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Kids Bikes
- Tricycle for toddlers under age 6 Schwinn Roadster Tricycle *Est. $66
- Tricycle for ages 5+ Razor Rip Rider 360 *Est. $90
- 12-inch kids' bike Tonka Mighty Tough Bike 12" *Est. $72
- 16-inch kids' bike Electra Mini Rod/Hawaii 16 *Est. $220
- 20-inch kids' bike Marin Hidden Canyon 20 *Est. $330
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- High-quality construction
- Alloy rims
- Chain guards
- Durable
- Expensive
The Schwinn Aerostar for boys and Stardust for girls are pricier than most bikes sold at mass retailers, but experts and parents alike agree that they are worth the extra money. Parents love that the bikes are made of high-quality components and are durable enough to be passed down to younger children. Experts say that the alloy rims, step-through frame and chain guard are critical safety features that aren't always found on cheaper bikes. Both Schwinn bikes can be purchased from specialty bike shops, which experts say are the most reliable places to purchase children's bikes.
We found good reviews of kids' bikes in general at About.com and iBike.com, where expert opinion is given as to what features to look for in your child's bike. Safety features are discussed, as are the best places to purchase quality bikes. User reviews are hard to find for both the Schwinn Aerostar and Stardust bikes, but those posted at MTBR.com and Epinions.com seem to be in agreement as to the quality of both bikes.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
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| Performancebike.com |  31 store reviews | In Stock. | $129.99 | See It |
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Our Sources
1. About.com
Dipika Mirpuri discusses some of the construction features parents should look for in a child's bike, namely alloy or aluminum wheels, coaster brakes (for younger children) and chain guards. She suggests that specialty shops are the best place to purchase bikes. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Kid's Bikes: Safety Construction Features, Dipika Mirpuri
2. IBike.com
The editors of iBike.com don't review the Schwinn Aerostar/Stardust itself, but they do recommend buying bikes from specialty stores instead of discount outlets. The site warns of the problems associated with buying bikes from big-box retailers, namely that the store employees aren't knowledgeable about bike models, nor do they necessarily know how to put them together correctly.
Review: Bigger Kids: Which Bike to Choose and Buy As Children Grow, Editors of iBike.com
3. MTBR.com
The only reviewer posting to MTBR.com in regards to the Schwinn Aerostar is impressed with its shocks and pedals and gives the bike a rating of five out of five.
Review: Schwinn Aerostar, Contributors to MTBR.com
4. MTBR.com
This review gives high marks to the Schwinn Stardust for durability. The reviewer gives it a rating of five out of five, but it is not compared with other kids' bikes.
Review: Schwinn Stardust, Contributors to MTBR.com
5. Epinions.com
This review is for an older model Aerostar, but it emphasizes the longevity and durability of the bike. The reviewer states that the Aerostar kids' bike is a high-quality bike that is worth the price paid, particularly if you can make it work as a hand-me-down for younger siblings.
Review: Schwinn Aerostar (1999), Contributors to Epinions.com
