Retrospec Cub and Cub XL Balance Bikes Review
The Retrospec Cub balance bikes offer modern style, smart geometry, and excellent value for families on a budget. Available in three models—the Cub, the upgraded Cub Plus, and the larger Cub Plus XL—each bike delivers great performance at its price point and comes in a variety of fun, modern colorways.
We tested all three Cub models and were impressed with their quality, ease of use, and thoughtful design, especially for the price. In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Retrospec Cub balance bike line, including key differences in features, sizing, and which model might be the best fit for your child.
Retrospec Cub Balance Bikes
MSRP: $79 – $149
BEST FOR: Families looking for a quality balance bike on a budget.
WHEEL SIZES: 12” and 14″
SUGGESTED AGES: 1 – 6 years
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
SEAT HEIGHT: 11.5″ – 15” (both Cubs), 15” – 21” (XL)
WEIGHT: Cub: 7 lb., Cub Plus: 8.7 lb., XL: 10.3″
WHEELS: Cub: Foam on plastic rims, Cub Plus’: Air on metal rims
BRAKE: Cub: None, Cub Plus: Handbrake, XL: Dual Handbrake
FRAME: Cub: Steel, Cub Plus’: Aluminum
Cons:
Retrospec Cub Balance Bike Review
Since their rehaul in 2023, our testers have continued to ride and love Retrospec’s Cub balance bikes. From performance to durability, the Cub models remain some of our favorite low- and mid-priced balance bikes on the market.
Adding to our excitement, Retrospec recently introduced a new member to the Cub family—the Cub Plus XL, featuring larger 14” air tires compared to the 12” tires on the Cub and Cub Plus. The Cub Plus XL is designed for preschoolers just starting their balance bike journey as well as taller, older toddlers. Its minimum seat height matches the maximum seat height of the original Cub models, meaning it’s intended for a larger rider and doesn’t fit the same size child.
We’ve added our review of the larger Cub Plus XL to the end of this article for those looking for a bigger option.
What size child fits on the Cub?
Both models of the Cub have a seat height range of 11.5″ to 15″. With a minimum seat height slightly lower than many balance bikes, the Cub is able to fit kids as young as 18-months.
Our tester shown below is 20 months old in 24 month pants with a 13.5″ inseam. He is riding the Cub Plus with the saddle set to its minimum seat height of 11.5″.
The minimum seat height of 11.5″ on the Cub is particularly notable as it is one of the lowest minimum seat heights found on a budget-friendly balance bike. As a result, our young tester was able to ride the Cub without any concerns, but was too short to ride other popular budget bikes such as the Banana Bike GT (min seat 12.5”) and the Radio Flyer Air Ride (13″).
On the high end, the Cub’s max seat height of 15″ allows for 3.5″ of leg growth, allowing for approximately 1.5 to 2 years of an optimal fit, which is pretty standard for most balance bikes.
During those 2ish years, however, both Cub models do a phenomenal job in properly growing with the child as the height of the handlebars are just as adjustable as the height of the seat.
Frame Design Helps with Balance and Handling
In addition to having a lower minimum seat height, the frame design of the Cub and Cub Plus allows them to have a longer wheelbase compared to other balance bikes. Both Cub models have a wheelbase of 23.5″, creating more space and allowing the weight of the rider to be properly centered and balanced on the bike, even when the seat and handlebars are raised for older riders.
In fact, the Cub provides a similar amount of space in the cockpit (the space between the rider’s body and the bike’s handlebars) as the high-end woom 1.
Many budget balances bikes are much smaller and have shorter wheelbases, which leads to a shorter, cramped cockpit. This can negatively affect a child’s balance as well as the handling of the bike. For example, the Chillafish Charlie balance bike (11″ – 14.1″ seat height range) is designed for the same size child as the Cub, but its wheelbase is 3.5″ shorter at only 19″!
What is the difference between the Cub and the Cub Plus?
While both the Cub and Cub Plus fit the same size child, they vary greatly in components and quality. The model that is best for your toddler depends on where they plan on riding, as well as how aggressive or adventurous you anticipate them becoming on their bike. The more varied terrain or more adventurous your rider, the more likely you should go for the Cub Plus versus the Cub.
The larger Cub Plus XL is design for preschoolers or taller toddlers. Our review of the Cub Plus XL can be found at the end of this review.
Wheels and Tires – Foam vs Air
The Cub has puncture-proof foam tires on plastic rims, while the Cub Plus has air tires on painted metal rims. Both tires have their pros and cons.
The foam tires on the Cub will never go flat and are essentially maintenance free, but they provide no cushioning and offer less traction that the air tires on the Cub Plus.
The rubber air tires on the Cub Plus can go flat, but their cushioning properties will help smooth out the bumps in the sidewalk and pavement, while also providing more traction on mixed terrains.
For the average toddler riding on paved surfaces around the neighborhood, the foam tires work just fine, but for more adventurous riders we strongly feel that the air tires are worth the additional expensive. From jumping off curbs to cruising through the grass or dirt paths, the extra traction provided by air tires are sure to be put to good use.
Handbrake on Cub Plus Only
Considering handbrakes are rarely found on balance bikes under $199, the Cub Plus is pretty unique. While young toddlers will primarily use their feet to stop a balance bike, as they get older and improve their hand – eye coordination, many older toddlers are able to start using a handbrake as well.
In addition to stopping faster and with more control, handbrakes on balance bikes are fabulous as they prevent kids from quickly wearing out the soles of their shoes!
The braking mechanism on the Cub Plus is properly placed above the bike’s rear chainstays to prevent any interference with the child’s stride. As a result, the brake is there when needed, but safely tucked away otherwise.
While the brake works great when pulled firmly, unfortunately our young testers found the brake lever challenging to pull. After some adjusting, we were able to ease the tension on the brake cable, but the brake lever on the Cub Plus is certainly stiffer and harder for kids to pull compared to higher-end balance bikes.
For some kids, the stiffness of the brake is likely to limit their use of the brake. That being said, if you have room in your budget to get the Cub Plus over the Cub, we still recommend doing so.
On a side note, both the Cub and the Cub Plus have the same grips as shown above. In addition to being soft and grippy, we love that they contain a stiff bumper at the end to help protect small hands in the event of a crash.
Adjustable Height Handlebars
The Cub has straight handlebars while the Cub Plus’s have a slight rise to them. As a result, the lowest position of the handlebars on the Cub is slightly lower than than on the Cub Plus.
For taller or older riders who will likely raise the handlebars anyway, the minimum handlebar height is likely a moot point, but considering our young tester was riding the Cub and the Cub Plus at the minimum seat height of 11.5″, the difference in handlebar height was noticeable.
If your rider will be using the balance bike at its minimum seat height, it’s certainly something to consider. While riding the Cub Plus with the handlebars set to their lowest setting (shown on the right in the image above), our young tester was required to ride with his arm straight out, versus slightly downward on the Cub.
A downward angle of the arms from the shoulders to the grips (similar to the position shown on the Cub on the left) is preferred as it allows the rider to place more weight on the front tire which aides in maneuverability and steering.
Considering our tester has only been riding balance bikes for a month or so, his more relaxed riding style didn’t require quick turns or intricate weaving, so he did not seem bothered by the higher placed handlebars of the Cub Plus.
Given that young riders grow very quickly, we don’t anticipate the taller minimum handlebar height of the Cub Plus to be problematic for most young riders and wouldn’t consider this a reason to purchase the Cub over the Cub Plus.
Headset – Cub Plus Offers Firmer Grip
Where the handlebars attach to the frame of the bike also differs between the models. The handlebars of the Cub are attached via a simple quick-release clamp (shown on the left below), while the Club Plus has a steel threaded headset (on the right).
The quick-release clamp of the Cub allows for tool-free adjustments on the go, but doesn’t hold the handlebars in place very firmly, resulting in the handlebars having to be realigned with the front wheel quite often. The steel threaded headset on the Cub Plus holds the handlebars firmly in place, but does require an Allen wrench to raise the bars.
Weight and Frame
The frame design of the two models is the same, except for the material of their construction. The Retrospec Cub’s frame is constructed of steel, while the Cub Plus is made of rust-proof aluminum. The only noticeable difference between the two frames is that the Cub Plus has mounts for the handbrake while the Cub’s does not.
Although aluminum frames are typically lighter than steel frames, the added features of the Cub Plus (upgraded wheels, brake, headset), make it heavier (8.7 lb.) compared to the more basic Cub (7 lb.).
At 8.7 lb., the Cub Plus is heavier than similarly-priced bikes such as the Strider (6.4 lb.) and the Radio Flyer (8.2 lb.), but it is the only bike in its price range to have air tires and a hand brake.
How does the Cub compare to other budget balance bikes?
The Retrospec Cub and the Cub Plus both offer amazing value for the price point. Compared to similarly-priced balance bikes, both Cubs stand out amongst the crowd for their fun and modern color combinations, kid-friendly frame geometry and height adjustability, while the Cub Plus steps it up with air tires and a handbrake.
| Cub | Cub Plus | Strider | Banana Bike GT | |
| MSRP | $79 | $129 | $129 | $79 |
| Weight | 7 lb. | 8.7 lb. | 6.4 lb. | 8.1 lb. |
| Seat Height | 11.5″ – 15″ | 11.5″ – 15″ | 11″ – 17″ | 12.5″ – 17″ |
| Tires | Foam | Air | Foam | Air |
| Footrest | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Brakes | No | Yes | No | No |
| # of colors | 8 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Link to Review | – | – | Strider | Banana Bike |
What to I gain by bumping up my budget to get the Strider?
The Strider is a solid-quality balance bike that has been around for years, and for good reason. Benefits of going with the Strider over the Retrospec Cub include:
- Greater seat height range – The Strider Classic offers a 6″ seat height range while the Cub offers 3.5″. While minimal, those extra inches will certainly extend your child’s proper fit window on their balance bike.
Strider’s extended seat post can also boost the maximum seat height to 19″. **While we have not tried it ourselves, according to the specs provided by Strider and Retrospec, the extended seat post offered by Strider should also fit on the Cub (both have a seat post diameter of 22.2mm)** - The ability to upgrade the bike – Strider offers multiple add-on accessories including air tires, an extended seat post, and skis
- Higher resale value – The Strider is a known name that many people will pay more for second hand
What do I gain by getting the Retrospec Cub over the Strider?
- Price – The Cub is $50 cheaper than the Strider
- Multiple modern color options – The Cub comes in 8 different color combinations with modern accents. Strider’s color options vary, but they typically have 7 solid color options.
Retrospec Cub Plus XL Balance Bike Review
The Cub Plus XL is a fantastic balance bike for preschoolers just getting started—or for older toddlers ready for a bigger ride. With a seat height range of 15” to 21”, the Cub Plus XL comfortably fits very tall 2- and 3-year-olds all the way up to shorter 8-year-olds. Equipped with air tires and dual hand brakes, it’s built to handle the extra speed, intensity, and adventurous riding that older kids often bring.
Size: Retrospec Cub Plus vs. Cub Plus XL
While the Cub Plus and Cub Plus XL share similar designs, they are built for different-sized riders. The minimum seat height of the Cub Plus XL (15”) matches the maximum seat height of the Cub and Cub Plus, meaning they are not sized for the same child. The Cub Plus XL also has a taller frame and longer wheelbase to better accommodate growing preschoolers and taller riders.
For best fit, you want the saddle of a balance bike positioned about 2 inches below the child’s inseam, allowing enough knee bend for running and balancing. As a result, the Cub Plus XL is best suited for kids with at least a 17” inseam. (To measure your child’s inseam accurately, we recommend using the book method—placing a book between their legs and measuring from the floor to the top of the book.)
In the photo below, our 5-year-old tester with a 20” inseam is comfortably riding the Cub Plus XL with the seat set to 18”.
Cub Plus XL Features
Like the Cub Plus, the Cub Plus XL features air tires that provide plenty of traction, cushioning, and a smoother ride—especially important for older kids riding faster or tackling rougher terrain.
For extra stopping power, the Cub Plus XL comes with dual hand brakes (compared to the single hand brake on the Cub Plus). The brake levers are child-sized and easy to reach, helping kids learn braking skills early on without frustration.
Unlike the smaller Cub balance bikes, the Cub Plus XL also features a built-in footrest that allows kids to lift their feet and coast once they pick up speed.
Moving Up from the Cub Plus XL
When it’s time to graduate from the Cub Plus XL, a 16” pedal bike will likely be the next best step. Our 5-year-old tester (shown above) transitioned to a 16” pedal bike in just one day. With many 16” bikes—like the Retrospec Koda 16—having a minimum seat height around 19”, there’s no need to size down to a 12” or 14” pedal bike. Kids who have outgrown the Cub Plus XL will already be too big for those smaller sizes and ready for a full 16” model.
Compared to Other Larger Balance Bikes
Other larger 14” balance bikes on the market include the woom GO 1 Plus and the Strider 14x. These bikes vary widely in size, weight, and features. When considering the weight, cost, and dual hand brakes of the Cub Plus XL, it’s clear that Retrospec offers excellent value for families looking for a bigger balance bike without breaking the bank.
| Cub Plus XL | woom Go 1 Plus | Strider 14x | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $149 | $299 | $229 |
| Seat Height | 15” – 21″ | 14.8” – 18.7″ | 15” – 22″ |
| Brakes | Dual Hand | Dual Hand | None |
| Weight | 10.3 lb. | 9.8 lb. | 12.5 lb. |
Retrospec Cub Balance Bike Bottom Line
With modern styling, smart geometry, and solid performance at a budget-friendly price, the Retrospec Cub balance bike line offers impressive value. The Cub and Cub Plus, both with a minimum seat height of 11.5″, are excellent choices for young toddlers just starting their balance bike journey.
The Cub, with its foam tires, is best for pavement cruising, while the Cub Plus steps things up with air tires for better traction and comfort over mixed terrain or small bumps.
For taller or older toddlers, the Cub Plus XL extends the ride with larger 14” air tires, dual hand brakes, and a built-in footrest—making it a perfect pick for preschoolers ready to ride faster, farther, and more confidently. Whether you’re shopping for a first bike or a roomier upgrade, there’s a Cub for every stage.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.
