Reviews of 16-inch kids' bikes are few and far between, but one expert -- Bicycling magazine -- recommends the Electra Mini Rod 16 for boys and Electra Hawaii 16 for girls. Sixteen-inch bikes are designed for 4- to 8-year-olds with heights of 34 to 42 inches. Bicycling highlights the Electra Mini Rod and Electra Hawaii because it says they are reliable and durable choices. Even with little maintenance, Bicycling magazine's Christine Bucher says these Electra bikes will "last forever," so they'll make good hand-me-downs for younger siblings. The Electra Mini Rod and Electra Hawaii have heavy steel frames, and they are more expensive than the kids' bikes available at mass retailers. For older kids, Bicycling also recommends the 20-inch Jamis Starlite or Laser (*Est. $215).
Because there are so few reviews of 16-inch kids' bikes, we relied mainly on Bicycling magazine's recommendations when evaluating the Electra Mini Rod and Electra Hawaii. Because these bikes come in larger sizes as well, we did find some user reviews for the larger models.
Our Sources
1. Bicycling MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Christine Bucher recommends the Electra Mini Rod 16 for boys and Electra Hawaii 16 for girls in Bicycling's 2009 buyer's guide. Bucher says the bike is high quality, with lots of steel so it will "last forever." She also says it provides a smooth, comfortable ride.
Review: Electra Mini Rod 16, Christine Bucher, March 2009
2. The Virginian-PilotDetails/Subscribe
This review is several years old, but still useful. Christopher Dinsmore recommends the Electra Mini Rod, saying it's a stylish choice for young children.
Review: How Do I Buy the Right Bike for My Child? So Many Choices, So Many Questions, Christopher Dinsmore, Nov. 24, 2004
Reviews here relate to the larger women's version of the Electra Hawaii, but reviewers attest to the bike's quality and comfort.
Review: Electra Women's Hawaii (3-Speed), Contributors to Buzzillions.com, As of July 2011
Kids Bikes Runners Up:
3 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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