Are expensive balance bikes worth it over budget ones?

Specialist communities are split. High-trust testers at twowheelingtots.com emphasize that Strider models offer dependable durability and readily available replacement parts, plus strong resale value cited repeatedly in Reddit and Facebook parent groups. But several r/MTB and r/Preschoolers commenters argue that since wear is light and kids move to pedal bikes within 18 months, an inexpensive bike often does the job. Budget picks like SEREED and KRIDDO carry very high Amazon rating volumes.