retrospec Cub Plus XL 14" vs Strider 14x: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the retrospec Cub Plus XL 14" if you want a 14-inch balance bike with brakes on both wheels at a lower price. Buy the Strider 14x if you want a bike that converts to pedals later. Both fit older toddlers and preschoolers who are ready for a bigger balance bike, so the choice comes down to price and which features you need.
Side-by-side spec comparison
14-inch balance bike specs
| Spec | retrospec Cub Plus XL 14" | Strider 14x |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 | $249.99 |
| Wheel size | 14" | 14" |
| Tires | 14 x 2.125 air-filled | 14 x 1.75 air-filled |
| Frame | Aluminum | Steel |
| Brakes | Front and rear hand V-brakes | No hand brake, coaster brake only in pedal mode |
| Age range | 2 to 6 years | 3 to 6 years |
| Seat height | 15" to 21" | 15" to 22" |
| Max rider weight | 80 lbs | 80 lbs |
| Converts to pedals | No, dedicated balance bike | Yes, with optional pedal kit (+$89.99) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime frame | 2-year limited |
Price
The Cub Plus XL 14" costs less, at $139.99, with brakes on both wheels included. The Strider 14x is $249.99 as a balance bike, and adding the pedal kit brings it to about $339.98. If you do not need pedals, the Cub Plus XL gives you a full-featured 14-inch balance bike for well under half that total. That difference of about $200 covers a helmet and pads with room to spare.
Ride feel and features
The Cub Plus XL is the more complete balance bike, and the 14x adds a pedal option that the Cub Plus XL lacks. Both give bigger kids a stable ride on 14-inch wheels. The Cub Plus XL includes front and rear hand brakes and a light aluminum frame that resists rust. The Strider 14x has a steel frame and air tires, and it converts from a balance bike to a pedal bike with an optional Easy-Ride Pedal Kit, which adds a coaster brake. In balance mode, the 14x has no brakes, and the pedal kit is sold separately.
Cub Plus XL 14": front and rear hand brakes, aluminum frame, balance-focused, $139.99.
Strider 14x: converts to pedals with a separate kit, coaster brake in pedal mode, steel frame, air tires, $249.99.
Brakes and learning to stop
The Cub Plus XL teaches hand braking from the first ride, and the 14x does not brake in balance mode. The Cub Plus XL comes with front and rear V-brakes and reach-adjustable levers sized for small hands, so your kid can practice squeezing to slow down right away, which is the stopping method most bikes use. On the 14x, braking is available only with the pedal kit, which includes a coaster brake that engages when pedaling backward. Some kids take time to adjust to a coaster brake after learning to pedal forward.
Setup and everyday care
Both bikes are quick to set up and easy to maintain. The Cub Plus XL uses easy seat adjustment so you can raise it as your kid grows, and the aluminum frame resists rust if the bike is stored outside. The Strider 14x arrives about 85 percent assembled with the tools you need, and its air tires need occasional inflating. Air tires add grip on uneven ground, so the choice is between extra traction and a lighter, rust-resistant frame.
Air tires add grip on uneven ground, so the choice is between extra traction and a lighter, rust-resistant frame.
Who it is for
Choose the Cub Plus XL 14" if you want a long lasting balance bike with real hand brakes and the best value, for a child roughly ages 2 to 6, especially if you plan to move to a standard pedal bike later. Choose the Strider 14x if you have an older preschooler who may skip a separate pedal bike, since it converts in place and the higher total price fits your budget. Both bikes fit riders up to roughly the same age, so base your call on brakes, weight, and total price.
The bottom line
For most families, the retrospec Cub Plus XL 14" is the better value: brakes on both wheels, a light aluminum frame, and a limited lifetime frame warranty for $139.99. Choose the Strider 14x if converting to pedals in the same frame is the feature you want most and the added cost works for you.
See sizing, colors, and full specs on the Cub Plus XL 14".
Frequently asked questions
Is the Strider 14x worth it compared with a retrospec balance bike?
The Strider 14x is worth it if you want a bike that converts to pedals, since that feature is built in. If you mainly want a 14-inch balance bike, the retrospec Cub Plus XL 14" costs less and adds front and rear hand brakes, which the 14x does not have in balance mode.
What is the best balance bike that grows with my child?
A 14-inch bike with a wide seat height range and brakes grows the longest. The retrospec Cub Plus XL 14" fits kids from about age 2 to 6, with a seat that adjusts up as they grow and front and rear V-brakes to build stopping skills.
Does the retrospec Cub Plus XL 14 have a brake?
Yes. It comes with front and rear V-brakes and reach-adjustable levers sized for small hands, so kids can learn to stop with their hands from the first ride.
About retrospec:
The outside is for everyone, but not everyone feels comfortable outside. So we set out to make everyone feel at home in the open air through the use of expertly designed, durably crafted, accessibly priced outdoor gear — electric bikes, pedal bikes, kids bikes, stand up paddle boards and more — our goal at retrospec is simple: make nature second nature for everyone. We believe that all people, regardless of background or experience, should enjoy the life-affirming, eye-opening beauty of the outside world. We encourage a more active lifestyle and make being outdoors fun and inviting for people of any age, ability, or skill level.
