Balance bike for 2 1/2 year old

[Rabbitswhiskers]

We're going to get a balance bike for our 2 1/2 year old for Christmas but are a bit overwhelmed with the choice. We want it to be very light weight but big enough for it to last our tall son for a couple of years. Ideally we'd like it to have a rear break and pneumatic tyres.

I think we've narrowed it down to the Islabike and the strider sport/ strider pro. I know the Islabike gets great reviews but I'm worried it is a bit small and seat/ handle bars don't go as high as the strider. I also like that you can add things on to the Strider like better tyres, break, etc as needed.

Anyone got either of these bikes or looked at them who can advise us?!

We got one from Halfords which my son loved. I could never get him off it.

I've got a puky which is hard wearing and brilliant. Mine doesn't have a brake, but I've seen ones which do.

The seat and handlebars are adjustable.

We started with islabike. DS is now on his third one! The balance was brilliant. Got 60% of the cost back selling it on. Well worth it. Nice and light.

The Islabike comes with a brake and decent tyres though! I've experienced both - we own an Islsbike balance bike (Rothan) which both DC have learnt on, and our cycling club have a few Striders. The Islabike is just generally a bit more refined, and it is adjustable. DD is 99th centile height, 4 next month, and only stopped using it recently because she can now ride a pedal bike.
(Am about to eBay the balance bike if that's of any interest....).

The Islabike Rothan comes with decent tyres and a brake though, and is a lot adjustable. Could also change the tyres if you were so inclined. Ours did both DC until they were 3.5-4, both DC are 99th centile height. We now have a small library of Islabikes in various sizes.

I have also experience the Strider balance bike through cycling clubs. Although they are not bad bikes, I'd say the Islas were general more refined.

(I'm about to eBay the Isla balance bike if you're interested....)

Bike can you send me your eBay username so I can have a look once it's up? Currently watching a couple of the Isla balance bikes at the moment as we want one for DD for her birthday

Sounds like the Islabike is the winner then!

We got a FIRSTbike. It's really lightweight and has an adjustable seat. I got lucky and got one cheap on eBay.