I have to admit I love buying unique toys for my daughters that no other kids in the neighborhood have!
That was the case with the Radio Flyer Big Flyer. Last spring we found ourselves in a situation many parents can relate to – Maya had outgrown her tricycle, but wasn’t quite comfortable on her “big girl” bike yet. I thought the Big Flyer might be a good in-between option, and am so happy with our purchase! It’s an awesome-looking chopper-style tricycle with real chrome handlebars, comfortable molded hand grips, and realistic gauges on the dash. A racing pennant (taller than it appears in the photo) makes it visible to cars as it zips off the driveway or along the sidewalk.
Assembly
The big box arrived one sunny afternoon. Maura “helped” me put it together while Maya was at a playdate, so we could surprise her when she got home! I was a little overwhelmed at first, after spreading out all the parts in my living room, but the instructions are easy to follow. Maura couldn’t reach the pedals, but was excited to try it out anyway!
The Ride
Maya didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped for at first. It does take a good amount of effort to get the Big Flyer moving. “It’s TOO hard, mommy!” she’d say, then shrug her shoulders and move on to something else. For a while, I thought that maybe we had wasted our money, but we didn’t pressure her to ride it. Every one of her friends that saw her new toy wanted to take it for a test drive, though. That must’ve been enough for her to see that she had a very cool trike, so she gave it a second chance.
Now, a year later, she rides her Big Flyer every single day. The elements have taken their toll; the stickers have peeled, the flag lost, and the bright red has faded significantly, but it’s still a beautiful trike. Her red Cars helmet complements it perfectly.
The streets near are home are all very hilly, and because the Big Flyer doesn’t go up hills well, once in a while she’ll get off and walk it up instead. This doesn’t keep her from wanting to ride it all around the neighborhood, though. And with the adjustable seat and weight limit of 65 pounds, I know she’ll be using the Big Flyer for years to come. Because of it’s durability and quality Radio Flyer is known for, I’m certain Maura will also get a few years out of it, and who knows… we may even be able to pass it on to a friend!
Where to Buy
I didn’t see it in stores anywhere, so I ended up buying it on Amazon for around $75. I stalked the website for a couple of weeks before making the purchase, seeing the price fluctuate greatly, going as high as $90 and as low as $69. Depending on demand, I guess. It’s $72 right now and worth every penny!
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Two of the newest Radio Flyer products for Spring…
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Skate
This beginner skateboard is a 2-in-1 value that offers two ways to ride:
- Scooter mode: teaches kids how to balance and control in scooter mode
- Skateboard mode: the handle removes completely allowing full skateboard functionality once riders are ready
It also has an authentic skateboard look and real skateboard trucks in both riding modes. Best for ages 3-8 years old, Scoot 2 Skate is available at retailers nationwide and on Amazon.com for a suggested retail price of $69.99.
Radio Flyer Smooth Rider
Experienced riders will appreciate the ultra-smooth, ultra-comfortable ride delivered by the extra large 170 mm wheels and precision ball bearings. The Smooth Rider also comes equipped with:
- Wider and longer deck for easy foot placement
- Hand and footbrakes for added control
- Classic retro look
- Adjustable handlebar
- Foldable handle for easy storage and portability
Best for ages 6 and up, the Smooth Rider is available at retailers nationwide and on Amazon.com for the suggested retail price of $99.99.
The Radio City Big Flyer makes me think of one of my fave toys of ALL TIME – Big Wheel! So much fun. Radio Flyer makes amazing toys!
The best gift I gave my fun-loving kid is the radio flyer. It’s very safe to use and I feel secure when they ride it. The people who designed the radio flyer really kept the child’s safety in their mind while creating it. I love the fact that the seat can be adjusted so that the tricycle can “grow” with him. He love’s it so much and so do I.
If you have a chance, come and visit me back
Hi, Its great to get such fantastic feedback about Radio Flyer. I am the International Distributor for Radio Flyer in the UK and Ireland, did you know they do the Big Red Flyer in Pink now? When I was first told I thought it would look just dreadful but it looks really cool with the white seat back, pink body but still with Radio Flyer red hand grips, pedals and flag. We are yet to get it into the UK and Ireland but cant wait until it arrives.