base bikes: A Kid-Friendly, Lightweight Bike for Confident Riding
base bikes is a new Australian family business dedicated to creating quality kid-oriented bicycles that are accessible to families. Frustrated by the lack options of lightweight bikes with modern geometry and no coaster brakes—without the high price tags of overseas imports—the team behind Base Bikes set out to deliver better for Australian families.
We had the opportunity to test the 16" base bike and were impressed by its performance and quality. Here’s what we found.
base bikes 16" Overview
MSRP: $595 AUD | Purchase at base bikes
Best For: Young riders (ages 4-6) who need a lightweight, easy-to-handle bike for everyday adventures.
Key Specifications:
-
Frame: aluminum alloy
-
Brakes: Tektro dual hand brakes, no coaster!
-
Tyres: Kenda Small Block 8s
-
Weight: 7 kg
-
Height Range: 99 to 115 cm | For more details on sizing, check out base bikes' sizing guide.
Highlights:
-
Lightweight Frame: The aluminum frame makes the bike easy for kids to lift-up and maneuver, boosting their confidence.
-
Kid-Friendly Geometry: Designed for stability with a lower bottom bracket and nice short crank arms, the bike helps young riders feel balanced and secure.
-
Dual Hand Brakes: Great short hand levers and 19mm lock on grips for little fingers and no coaster brake means fewer unexpected halts, which is ideal for beginners transitioning from a balance bike.
-
Quality Components: Features reliable Tektro brakes and durable Kenda tires for a smooth ride on various surfaces.
-
Training Wheel Compatible: Although we try to avoid them, the rear axle supports traditional training wheels.
Frame Design
The 16" Base Bike features a lightweight aluminum frame that resists rust and reduces overall weight. The longer wheelbase, lower bottom bracket and spacious cockpit provide stability and comfort, allowing kids to pedal naturally without their knees hitting the handlebars. This design is complemented with a high rise bar and short crank arms to round out a nice upright pedaling position.
Weight
Weighing just 7 kg, the bike is easy for young riders to control. A lighter bike helps with starting, stopping, and maneuvering, allowing kids to ride longer and with greater confidence.
Low Minimum Seat Height
The bike’s low seat height (starting at 45.5 cm) allows for smaller kids to fit on 16 inch wheels which is beneficial. This is particularly helpful for frequent stops and starts, common with younger riders who like the safety of their feet on the ground comfortably while seated.
Brakes
The Tektro dual hand brakes are easy for small hands to reach and use. Unlike coaster brakes, which can cause sudden stops when kids backpedal at slow speeds, these handbrakes allow kids just learning to keep their forward momentum and provide reliable/predictable stopping power when called upon.
Tyres
The Kenda Small Block 8 tires offer a smooth ride on pavement while providing enough traction for light off-road adventures, making the bike versatile for different terrains.
Final thoughts
The 16" base bike is an excellent choice for families seeking a lightweight, high-quality bike that helps kids ride with confidence. Its thoughtful design, reliable components, and kid-friendly features make it a standout option for young riders in Australia.
