Best Boys Kids Bikes [Review] in 2021
written by Cycle expert Alex Bristol
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RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike for Boys and Girls
TOP CHOICE
Joystar Kids Bike with Training Wheels
OUR PICK
Joystar Vintage Bike
RUNNER UP
Are you looking for a kid’s bike that’s going to help your child learn the ropes so they can join you on your cycling sessions?
Well, of course, you are. Cycling is one of the best things your kids can learn so you’re doing the right thing by making sure they get the best bike for your child.
But, this may not be easy as bikes vary greatly from each other. Some are suitable for boys while others are suitable for girls. They also differ in terms of appearance and features which makes it hard to choose for both genders.
But wait, here’s the good news.
We’ve done all of the research for you by finding some of the best kids’ bikes and compiling them into a list for you. A good kids’ bike should be stylish, sturdy, comfortable, safe, and fun to ride. With a top-quality bike, your kid will not only be able to learn cycling faster but it will also boost his or her confidence.
You’ll see a variety of balance bikes in the list below all from different bike brands and with different features. Each of these has been carefully picked and each kid’s bike is unique in its own way so you may find number four fits you and your son or daughter better than number 1. In which case it’s worth looking over them all.
So, now you’re up to speed let’s get into the list.
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The Best Boys Kids' Bikes
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike for Boys and Girls
Top Choice Item
Here it is, the best kids bike, let’s have a look at why.
If you are searching for an excellent bike for your boy or girl, Royalbaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike is one of the best options. You will find that it comes with training wheels, a water bottle, plus a quick-release seat which allows you to adjust it according to the height of your kid.
It also comes 65% pre-assembled which means that you will only need to install the training wheels, handlebars, saddle, and pedals.
And that’s not all.
The frame is strong and made with steel while some other features included in this bike are a ball bearing drive shaft, one-piece crank, steel wheels featuring pneumatic rubber, and a chain guard. This is sturdy and made with quality materials to provide a safe riding experience for your kids.
What did others have to say about this kid’s bike? Well, one customer said “The bike arrived so quickly and I was very pleased as it was for my daughter’s 7th birthday. She was so excited. The bike was packaged really and easy to assemble. My only issue was there was a small tear in the bike seat when we unpacked it.” So, while there was a drawback for this customer we’re going to assume this was a problem with the delivery process.
Another happy customer had this to say though, “Excellent first bike. Sturdy. Bright color but not over the top. Cute. Light. And just seems great so far” On Amazon this pedal bike has a 4.5-star rating and over 9,000 reviews so it’s very popular and a perfect first pedal bike for your little ones.
So, why not give it a look?
Pros
Uses rear coaster brake and front caliper brakes
Cushioned seat
Easy to assemble
Sturdy frame
Cons
Quite heavy
Latest deal: RoyalBaby Freestyle
JOYSTAR Kid’s Bike with Training Wheels for 12 14 16 Inch Bike
Prime Picked Item
Next up is the Joystar, this is easily one of the best kids’ bikes available at the moment.
Joystar Kid’s bike is one of the most durable kid’s bikes you can find today. It has a long lasting steel frame which is able to withstand multiple bumps. Additionally, it is equipped with coaster brake which works when you turn the pedals backwards.
It also comes with a single speed and a black tire. Now, when it comes to assembly, you’ll find that it comes 85% pre-assembled which means that you won’t take a lot of time to put it together. Additionally, it comes with a quick release seat and a saddle holder which allows your kid to practice when the training wheel is off.
But we all want to hear what others have to say.
One customer had this to say: “The Joystar bike has a cool, retro look that is unlike any bike in the neighborhood. It is a little heavy, but the materials are good quality, contributing to a sturdy ride.”
However, with the good comes the bad. “The size chart also indicated this would be the right size, but it is still a bit too small. I will need to get him a new bike next year, I don’t think there is any way he will fit on it next year.” So, if you decide on this one then you’re going to want to double-check the sizes so you can get the right size balance bike for your kids.
We really liked this bike, especially the added touch of a DIY decal, so your son or daughter can have a more unique pedal bike with the decal by sticking their name on the frame or chain guard. Plus, the chain guard well protects the chain, it will last longer than other bikes.
This one really is a bargain for only $120-$160, so check it out.
Pros
Stable training wheel
Cute design
Reliable chain guard
Made of premium steel
Cons
Size chart for bike is innaccurate
Latest deal: JOYSTAR
Joystar 14 & 16 Inch Vintage Kid’s Bike with Basket & Training Wheels
Best Value Item
Coming in hot at number 3 is the Joystar Vintage kids’ bike.
The first thing that sets this bike apart from the rest is its beautiful design. Apart from the design, it is equipped with a shockproof saddle which is very comfortable.
It also comes with soft leather handlebar grips for easier holding. On top of that, you’ll also find a shockproof seat which is bigger than the normal seats. This means that is the most comfortable bike for kids.
Now, of course, there’s a lot more.
Another outstanding feature is the classic bike basket which add more fun for your kid. It also helps make the bike look more appealing. Plus, to enhance durability, the frame is made of premium steel and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Now, onto our favorite part, the reviews. This happy customer’s son found this pedal bike brilliant and “loves taking it to the farmers market and putting fruits in the little basket in the front. I wish the basket was sturdier though. It falls off easily.” So, the kids love it but the basket isn’t well-fitted.
On the other hand, another customer said “This bike is awesome and my daughter loves it. Win-win. It is very sturdy, and I imagine will last handing it down to my other kids.” So while the basket may not be the best thing the bike itself is well put together. In our opinion, this one is easily a contender for the best kids’ bikes and deserves its place on this list.
You’d be crazy to not have a look at this one, with its fantastic design and superb craftsmanship you and your kids will fall in love with this pedal bike.
Pros
Very comfortable
Leather handlebar grips
Stylish
Shockproof seat and saddle
Cons
Basket on front isn't very secure
Latest deal: Joystar
Dynacraft Magna Major Damage Boys BMX Steel/Dirt Bike 16” Yellow
Next up let us introduce you to the Dynacraft Magna Major, a brilliant balance bike for the kids.
Dynacraft Magna Major Damage Boys BMX is another top-quality bike for those parents who are searching for a cheap alternative. The first thing you will love about it is the adjustable and easy to remove training wheels. These wheels provide additional balance and stability to give your kid a comfortable riding experience.
It also comes with an adjustable seat, matching grips & pedals, and a BMX frame. A handlebar pad is also included to enhance safety. The bike is very attractive and you should also note that it uses coaster brakes which enables it to stop easily.
But by now you know that’s not all.
It’s really easy to assemble with most customers saying it only took around 5-10 minutes to put it together. however, the instructions aren’t going to be very helpful as they’ve been put together quite poorly.
The Dynacraft boasts a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with almost 2,000 reviews to back it up. Feedback is very positive with customers calling this kids bike “good quality” and “a good starting bike for your kids”. We’re inclined to agree and found this to be one of the best options on the market right now.
It’s also probably the better-looking bike on this list when it comes to boys with the vibrant yellow and black proving for a cool combination that makes this bike feel and look fast.
So, check it out today. You won’t regret it!
Pros
Adjustable training wheels
Affordable
Very strong
Handlebar pad
Cons
Pedaling can be tight for younger kids
Latest deal: Dynacraft Magna Major
Looking for the best BMX bike for 12-year-olds instead?
We’ve put an in-depth guide together for that.
We have looked over 32 BMX’s for 12-year-olds to make sure you’re getting the best for your money. We looked at weight, height, gearing, brakes, and material to make sure we’ve found the greatest products available to buy – you can see the full guide here which will be more relevant than the one you’re reading now.
Best Boys Kids Bikes – A Buyer’s Guide
We always strive to provide products that will give our readers excellent value for their money. This means that all the products that we have outlined in this article have been vetted and tested by our team. We spent a lot of time comparing different features to ensure that the products will give you the best performance. Apart from the features, we also considered the weight, geometry, and customer reviews.
You will find that all the products have very positive reviews on Amazon. We also talk to product designers and managers about the most outstanding features and designs. After we have gathered all the information, we combine it with our own experience to choose the best options. Expensive products tend to be the most reliable but not everyone can afford them. To ensure that you will get what you are looking for, we considered the most budget-friendly options. This means that irrespective of your budget, you will still find a good bike for your son.
Tips For Choosing The Best Boy’s Kids Bike
Here are our top 4 tips which will help you to choose the best bike for your son.
Weight – Ensure that your son can handle the weight of the bike. It should not be too heavy in such a way that it will be uncomfortable for the kid. Check the weight of your kid to ensure that the one you have picked is the correct size.
Wheel size – You should choose a wheel size that suits the terrain where the kid will be using the bike. Again, the wheels should provide excellent grip and traction when riding. The type of wheels will also determine the stability of the bike.
Budget – Setting a budget is very important because you may end up spending more especially when you start comparing the features. However, cheaper alternatives are not the best since they lack most of the features available in premium models. Since you want a bike that your kid can use for many years, look for the best irrespective of price.
Frame – Most bikes are made either of aluminum or steel. While steel is the best in terms of durability and performance, it is a bit heavy. Aluminum bikes are cheaper but they are not as durable as steel bikes. If you find a steel bike that your kid can handle, it will be the best option.
Safety gear – Learning how to ride a bike may not be very easy for your kid. This means that when you are buying the bike, don’t forget to purchase safety gear such as a helmet. This means that even if the kids fall accidentally, he is not likely to suffer from bad injuries. You also need to look for reliable knee and elbow pads for the kid.
What Size To Get
Getting the right size kids’ bike is important for both the comfort and safety of your child. Some kids grow much faster than others so there’s never a clear answer for which sized pedal or balance bike to get based on their age but there are some rough guidelines for heights and what size that correlates to.
The best way to get accurate measurements and ensure that your child is getting the best pedal bike for them is to go to your local bike shop where experts can help you out. But if you prefer to buy online then you should measure your child’s height yourself and then use the size chart we’ve provided as a rough guideline on whether you need to be looking at balance bikes or bigger bikes.
It’s worth bearing in mind though that each brand makes their bikes differently and so sizes won’t always be consistent across all models and brands. For example, a road bike that’s 16 inches may not be as big as a mountain bike that’s 16 inches.
Sizes
Wheel size / Age / Height (feet)
Balance / First Bike / 2ft 11″ – 3ft 5″
12 inch / 3-5 / 3ft 3″ – 3ft 8″
14 inch / 4-6 / 3ft 5″ – 3ft 10″
16 – 18 inch / 5-7 / 3ft 8″ – 4ft 2″
20 inch / 6-9 / 3ft 10″ – 4ft 6″
24 inch / 8 – 11 / 4ft 2″ – 4ft 9″
26 inch / 9-12 / 4ft 6″ – 5ft
Safety Tips
- Always wear a helmet.
- Keep your child within your vision especially during the first days or weeks of them riding.
- Ensure that all the parts are working correctly.
- Train your kid to use the bike on protected lanes or bike paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best braking system for kid’s bikes?
Coaster bikes are the best brae systems a kids bike should have. The good thing about them is that the user does not need to look down to check the hand brake levers. Due to this, they provide a better balance when cycling.
What is the correct bike size for my kid?
The best size will be determined by the kid’s height and weight. If you have a 4-5 years old son who has a height of 40-46 inches, a 16-inch bike will be the best. The size should also be compatible with the size of your kid.
Why do kid’s bikes lack gear systems?
Almost all kid’s bikes are single-speed bikes. It is not easy for kids to learn how to maintain balance when they are required to use the brakes. A bike with gear systems will therefore be more difficult for them to ride.
Which is the best way to teach my son how to cycle?
Before your son gets on the bike on his own, he should first use a scooter or a wheel to gain confidence. This will allow the kids to learn how to maintain balance. Support wheels will also be important if you find your kids struggling to gain confidence.
Can a 5-year-old use a balance bike?
A balance bike is a great way to teach kids who are 3-6 how to ride a bike. Whether your child has yet to learn how to ride a bike or struggles with the confidence to remove the training wheels, balance bikes are a great choice for helping them get to grips with cycling. Check out our size chart above for a more accurate look at what kinds of kids are best suited to a balance bike.
Summary
So, there you have it, the best kids’ bikes.
Most parents find it hard to identify a quality bike for their kids. Unlike normal bikes, balance bikes for kids are unique which means that you need to be very careful when buying.
You need to check the durability, comfort, design, and ease of use to ensure that you have picked the best. The good thing is that you don’t need to spend a lot of time searching for a quality bike for your son or daughter. With this guide, we’re sure that you’ll get what you’re looking for.
Remember that we only considered the top-rated balance bikes. This means that you can never go wrong with whichever you pick as long as it suits your budget and has all of the features you think will best suit your young riders.
Whichever kids’ bike you decide on make sure it’s the best ride for your child and is going to help them learn in the most fun and safe way possible.
Keep pedaling!
Alex Bristol
Content Manager at Pedallers
ABOUT
Alex is a cycling expert at Pedallers and focuses on reviewing bikes, accessories, and general cycling. He searches for the most up to date products that match the needs of cyclists across the world. Whether it's recent news or the best bike set-ups, Alex is a trusted source for anything around cycling.
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