 1.95″ wide pneumatic (air) tyres to provide cushioning and grip on varied terrain.
Strider 14X
14″ alloy rims laced to alloy hubs with chrome spokes. 1.75″ wide pneumatic tyres.
Saddle Height and Age Range
LittleBig bike
The LittleBig bike normally suits kids age from 2 to 6 years old. We’ve even seen some kids pedalling at age 2 and a half!
The LittleBig saddle height ranges from 37cm-55cm (14″-22″) as shown in detail in our sizing guide.
Strider 14X
Strider recommends their bike for kids age 3-6 years old.
The Strider 14X saddle ranges from 38cm-55cm (15″-22″)
Pedal Conversion Kit
LittleBig Pedal Kit
The LittleBig’s pedal kit comes with a full width resin body for plenty of comfort and grip.
89mm alloy cranks to provide sufficient leverage while not requiring too much bend at the knee at the top of the pedal stroke. 28 tooth chainring with 14 tooth rear sprocket.
Pedal kit is sold separately to the LittleBig balance bike.
Strider 14X Pedal Kit
Strider 14X “Easy Stride” pedals have a narrow design to help riders to push off the ground while starting off. However these will not provide as much grip while pedalling.
75mm long cranks are okay for smaller, powerful riders but not for those with longer legs. 28 tooth front chainring with 16 tooth rear sprocket. Pedal kit is sold separately to the Strider 14X balance bike.
Controls
LittleBig bike
500mm wide, 80mm rise alloy handlebar. Alloy aheadset (threadless) stem with sealed ball bearing headset for smooth, rattle free steering and longevity. Velo soft rubber grips with flanged ends, Velo kids specific padded saddle.
Strider 14X
68mm rise with alloy/ steel stem and plastic bushing headset. Strider grips with flanged ends. Strider foam saddle with extra long seatpost.
Weight
LittleBig bike
Balance bike: 5.1kg (11.2lbs)
Pedal bike: 6.6kg (14.5lbs)
Balance Bike: 4.5kg (Brushed Edition)
Pedal Bike: 6kg (Brushed Edition)
Strider 14X
Balance bike: 5.5kg (12lbs)
Pedal bike: 7.0kg (15.5lbs)
Servicing
LittleBig Bike
The LittleBig is built like a real bike, not a toy and many of the parts can be serviced or repaired at your local bike shop.
Alternatively, we stock all parts of the bike so can send replacements if ever needed (like if you reverse over the bike after your little one left it in the driveway!).
Strider 14X
The Strider 14x uses many of Strider’s own parts cranks, saddle, headset etc) which would need to be sourced from Strider directly.
Strider has a network of bike retailers and resellers so it may be difficult and take time to find the correct place to direct your questions.
Warranty
LittleBig Bike
5-year warranty on frame and fork, 2-years on all other parts. No registration required. Full warranty info here.
Strider 14X
2-year warranty against manufacturing defects
LittleBig Price - United Kingdom
£250 for the bike and pedals from littlebig bikes shop, plus £50 on import to the UK. We have an ongoing discount of 5% for signing up to our newsletter, saving £14. Total £264.
Strider 14X Price - United Kingdom
£260 for bike and pedals from striderbikes.co.uk
LittleBig Price - United States
$345 for the bike and pedals (ex tax). Total $310 including the 10% newsletter discount.
Strider 14X Price - United States
$290 for bike and pedals (ex tax). StriderBikes.com
Okay, hands up, I’m biased but we wanted to be as objective as possible in this comparison and read a number of other reviews including twowheelingtots.com, MadeForMums, Enduro MountainBike Magazine, Road.cc, Seth’s Bike Hacks, striderbikes.com along with hundreds of customer reviews.
If you have any questions not answered here, check our our FAQ’s page, learn more about us, or contact us and we’d be delighted to help.