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.