🚲Rating of the best lightweight kids bikes for 2020

Choosing a child's bike is not an easy and responsible business. We are talking about buying a vehicle for a child, and this is, first of all, a question of the safety of road users. In addition, the number of manufacturers is incalculable. It is not so easy to decide which company to buy a bike. bestx.htgetrid.com/en/ offers an overview of the best lightweight children's bicycles for 2020, based on customer opinion and expert reviews.

Scooter, bike ride or trolley

The first documentary evidence of the invention of the "two-wheeled scooter" was a patent issued in 1818 to the German professor Baron von Drese. It was a wooden frame with two wheels and a saddle. No pedals were provided. The British and French called this device a trolley after the name of the inventor. However, this bike ride had another name - "dandy horse", which means "horse for a dandy."

In 1840, thanks to the efforts of the Scottish blacksmith Macmillan, pedals appeared on the railcar. However, this option was not widely known.

The idea to equip the front wheel of the Dandy Horses with pedals belongs to the Frenchman Pierre Lalman. He realized it in 1862. Macmillan's invention, he had no idea. The mass production of these machines was organized by the Lyon industrialists, the brothers Olivier and the coachman Michaud in 1863. It is believed that it was Michaud who came up with the idea of ​​calling this apparatus a bicycle. Soon Lalman moved to the United States, where he received a patent for his brainchild.

On a note! In fact, Lalman is the first inventor of the bicycle.

The British Cooper in 1867 and Lawson in 1878 equipped Lalman's invention with spoked wheels and a chain drive. The last "stroke of the brush" was the invention in 1888 by the Scotsman John Dunlop of inflatable rubber tires.
From that time on, the “over-shoe” bike was no longer called bone shaker and its golden era began.

The device of a modern bicycle

Let's refresh the memory of the features of the device of this type of vehicle, its technical characteristics, and at the same time remember what they are. This knowledge will help you make the right choice and, first of all, ensure the safety of your child.

Frame

The main element of the bike. All other elements are attached to it, and you can change any spare part if it is damaged. If something happens to the frame, it's best to buy a new bike. There are three types of frames:

• open - for girls and women, with a bent upper tube, very close to the lower tube, for the convenience of using the beautiful half of humanity;
• closed - for boys and men, with a straight top pipe, the classic version of the "dandy-horse";
• unisex - the frame is more like an open, versatile option for both genders.

The frame material can also be different: steel, titanium, aluminum, carbon, magnesium and molybdenum. Such a wide range is explained by the different properties of materials:

1. Steel frames. Among them, noteworthy are those in the manufacture of which chromium-molybdenum alloys are used, while other steels are distinguished by their high weight and low strength.
2. Aluminum frames are famous for their lightness, which is important when choosing a children's bike, but at the same time they easily crumple and break from the slightest effort or impact.
3. Titanium is an eternal and light material that can withstand any load, but also expensive.
4. Magnesium alloy. Frames made of it are very light, but easily rust and require daily maintenance.
5. The carbon frame is lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant and expensive, and also easily shatters from a strong point impact, so it should be handled with extreme care.

Steering column

Vehicle handling depends on it. Consists of handlebars, grips and stem. Each element is worthy of separate consideration.

• Steering wheel

Can be straight, curved and road. The latter is also called "ram's horns" for its specific shape. A bike with a straight rudder is more suitable for those who like to overcome the rugged terrain. The curved handlebars are easier to use for regular cycling.

• Grips

Special overlays. They provide reliable grip on the steering wheel, which is why they are put on its handles. They can be rubber, plastic, foam.

• Steering stem

The part slides over the front fork. Designed for mounting and adjusting the position of the steering wheel. With it, you can change the landing from a straight walking, to a high-speed, lower one.

Gear shifting device

In modern cars, the number of gears ranges from 5 to 25. They allow the rider to save energy when moving on difficult terrain. Consist of several elements:

1. Shifters are small levers or gear shifters located on the handlebars (used to be attached to the frame).
2. The front and rear derailleur changes gears. They are connected to the shifters with cables. With the help of the front, the chain is thrown over the "stars" of the system. The rear switches from star to star in the cassette. He is always dirty and needs care.

Ropes

They communicate with gears and brakes. The number of cables ranges from three to four, working with front and rear derailleurs.

System

Several (one to three) sprockets mounted on one shaft with connecting rods and pedals. The system is connected by a chain to a cassette, forming a chain transmission.

Cassette

The number of stars by the number of programs available. Obeying the manipulation of the rear derailleur, the chain is thrown from star to star of the cassette, changing from one speed to another.

Chain

The most important part of a gear or gear shifting system. It can stretch over time. With a significant increase in length, it must be replaced. Needs periodic cleaning and lubrication. Experienced riders, when purchasing a chain, determine its quality by the color of the metal. Matte gray means high reliability, nickel-plated chain is of average quality, black side plates means low-grade chain.

It has already been said above that the chain stretches over time and can jump off the stars during movement. In addition, the chain can fall off when hitting a curb or dropping the bike. In any case, it is not so easy to put even a stretched chain on the stars. To avoid this, you need to purchase and install a chain damper - a complex consisting of: rockring (a protective plate that covers the chain in the area of ​​the system), and supporting rollers. Such equipment on the rear wheel is also called a chain damper or chain tensioner.It is installed and fastened differently, but the purpose is the same.

On a note! The bicycle chain has a serious competitor - the timing belt. Belt-driven bikes are almost more common on the market than traditional chain-driven bikes. A toothed belt is more expensive than a chain, but you can save on regular lubrication.

Brakes

This is the most important part of any vehicle, since there is nothing more important than stopping on time. There are several types of brakes:

1. Classic foot with brake drum. The method of braking, known to many grandfathers, who drove in childhood in the "Shkolnik" or "Eaglet". In order to carry out braking, it is enough to "press down" the pedals in the opposite direction.
2. Rim. A cable mechanism that clamps the rim using a lever located on the handlebars.
3. Disk. Also manual, but more complex and superior in reliability to the rim. Doesn't clog and has better smoothness. It can be cable or hydraulic.

Depreciation

A system designed to smooth out the harsh vibrations of the bike and its rider when riding on uneven surfaces. The composition includes:

1. The fork is hard for high-speed cars and soft, with built-in shock absorbers, for mountain cars.
2. Rear shock absorbers. There are spring-oil and air-oil. Installed on mountain and tourist vehicles. Reduces shock loads for a comfortable ride on terrain.

Wheels

They consist of rims, spokes, bushings and tires. The needles add rigidity. They are attached to rims and bushings, providing a strong connection and are the most vulnerable elements, because they bend and break quite easily. Damaged spokes must be replaced. Tires are worn on the rims to provide reliable traction, ensuring the safety of the owner. Their tires and cameras consist. There are also tubeless options.

Alloy wheels of bicycle wheels deserve separate consideration. They don't need knitting needles. They have found a worthy application among athletes on a cycle track. Apparently, due to the original appearance and stylish design, some manufacturers put alloy wheels on walking bikes. They have better aerodynamics and impact resistance, and do not require maintenance or replacement or re-tightening of the spokes. On the other hand, they are heavier and more expensive than spoked ones, not suitable for repair (damaged - thrown away).

Wheel sizes:

Junior bikes are 24 "in diameter, adult bikes are 26" and 28 ", with the former for mountain bikes and the latter for road and hybrid.

On a note! Bicycle wheel diameters are usually measured in inches. As a reminder, one inch equals 25.4 millimeters.

The size range of wheels of children's cars, depending on the driver's height, is as follows:

• 12 inches for height 90 to 95 cm;
• 16 inches - from 100 to 115 cm;
• 18 inches - 115 to 120 cm;
• 20 inches - 120 to 150 cm.

Carriage

Secures cranks and pedals to the frame. Responsible for the free travel of the pedals, thanks to the presence of bearings. It is subjected to significant loads, and therefore must be performed with sufficient strength.

Types of connecting rods to the carriage

There are many fastening standards and each of them is individual and incompatible with others. The oldest currently used is the type of connecting rods to the carriage with wedges. It cannot withstand heavy loads, therefore it is more often used on children's bikes and some types of road vehicles.

Squares and rhombuses

The bore holes of the connecting rods of some devices have this shape. The end of the carriage shaft can also be square or diamond shaped. The connecting rod is put on the end of the shaft and secured with a bolt or nut, depending on the design of the carriage shaft.

Slotted standard

Some manufacturers have developed their own, slotted standards for attaching the connecting rods to the bottom bracket.
On a note! Spline is the connection of shafts and parts rotating on their axis. In this case, longitudinal grooves (splines) are selected on the shaft, and on the parts - the teeth included in the splines.

1. Shimano Octaink. Shimano has developed two types of splines, with eight 5x2 splines. Later, their length was increased to 9mm.
2. ISIS is a splined connection from Race Face. The shafts of this connection are of the same length, regardless of the size of the connecting rods.
3. Howitzer. A variant from Trivativ. Outwardly resembles ISIS, but differs from the latter in a smaller shaft diameter. This type of connection, in which the bearings are located outside the carriage, is characterized by increased rigidity.
4. Power Spline. Another spline connection standard from Trivativ. Differs in the presence of twelve splines and a smaller shaft diameter, compared to ISIS.

In road models, a variant of the axle integrated with the connecting rod is more often used, i.e. the right or left connecting rod is one piece with the shaft. In the standards listed above, the axis is not integrated, i.e. the connecting rods are removed from the axle and attached to it with splines or wedges.

Children's light bike selection criteria

When choosing a bike for a child, parents, first of all, should take care of its safety, prevent possible falls and related injuries. Let's find out how to choose a bike for your child, taking into account some criteria.

• Choice by child's age

At what age you can buy a child is great From two to three years. Choose a lightweight machine. Check how easy it is to pedal. A two-wheeled vehicle with removable side wheels and a parental handle (this is for the smallest) will be an excellent option for a kid.

• Selection by height

It is very important to choose the correct wheel diameter for your child's bike depending on your child's height. The required diameter can be calculated using the universal formula: height / 2.5 / 2.54, where 2.54 is the number of centimeters in one inch. For example, if a child is 100 cm tall, then the desired value for his bicycle should be 100 / 2.5 / 2.45 = 15.7 or 16 inches.

• Choice of frame length

It is equally important to choose the right length of the device so that the baby can confidently manage his transport. Here you need to measure the distance from the front edge of the saddle to the handlebars. It should be equal to the length of the child's arm from the fingertips to the elbow.

• Handlebar and saddle

Both elements are set in height so that the baby, sitting in the saddle with a straight back, reaches the floor with his feet. This is necessary if you need to stop urgently.

• Chain protection

This is a must-have for kids' bike. The chain must not be allowed to wind up the child's clothing when moving.

• Frame material selection

For a small child, it is better to choose the lightest "toy". From this point of view, the best option would be an aluminum frame.

What to look for

• Number of gears

It is difficult for young drivers under the age of 10 to assess the profile of the road and select the correct gear. Therefore, do not bother with this criterion. It is better to buy something simpler, it will cost less. You can buy a cool bike with a dozen gears for your child as a teenager.

• Brakes

The kid can't handle the hand brake. There is such a test criterion: if a child fails to crumple a Coca-Cola can with one hand, he will not have enough strength to hold the hand brake lever and it is better to use the foot brake.

• Protective ammunition

Despite the presence of attached side rollers and the correct dimensions of the machine, you should protect the child from the consequences of a possible fall by protecting his head with a helmet, hands and feet with protective gloves, knee pads and elbow pads. God saves man, who save himself. And the child will look like a real racer in such protection.

Top manufacturers

There are dozens of bike manufacturers on the market today. It is difficult for beginners to understand this variety. The most frequently asked question at bicycle forums is still: "Tell me which bike company is better to buy." Let's try to figure it out. We list companies with a good reputation, a wide assortment, the popularity of models of which is based on the impeccable quality of the goods.

Canondale

Manufacturer from the USA.Since 1971 it has been producing bikes for various purposes, including for American policemen. It is also known for its bicycle accessories, spare parts and cycling clothing.

Centurion

Californian company known for its products since 1969. Since 1976 he has been based in Germany, where he manufactures his devices.

Cube

German manufacturer. The company was founded in 1993. Despite its relative youth, the company owns assembly facilities, a staff of developers and designers, a test and testing center, a sports team and a dealer network in more than 30 countries.

Electra

Another representative of California. The main direction is the production of city bicycles. Part of the Trek Corporation.

Focus

Company from Germany. Year of foundation - 1992. The base is located in the city of Cloppenburg.

Fuji

Veteran at the bike market. Since 1899 she exported American and English bikes to the land of the rising sun. Starting from the first half of the 19th century, she took up her own production and has successfully continued the business to the present day.

Giant

Taiwan. One of the world's largest manufacturers. More than half of all branded bikes around the world are assembled at its sites. It is a supplier of components for many well-known manufacturers.

Kalkhoff

Germany. The company assembles city and hybrid cars. The production was founded in 1919.

Le Grand

The Polish company produces popular models of comfortable city bicycles.

Pure Cycles

American manufacturer, on the market since 2010. The main direction is bicycles with one gear for city streets. However, he pays attention to road and touring bikes.

Scott

The company from Switzerland provides equipment and equipment for winter sports and motorcycle enthusiasts and cyclists.

Specialized

One of the leading companies in the USA. Founded in 1974, renowned for its innovations in the cycling industry. In addition to bicycles, it produces accessories, clothing, shoes and helmets. A specially created Body Geometry department is engaged in the development of new product samples.

Bruno

Russian bicycle manufacturer. The range includes light and super light cars for children, teenagers and adults, based on an aluminum frame. The company's models are of decent quality, thanks to the use of components from the best manufacturers.

This is just a small list of companies whose products you can choose, what is called "without looking", due to the reliability, safety of construction and durability of products. Not less manufacturers can be listed from those firms whose models can be taken "safely". There are also those few whose devices are better not to take. But that's another topic.

Rating of quality lightweight children's bicycles

For convenience, we will split our rating into several sub-ratings, where we will describe bikes for children of different ages.

By the way! If the weight of the bike is not a decisive factor for you when buying, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with ranking of the best children's bikes for 2020.

Best models for ages 2-4 years (height 85-100 cm)

Royal Baby RB12B-7 Freestyle 12 Alloy

1 place.

7 kg bike. equipped with an aluminum alloy frame, the fork is rigid, the steering column is threaded, not integrated. It is possible to attach side wheels to the main wheels, which are 12 inches in diameter. Braking is carried out using the front and rear brakes (foot, V-brake). The design of the pedals is classic, there is only one speed available for the kid. Cost - 10 900 rubles.

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Aist viki 12

2nd place.

The Belarusian manufacturer of high-quality and budget cars offers a device for boys aged 2 to 4 years. Assembled on a steel frame. Runs on two 12 ”wheels. For the safety of young riders, the car is equipped with a foot brake. There is no manual one, since children of this age simply do not have the strength to squeeze it out. The steering column is rigid. The system is the simplest, there is only one gear, the chain is covered with a protective cover. Additional security is achieved with a removable parental handle. The average cost of the product is 5853 rubles.

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The best models for age 3-5 years (height 95-110 cm)

SCOTT Roxter 14 (2019)

1 place.

This bike is designed to ride both city streets and country roads. The frame is made of lightweight JR14 CoasterAlloy 6061 aluminum alloy, the fork is a reliable BMX Type / rigidHi-ten / 14 ″ V-Brake Pivot. V-brakes. Wheels in diameter 14 ", tires are quality Wanda / 14 × 2.125". Machine weight - 7.4 kg. Price: 18 300 rubles.

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Stals Flyte Lady 14Z011

2nd place.

A sleek bike for young ladies aged 3 to 5 with a steel frame and a two-crown fork. Handlebar and saddle height is adjustable. The transmission is one, chain, protected. Wheels with aluminum rims with a diameter of 14 inches. Rear brake, foot brake. A luggage basket on the steering column is provided for the transportation of payload. There are removable side rollers to give the machine stability. Product weight is 10.7 kg. The average cost is 4550 rubles.

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The best models for age 4-6 years (height 100-120 cm)

Bryno-16 ″

1 place.

An interesting model Bryno-16 from a Russian manufacturer. It is distinguished by its extraordinary lightness for its dimensions (5.7 kg), thanks to the frame and rims made of aluminum alloy. The wheels are spoked, with a diameter of 16 inches, shod with inflatable tires. Chain drive type, one transmission. The fork is rigid, non-integrated. Removable side rollers can be fitted to prevent tipping. Equipped with curved steering wheel and handbrake. All items are made by the best Asian manufacturers. The cost of the device is 12,000 rubles. Excellent value for money and quality.

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Cube Kid 160

2nd place.

Machines of German manufacturers are always distinguished by high quality of assembly and materials, durability and ease of use. You can see this by looking at the Cube Kid 160. Externally, the frame leaves the impression of a powerful structure. At the same time, it is quite light, as it is made of aluminum alloy, as well as the rims of 16 - inch wheels, assembled on spokes.

The machine is designed for girls aged 4 to 6 years, so the manufacturer did not complicate its design, providing his product with one chain transmission and a reliable foot brake. However, there is also a manual one, since a child at 6 years old can already squeeze his lever. The steering column is rigid, non-threaded. The steering wheel is slightly curved (almost straight). The chain is completely covered with a protective strip. There is nothing superfluous in this model. Its weight is only 8 kg. The average cost is 19,900 rubles.

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The best models for age 5-7 years (height 110-130 cm)

Novotrack Lumen 18

1 place.

Excellent car made in Kaliningrad. Simple in design, not burdened with unnecessary "bells and whistles". Lightweight aluminum frame moves on 18-inch wheels. One chain drive, foot brake, no hand brakes. The steering wheel is curved, the steering column is rigid, without shock absorbers. The height of the handlebars and the saddle is adjustable according to the rider's height. The device costs 11,660 rubles.

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Stark tanuki 18 boy

2nd place.

Model of Russian design for boys 5-7 years old. The aluminum alloy frame has 18 '' wheels with Wanda tires. The rigid steering column ends with a curved steering wheel. The machine is simple in design, the transmission is limited to one gear, the drive is chain, with a protective cover. Removable side rollers can be attached if required. The model is devoid of something superfluous. Its average cost is 10,840 rubles.

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The best models for ages 6-8 (height 115-135 cm)

Novatrack Vector 20

1 place.

The machine is from a domestic manufacturer. Nothing extra. Sturdy steel frame, one single gear, 20 "wheels, chain guard, rigid steering fork. There is not even a hand brake, since the foot brake is enough, which is also safer. The device is designed for girls from 6 to 8 years old, but side removable casters are provided, just in case. The handlebar and saddle height adjustment allows children from 5 or even 4.5 years of age to use this product. Thus, the purchase will be what is called "growing" and will last a long time. The average cost is 7642 rubles. Excellent value for money and quality.

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Schwinn cimarron

2nd place.

American machine for girls from 6 to 8 years old, with a chain drive, seven gears. Wheels measuring 20 inches are equipped with V-Brakes. The Schwinn Suspension steering fork with Hard tail cushioning and 40mm travel adds extra comfort when riding on terrain. The device turned out to be quite complex and "sophisticated". Its average cost is 20455 rubles.

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The best models for ages 8-12 years old (height 125-140 cm)

Scott Contessa 24

1 place.

Swiss car for girls, on an aluminum frame, with 24-inch wheels, chain drive and 25 gears. The steering fork is rigid, hand brakes, V-Brake. The drivetrain is assembled on Shimano components. A full-fledged device with a cost of 32,210 rubles.

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Merida Matts J 24

2nd place.

Developed by Taiwanese engineers and designers, suitable for boys and girls (unisex). Mountain version on aluminum frame, 24 '' wheels, SR Suntour XCT soft spring elastomer fork, 50mm travel, Hard tail shock absorption. There are 16 gears for movement on the terrain. Manual brakes V-Brake. The steering wheel is curved. For ease of use, a parking step is provided. The cost of the device will be 21,440 rubles.

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The best models for ages 9-14 (height 135-155 cm)

Bryno-24md-21s

1 place.

The Russian-made Bryno 24md-21s deserves the best customer reviews. Assembled on an aluminum alloy frame, equipped with 24-inch wheels with mechanical disc brakes. Steering fork with shock absorbers providing up to 80mm travel. Transmission with 21 gears, wheel hubs and bottom bracket are assembled on industrial bearings. Shimano derailleur and shifter. The excellent Bryno mountain bike - 24md-21s can be purchased for 14,900 rubles.

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Stinger Element STD 24

2nd place.

Product of a Taiwanese company. Teenage option for traveling on mountain roads. Assembled on an aluminum frame, with 24 '' double rim wheels. Number of speeds - 12. The steering is equipped with a soft Stinger SF100 fork with a stroke of 50 mm, curved steering wheel. Manual brakes, V-Brake type. All items from the best European and Asian manufacturers. The average cost is 16,200 rubles.

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A place	Model	Characteristic	Price, rub.
Best models for ages 2-4 years / 12 ''
2	Aist viki 12	Simplicity and reliability	5853
1	Royal Baby RB12B-7 Freestyle 12 Alloy	Lightness and comfort	10900
The best models for ages 3-5 / 14 ''
2	Stals Flyte Lady 14Z011	Affordable price	4550
1	SCOTT Roxter 14 (2019)	Versatility and light weight	18300
Best models for ages 4-6 years / 16 ''
2	Cube Kid 160	German quality	19900
1	Bryno 16	High quality and inexpensive	12000
The best models for ages 5-7 / 18 ''
2	Stark tanuki 18 boy	Simple and reliable	10840
1	Novotrack Lumen 18	Convenience and comfort	11660
The best models for ages 6-8 / 20 ''
2	Schwinn cimarron	American mountain	20455
1	Novatrack Vector 20	Convenient urban	7642
Best models for ages 8-12 / 24 ''
2	Merida Matts J 24	Taiwanese mountain	21440
1	Scott Contessa 24	Mountain from Switzerland	321210
Best models for ages 9-14 / 24 '' - 26 ''
2	Stinger Element STD 24	Excellent shock absorption	16200
1	Bryno - 24md-21s	Decent quality at an affordable price	14900

Choosing a kid's bike is not easy. The safety of the child is in the first place here, and you cannot save on this. But overpaying for a “cool” manufacturer's name or foreign origin is also stupid. It is useful to listen to the advice and recommendations of specialists and experienced users, sellers of specialized stores. You should carefully study the description, technical characteristics of bicycles, find out how much the model you like costs and make an informed decision. It is important to remember that a light bike will be much easier for a child to control.

The editors of the site hope that our review will help parents not make mistakes when choosing a reliable car for young cyclists.