However, the Raleigh Jazzi manage to hit that price while featuring what we consider to be the most important options for kids: a lightweight aluminum frame (at 17.75 pounds for the Jazzi, the bike is only slightly heavier than our top pick), kid-friendly geometry, and sizing that will suit a good range of ages (we’d estimate from 3 years up to 6). Kids bikes costing $150 or less usually drop in quality dramatically. If we had one complaint, it’s that the 17-inch-wide handlebars are a bit narrow, which in our testing meant that the bike responded sometimes too quickly for first-timers. The paint job, welds, and componentry-from headset to alloy wheelset-are top-notch, as are REI’s customer support, warranties, and return policies. We also liked the bike’s gearing, which performed well on moderate hills and allowed for good acceleration. The 1.75-inch, semi-knobby tires perform well on dirt or pavement, and the 1.5-plus inches of adjustability on the handlebar stem and a seatpost that ranges between 20.5 and 25 inches means this bike will fit a wide array of kids. (Kids who learned on balance bikes and are accustomed to putting their feet down to stop will have a small adjustment period in learning to use coaster brakes.) The REV 16 comes nearly completely assembled and ready to ride within a few minutes-unlike two-thirds of the other bikes we tested, which required more wrenching (or possibly a bike shop visit). It is light (16.9 pounds), has kid-friendly geometry, and was a favorite of our testers because of its versatility-it comes with removable training wheels and is highly adjustable, and its old-school coaster brakes make it easy for kids to get going without much fuss. Shift lever: Shimano, 7-speed levels, SRAM, comp 3.The REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids' Bike is a nicely designed, mid-price bike from REI, a nationwide retailer run by actual outdoor enthusiasts. Lower bracket: internal cartridge bearing Tires: Bontrager branded, H4, 700 x 35c, Invert, 30 TPI,Ĭrankset: Alloy, Shimano, chainguard, Suntour, nex 200, 48T, M171īike Cassette: Shimano, 7-speed levels, 14/34T Sizes: small, medium, large, extra-large and extra extra largeīody frame: lightweight Alpha silver aluminum, white series, hybrid geometry, rack mount, fender mount,įork set: Alloy, Suntour, NEX, travel 50mm, RST CT-Com 5 The linear-pull braking system of the bike provides the biker with enough stopping force when required, on wet or dry terrains. Pedaling is also smooth when riding with this hybrid bike. It facilitates quick gear shifting without muscle fatigue sets in very early. This enables smooth ascents and descents on both road and mountain biking cruises. The Trek 7100 is designed with a Shimano shift lever system comprising of 7-speed levels. To complement the tires, this hybrid bike comes with ergonomic handgrips and an adjustable handlebar to give the rider more control and great bike handling. This is because they provide firm surface grip regardless of the terrain been encountered. The width and thickness of the tires help to keep a rider stable and maintain body balance. The Trek 7100 hybrid bike is rightfully so because of its wide, thick tires. The lightweight frame responds swiftly to the body movements of the biker as the bodyweight is distributed well across the length of the bike. The light frame enables a biker to glide smoothly over road bumps and rough terrain at optimal acceleration. The frameset of this hybrid bike is built from sturdy Alpha silver aluminum, making it suited to the demands of off-trail and on-trail biking. The braking system is also great, providing sufficient stopping power. It comes with a well-defined suspension fork to absorb all-terrain riding shocks. This hybrid bike is suited to absorbing impacts and enables performance at maximum velocity because of the Alpha aluminum frameset. If you are looking for a bike that is a great combination between a road bike and an off-road bike, the Trek 7100 is a good choice.