It took 40 minutes to build the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike; that was longer than it took to build many of the trikes we tested. The long build time is due to the fact that this trike has so many parts; this makes it versatile, but it’s also a pain. The tools needed—a Phillips head screwdriver, a hammer, and a wrench—are not included. This trike held up well during testing, but it’s less durable than some of the other models we tried, including our upgrade pick. The trikes were then turned over to their kids, so they could test their durability, ease of use, speed, and inherent fun-ness. Kids took the trikes on neighborhood strolls, and they tested them on grass, pavement, broken concrete, and dirt.
It also got stuck on any surface that wasn’t pavement. Angeles tricycles are common at many daycares, schools, children’s museums, and community centers. These simple, industrial-strength trikes are built to last—not just through two or three kids in a family, but through two or three hundred kids over many years. The Angeles MyRider Midi Tricycle—intended for kids ages 3 to 6 and rated to hold up to a whopping 70 pounds—is the midsize option in the company’s MyRider trike line. The MyRider Midi is easy and fun to ride, close to maintenance-free, and absolutely durable. Make memories that will last a lifetime with the Schwinn Kid’s 12 in.
We looked for trikes that can be passed down from child to child. We tested tricycles made from steel, aluminum, and plastic, in varying combinations. Compared with trikes that were 100% plastic, trikes with at least some steel tended to age better and more consistently stood up to a beating. They also help develop a child’s visual processing abilities while in motion.
Install Rear Drive Sub-FrameLoosen and remove the four bolts at the rear of the main frame. Slide the rear drive sub-frame over the main frame until the holes in both components are aligned. Verify the secondary chain sprockets are in alignment. Reinstall the four bolts from the inside of the frame. Slide the rear drive sub-frame all the way forward to ease installation of the chain. Lower the secondary chain into the frame ahead of the front gear, then wrap the chain back over the front gear.
Plus, for what it is, this bike is really expensive. Overall, if you’re seeking a truly fun ride for older kids, we think the Razor RipRider 360 is the better choice. As a child grows, these little-kid extras are stripped away, leaving a trike they can ride independently. The SmarTrike 3-in-1 Breeze S Toddler Tricycle felt flimsy, with plastic wheels and screws that are tough to tighten. And the harness didn’t tighten well; Jenni’s 15-month-old daughter kept nearly falling out.
Thread the hanging section of chain back around the rear axle, but don’t put it onto the gear yet. Push one side of the quick link onto one end of the secondary chain, then push the second side of the quick link over the opposite side of the other end of the chain. Bring the two ends of the chain together and snap both sides of the quick link together, then pull the chain taut. Inspect the quick link to verify both pins are fully engaged in the plates. Tighten the four bolts securing it to the main frame.
Beyond the glitz, we found that the Roadster provides a smooth, stable ride, especially compared with similar low riders made of plastic. Due to its size and weight (17½ pounds), this trike is better balanced than our top pick in schwinn tricycle independent trike mode, even on fast turns. Its steel construction is durable, and it has air-filled tires. During our most recent round of testing, the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike was our favorite tricycle in the bunch.