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Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike vs LittleBig
Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike and the LittleBig are both premium-quality bikes designed to help children learn balance and confidence before moving to pedals.
The biggest difference is what happens next. The Kids Ride Shotgun has 12" and 14" wheeled options, while the LittleBig starts as a 14" balance bike, grows with your child and converts into a full pedal bike using the same familiar frame.
If you only need a balance bike, the Kids Ride Shotgun is a high-quality option and comes with a super powerful rear brake and off road knobbly tyres.
If you are looking at the complete journey from first balance bike to confident pedalling, LittleBig offers greater versatility, a wider fit range and stronger long-term value.
If you're comparing different options before making a decision, you may also find our guide to the best balance bikes useful.
What Both Bikes Do Well
Both the Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike and LittleBig are premium robust children's bikes designed around lightweight construction, quality components and child-specific geometry.
Both use aluminium frames, pneumatic tyres and carefully considered ergonomics to help children develop balance and confidence quickly.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| Feature | LittleBig | Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Convertible balance bike and pedal bike | Balance bike only |
| Stages Covered | Little balance bike, Big balance bike, 14 inch pedal bike | Balance bike only |
| Wheel Size | 14 inch | 14 inch |
| Weight | 4.3kg balance bike 6.3kg pedal bike |
4.6kg |
| Brakes | Front and rear V brakes brakes | Rear Magura disc brake |
| Saddle Height Range | 32cm - 45cm balance mode 37cm - 54cm pedal mode |
Approx. 35cm - 44cm |
| Age Range | Approx. 2 - 6 years | Approx. 3 - 5 years |
| Conversion to Pedals | Yes, (3 bikes in 1) | No, needs separate pedal bike later |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on frame and fork | 5 year warranty |
Lifetime Cost Comparison
Most children who learn on a balance bike will eventually move to a pedal bike. The question is how much that journey costs.
| Lifecycle Cost | LittleBig | Kids Ride Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
| Balance Bike | €350 for Silver Storm, (€295 for painted models) | €340 |
| Pedal Bike | LittleBig Pedal Kit €95 | Separate pedal bike required |
| Total Cost | €390 | €340 + cost of a pedal bike |
| Number of Bikes Purchased | One balance bike plus pedal kit | At least two bikes |
| Transition to Pedals | Same bike, same fit, same controls | Entirely new bike |
While the initial purchase prices are very similar, the Kids Ride Shotgun will eventually need to be replaced with a separate pedal bike, increasing the overall cost of ownership.
Where LittleBig Has the Advantage
Balance Bike to Pedal Bike Conversion
The Kids Ride Shotgun is a dedicated balance bike. Once your child is ready to pedal, you'll need to purchase a separate pedal bike.
LittleBig converts into a full 14 inch pedal bike, allowing children to continue riding the same familiar frame throughout the learning process.
Front and Rear Brakes
The Kids Ride Shotgun includes a rear disc brake, while LittleBig uses front and rear child-specific V brakes. This mirrors the braking setup children will use on larger bikes later.
Greater Fit Range
LittleBig's unique growing frame covers a saddle height range of 32cm to 54cm across its three riding modes. This gives it a considerably longer useful lifespan than most dedicated balance bikes.
Better Long-Term Value
Because the LittleBig converts into a pedal bike, it eliminates the need to purchase a second bike when your child is ready to pedal. This gives it significantly better long-term value despite a similar initial purchase price.
Designed and Assembled in Ireland
Every LittleBig is hand assembled by experienced mechanics in Wicklow, Ireland. The bike features an alloy frame and fork, cartridge-bearing wheels, quality pneumatic tyres, front and rear hand brakes and is all backed by our lifetime warranty.
What About Off-Road Riding?
The Kids Ride Shotgun comes fitted with more aggressive knobbly tyres than the standard LittleBig setup, which can provide extra grip on loose surfaces such as forest trails, gravel paths and grass. For most families riding on pavements, cycle paths and parks, the standard LittleBig tyres offer lower rolling resistance and make it easier for young children to build and maintain speed.
If you regularly ride off-road and want additional grip, the Silver Storm model comes with knobbly tyres as standard, and we also offer a Vee Tyre upgrade for our other bikes.
Where the Kids Ride Shotgun Makes Sense
The Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike is a strong choice if your priority is a premium balance bike for off road riding with quality components and a powerful rear brake. Its stable geometry and easy pull hydraulic disc brakes make it easy for young children to manage.
For families focused purely on the balance bike stage, it remains an excellent option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kids Ride Shotgun lighter than the LittleBig?
No. The Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike weighs approximately 4.4kg compared with 4.3kg for the LittleBig in balance bike mode. Despite also being slightly lighter, the LittleBig includes front and rear hand brakes, larger 14 inch wheels and the ability to convert into a full pedal bike when your child is ready.
Does the Kids Ride Shotgun convert into a pedal bike?
No. The Kids Ride Shotgun is a dedicated balance bike and will need to be replaced with a separate pedal bike when your child is ready.
Which option offers better value?
If you only need a balance bike, both are premium options. If you're looking at the complete balance-bike-to-pedal-bike journey, LittleBig offers substantially better value because it converts into a pedal bike instead of requiring a second purchase.
Related Guides
- Balance Bike Guide for Parents
- Balance Bikes With Pedals Explained
- Balance Bike vs Training Wheels
- Balance Bike Age Range Guide
- Woom vs Frog vs LittleBig
Final Verdict
The Kids Ride Shotgun Balance Bike is a high-quality, robust yet lightweight balance bike with premium construction and thoughtful design.
LittleBig takes a different approach by covering multiple stages of riding development. It starts as a balance bike, grows with your child and converts into a full 14 inch pedal bike when they're ready.
If your goal is simply to buy a premium balance bike, the Kids Ride Shotgun is a strong option. If you want one bike that grows with your child, offers a wider fit range and delivers better long-term value, LittleBig is the more versatile overall package.
