Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of vehicles for children. There are skateboards, scooters, bicycles and other types of similar equipment. In this article, we consider children's bicycles with a frame of 16 inches, their features, as well as the nuances of choosing such models.
Advantages and disadvantages
Since most of these bikes are made for children, then manufacturers pay special attention to additional parts. It can be grips, calls and much more. It is also worth noting that many 16-inch children's bikes are based on adult models. Simply put, there are adult counterparts that are no different, except in the size of the frames and pedals.
In order for children to learn to ride gradually, safety wheels are included. They are attached to the side and give the bike stability. It is worth noting that the longer the children ride bikes with an additional pair of wheels, the harder it will be to change to a standard two-wheeled model.
Since all children grow quite intensively, companies create models with the maximum number of adjustable components. This is usually a seat and seatpost.
The obvious advantages include design. In order to attract children, manufacturers create a large number of colors.
Of the minuses, the following points can be noted.
- When buying a bike, many parents pay attention to the chain and whether it is closed. Some manufacturers do not equip bicycles with protection for the lower part of the chain system. If a child likes to ride through puddles, this can lead to the fact that dirt and water will clog into the chain, which then needs to be cleaned.
- The disadvantages include the need for low weight.Children are not physically strong enough to lift or haul their bikes on their own. This is another criterion that you should pay attention to.
The more such features, the more difficult it is to choose a bike.
For what age is it suitable?
It is impossible to unequivocally answer this question, since each child adds individually in growth. The approximate age can be both 4-6 and 13-14 years.
First of all, it all depends on the growth and length of the limbs. To calculate the exact size of the frame for the bike as accurately as possible, measure the height of the child, the length of his arms and legs. This way you can roughly determine what size bike is right for him.
Species overview
One of the most important parameters for a children's 16-inch bike can be called weight. It is this parameter that determines whether it will be convenient for the child to ride a bike. Not only the ability to carry, but also control depends on the severity. If your child just moved to a 16-inch model, and it turned out to be too heavy, then the child will not be able to accelerate on her own, as the bicycle presses the ground with too much force that the rider cannot overcome.
A good option might be folding version of the bike. They are much easier to carry than simple bicycles. If the child is taught to fold the unit by himself, then he will be able to transport cycling without any problems.
If you need only a one-piece design, then the best is to buy a model with aluminum alloy frame. It is strong enough, lightweight and much less susceptible to corrosion than steel or other metals.
Of course, there is an option with a titanium frame, but such a model is much more expensive and will not bring much benefit, since it is used in a sports type of races.
In cases where the child does not feel problems while riding, get two-wheeled models without an extra pair of wheels. Thus, the user will be able to learn to ride a more familiar bicycle much faster and the four wheels will not be addictive.
Rating of popular models
In order to determine and compare the best models, we will make a rating. The criteria for TOP will be universality and efficiency in work.
Stern Dynamic 1.0 26
This model has two sizes of frames: 16 and 18 inches. The size of the wheels is 26 inches. This bike is a type of mountain bike, that is, it is designed for increased loads and overcoming obstacles. The frame is made of steel, so the weight is 16 kg.
There is amortization of Hard Tail, which will simplify cross-country driving. Spring-elastomeric fork. Due to this effect, the load on the steering wheel will not be felt, because all the strength from jumping will go to the spring. The steering column is not integrated, the fork travel is 60 mm. The rim is made of aluminum alloy, the rear and front brakes of the V-brake design. Sunrace switches, rotating shifters, curved steering wheel.
Stels Pilot 750 24 Z010
This model can be classified as urban. The design is quite simple and is intended only for measured races. A feature of this bike can be called the presence of a folding mechanism. Having folded the structure, it will be more convenient for you to transport the Pilot 750. Rigid rigid fork, threaded and non-integrated steering column, double rims of high strength aluminum alloy.
Metal stander cord, V-shaped walking brake system. There are 6 riding modes, front and rear switches from Shimano, non-integrated carriages, connecting rods are 16.5 cm long. The steering wheel has a curved shape and can be adjusted. The seat frame is steel and the spring supports the main seat structure. The complete set includes wings, a bell, a chain protection and a trunk for personal items.
Format Kids 16
Children's bike that has original equipment. The frame is made of high-strength aluminum alloy, the fork is rigid, non-integrated. Wheels 16 inches, tires Kenda Kontact, there are double rims Weinmann X-Star18 from aluminum.
It is possible to attach the side wheels that come with the kit.The sorting cord is made of metal, a V-brake of walking type. Non-integrated Kenli KL-08A stroller cartridges. 18T cassettes, connecting rods are 11.4 cm long. The steering rack is curved and can be adjusted. The saddle has a steel frame, wings are included.
Stinger caiman 26
Mountain MTV bike, which has many frame sizes. This model is designed for cross-country. Steel base, Hard Tail cushioning. There is a soft spring-elastomeric fork of our own production with a stroke of 50 mm. The design of the steering column is threaded, wheels with a diameter of 26 inches, tires Z-Axis 786.
The Felgebieter rim is made of aluminum. Front and rear brakes V-brake pleasure. MicroShift TS 38 shifters, Shimano switches, in total there are 18 speeds of movement. Carriage STG Cartridge non-integrated, Superwin 14-28T initial cassettes. The curved steering wheel can be adjusted, the kit includes a footrest for parking a bicycle.
Royal Baby RB16-17 Freestyle Space
A very beautiful bike for children, which attracts the buyer with its unusual color. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, thanks to which this model weighs only 9.7 kg. The steering column is unintegrated, the fork is rigid. The rim is aluminum, wheels with a diameter of 16 inches, it is possible to install a supporting pair of wheels.
There is only a front V-shaped brake. The carriages are initial, only 1 speed. The steering wheel is curved with adjustment, the complete set has circuit protection, a bell and a liquid tank.
Forward Valencia 24 1.0
Classic city bike for children. It has not only the usual technical base, but also looks like a standard bike. The frame is steel, there is a function of folding it. Very convenient function for transportation in the car. Rigid fork, 24-inch wheel diameter, WandaP1023 tires, FWD double rims made of aluminum.
There is only a rear foot brake. Initial cutters Kenli, cartridges 18T. Curved steering wheel with the ability to adjust. The saddle has a seat spring, the seat frame is made of steel. The complete set includes wings, a bell, chain protection, a trunk for things and a footboard for parking.
Stark Luna 26.1 D
Female MTV bike for cross-country. Aluminum alloy frame, Hard Tail shock absorption system, entry-level soft fork Easing. 26-inch wheels, Wanda P1197 tire name, Rainbow DH-18 rims made of aluminum. Disc mechanical brakes Apse ADC-11 walking type. Also, the disc brake can be installed on the frame, fork and bushings.
Only 21 speeds, Shimano front derailleur, rear DNP. Initial Shifters MicroShift, and their design consists of double-lever triggers. Carriages SBY-B02, the steering wheel is curved, there is a spring-loaded saddle. The complete set includes wings and a footboard.
Merida Dino J16
Children's bike for users aged 4 to 6 years. Thanks to the aluminum frame, the bike is lightweight, so the child will be able to independently move the structure. The fork is stiff, the steering column is not integrated. The diameter of the wheels is 16 inches, the name of the tires is Merida 16, the rim is made of aluminum. Using fasteners, you can install a side pair of wheels.
Front starting brake V-brake, rear starting foot. Cartridges 16T, the wheel is curved. The kit includes wings, chain protection and a shield on the steering wheel.
BearBike Kitezh 16 1s coaster
Versatile bike that is designed for children aged 4 to 6 years. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, the fork is rigid, the steering column is semi-integrated threaded, the name of the tires is Wanda P-104, the double rims are made of aluminum, the side cord is made of metal, it is possible to attach the side wheels. Front brake Jiekang V-brake, rear foot. Carriages Feimin FP-908N, the steering wheel is curved, there is a call.
Author Radius
An expensive, but very high-quality bike that has a large number of sizes for the frame and does not need to be compared with other analogues. The casing is made of 6061 aluminum alloy using hydroforming technology. RST Aerial fork with locking function and 100 mm travel.Steering rack integrated, own production.
Front and rear switches, system, connecting rods, cassette, carriage from Shimano. Suspension suspension. Double rims and tires Author, Quando bushings with 32 holes. Tektro Auriga disc brake, rotors - 160 mm. Steering wheel - 660 mm, Pro Lock grips, takeaway, seatpost, Navigator saddle, seatpost and aluminum pedals - all of our own production.
Criterias of choice
Since this type of bike is mainly bought for children, then the most important criterion can be called materials. In order for the user to be able to independently move the unit, the weight of the model should not be too large. If we talk about specific materials, then an aluminum alloy is best suited. It is strong enough, lightweight and resistant to rust.
Also pay attention on mechanisms and spare parts that are mounted on a bicycle. This applies to carriages, forks, brakes, switches, cushioning and more.
If you already know how you will use the bike, then it will be possible to choose a bike according to these characteristics.
Children's bicycles have branches on models for boys and for girls. In fact, there is not much difference in them. The most important difference between such units can be called coloring and design. Children are attracted to bright colors, so manufacturers are trying to make the product range as diverse as possible in terms of design.
Also, children love various lights, calls, LEDs and more, which attracts attention. Some models are specially equipped with these components to please customers.
An important criterion is the price. There are both expensive foreign and inexpensive domestic bikes.
If you buy a simple bike for a child, then there will not be much point in choosing an expensive mountain model on which shock absorption and a large number of speeds are installed.
See how to choose the size of a children's bike in the next video.