Woom vs Strider 2026: Which Kids Bike Brand Wins?
Strider made the balance-bike category. Woom built a complete kids-bike lineup from balance through 26" mountain. Strider 12 Sport starts at $139; Woom GO 2 starts at $459. Here's how to pick.
TL;DR: Our Verdict
Buy Strider 12 Sport ($139) for ages 18 months to 3 years, the cheapest, most proven balance bike on the market. Buy Woom once your kid is 3+ and needs their first pedal bike, Woom's progression from GO 2 (14") to OFF AIR 6 (26") is unmatched for multi-year ownership.
Woom
Woom GO 2 14" Kids Bike
$459
Best for kids 3-5 transitioning to pedal bike. Premium Austrian build, lightweight aluminum, fits bigger kids longer than most 14" bikes.
Pros
- ✓14" pedal bike + freewheel + hand brakes
- ✓Ultra-light aluminum frame (13 lbs)
- ✓Kid-ergonomic brake levers
- ✓Progression through Woom lineup (GO 2 → GO 3 → GO 4 → OFF 4 etc.)
- ✓Best resale value in kids bikes
Cons
- ✗$300 more than Strider 12
- ✗Pedal bike, not balance bike (start with Strider 12 first)
- ✗Longer wait times during peak season
Strider
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
$139
The legendary first-bike. Balance-first (no pedals), 12" wheels, fits kids 18 months to 5 years. Strider invented the category in 2007.
Pros
- ✓$139, cheapest real balance bike
- ✓Fits kids 18 months to 5 years
- ✓Balance-first teaches fundamentals before pedaling
- ✓Bombproof steel frame
- ✓Easy resale at $70-90 used
Cons
- ✗Not at Backcountry (Amazon-only)
- ✗Outgrown by 3.5-4 years (most kids need pedal bike after)
- ✗Heavier than Woom (6 lbs vs 5 lbs for equiv)
Side-by-Side
| Spec | Woom GO 2 14" | Strider 12 Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $139 |
| Type | 14" pedal bike | 12" balance bike |
| Age range | 3-5 years | 18 months-5 years |
| Weight | 13 lbs | 6.7 lbs |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum | Steel |
| Brakes | Front + rear hand brakes | No brakes (feet) |
| Where to buy | Backcountry + Amazon | Amazon only |
| Resale (after 1 year) | $280-320 | $70-90 |
| Brand lineup | 14" to 26" (GO + OFF series) | 12" + 14" balance only |
FAQ
Should I buy Strider OR Woom, or both?
For most families: both, sequentially. Strider 12 Sport from 18 months to 3 years (they learn balance first, which is the hard part of biking). Then Woom GO 2 at age 3 for first pedal bike. Total cost: $600 over 2-3 years. Skip Strider only if your kid is already 3+ when starting, go straight to Woom with training wheels briefly.
Why is Woom so expensive?
Austrian-made, lighter-than-adult-bike aluminum frames, kid-ergonomic components. A Woom GO 2 weighs 13 lbs; most 14" bikes weigh 18-22 lbs. That 5-9 lb difference matters a LOT when a 40-lb kid is pedaling. Cheaper 14" bikes work but kids tire faster and get frustrated.
What about the Strider 14X (the 14" convertible)?
The Strider 14X ($239) is a 14" balance bike that converts to a pedal bike with a pedal-conversion kit. Good idea, mixed execution, the pedal conversion is heavier and clunkier than a purpose-built pedal bike. If your kid likes Strider 12: skip 14X, jump to Woom GO 2 or Cleary Gecko for real pedal bikes.
Is Woom worth it if we resell after 2 years?
Yes, Woom holds value better than any kids bike. A $459 Woom GO 2 resells at $280-320 after 2 years on Facebook Marketplace. That puts effective cost at $140-180, less than most "budget" bikes ($200-250 that resell at $40-60). If you're committed to reselling, Woom is the cheapest-in-the-long-run option.
What other kids bike brands should I consider?
Retrospec Koda ($250 for 20"): budget-but-real aluminum bike. Guardian ($500+): SureStop braking system prevents endos. Cleary Gecko ($399): direct Woom competitor. Prevelo Zulu ($399-499): MTB-focused. For a comprehensive roundup including all of these, see our Best Kids Bikes 2026 guide.
Once your child is ready for pedals, the full review covers weight, inseam sizing and whether the price holds up: woom GO 3 review.