From The Straits Times    |

For a speeding toddler on four wheels, or a beginner on two, these 16-inch bikes are perfectly sized. Bikes this size are good for kids four to seven years old, from 99cm to 117cm tall.

We asked a few Singapore kids to give these four rides a try; here’s their feedback on these bicycles.

1. EDITOR’S RAVE


Chibi Mini 16, $345 from Tangs Orchard and Axis Cycle

VERDICT: 9/10. Junior says: “It goes very fast!”

  • Extremely well-designed, it’s a breeze to manoeuvre.
  • The kids didn’t have to pedal too hard to get the bike going. The narrow handlebars make it easy to make U-turns.
  • Movement: Like with professional bikes, there’s a ticking sound when it moves.

FEATURES

  • The useful handle behind the seat makes lifting and carrying the bike easy.
  • The spoilers at the front and back wheels to prevent splashes are the longest of the lot.
  • Accessories: It comes with a bell and a metal basket.
  • Brakes: The handbrakes stop the bike effectively. The slim, ergonomic hand grips are easy for small hands to grasp.
  • Tyres: The thinnest, like a road bike. It’s most suited for cycling on bicycle tracks, but harder to ride over grass and sand.

2. BEST DESIGN: TREK JET (BOYS) AND TREK MYSTIC (GIRLS)

Trek Jet (Boys) & Trek Mystic (Girls), $235, from Treknology Bikes 3

 VERDICT: 8.5/10. Junior says: “I like the colour and the ribbons that fly in the wind.”

  • Smooth and sturdy, with an appealing design.
  • Pedals: But Junior needed to put more weight on the pedals to start the bike. After that, the ride was smooth and sturdy.

FEATURES

  • The designs for girls and for boys differ slightly. The girls’ model comes with a plastic basket and ribbons on the handlebar and at the back of the seat. The boys’ model looks like a mountain bike and comes with spoilers over the wheels.
  • Brakes: This model uses coaster brakes – braking by back-pedalling – instead of handbrakes, so the bike does not stop instantly. We had to carry it out of the lift because the wheels could not roll backwards.
  • Tyres: Thick and wide like those of a mountain bike.

3. GREAT FIND

 
Trek Float, $275, from Terknology Bikes 3

 Verdict: 8/10. Junior says: “I can back-pedal or use the handbrake to stop. So cool!”

  • Multifunctionality: You have the unique option of transforming this into a pedal-less balancing bike.
  • Smooth and stable, although starting the bike took a little effort.

FEATURES

  • Detach the pedals and the kids learning to ride on two wheels can scoot along to train their balance.
  • It comes with a sponge over the top tube to minimise injuries should the rider fall forward.
  • No accessories: It does not come with spoilers or a basket.
  • The seat is small, but bouncy.
  • Brakes: The kids like using the coaster brake to stop their bikes. There’s also a handbrake on the right, for when the kids ride pedal-less.
  • Tyres: Similar to those of a mountain bike.

 
4. BEST VALUE

Rudge 16” Bicycle, $96, from Kiddy Palace, Nam Ho Bike Trading, and Song Seng Chan

VERDICT: 8/10. Junior says: “I like the big and comfortable seat.”

  • A good bike at a pocket-friendly price. Junior rode this easily, after pedalling hard at the start.

FEATURES

  • The handlebars are straighter than the other bikes and it needs more space for turning corners.
  • This bike is slightly longer and heavier than the other bikes.
  • The seat: It has the biggest and most comfortable seat.
  • With a passenger rack, it looks longer than the rest.
  • Better for older kids: Considering the bigger frame, it’s suitable for bigger and older kids. It comes with a basket and a bell.
  • Brakes: The handbrakes are tight and effective. The handgrips are the least textured but the riders did not find them slippery.
  • Tyres: Thick and wide like those of a mountain bike.

Get these bicycles at: Axis Cycle (#01-01 The Champagne, 380 Changi Road, Tel: 6696 9864), Kiddy Palace (#03-160/164 Marina Square, Tel: 6336 3713), Nam Ho Bike Trading (#01-05 East Point Mall, Tel: 6784 6292), Song Seng Chan (434-436 Joo Chiat Road, Tel: 6344-0690), Tangs Orchard (310 & 320 Orchard Road, Tel: 6737 5500) and Treknology Bikes 3 (14 Jalan Kilang Barat, Tel: 6273 8616).

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine’s publication. We advise readers to check with the store for the latest availability and pricing information.

This article was originally published in SimplyHer December 2010.