A Review of the Best Road Bikes for Kids: Top 5 Reviews for 2017
Though mountain bikes are great in their own way, when it comes to commuting, long rides, or sports, road bikes are the way to go. Road bikes are designed for durability and comfort and are perfect for recreational use and racing. It’s no secret that kids love to ride bikes, either. Whether it is to and from school, with family and friends, or for a budding cyclist, finding the right road bike is and wheel size important. Road bikes vary depending on the targeted age group and skill level. However, with so many features available, such as disc brakes, different frame and forks, and wheel sizes and frame sizes, there is so much to consider. Therefore, we have put together our list of the best road bikes for kids review for 2017. So, read on before you hit the local bike shop.
1. Diamondback Podium Youth Road Bike
The Diamondback Podium Youth Road Bike has earned itself 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The bike is built with all the features of an adult road bike, but for smaller-sized bodies. It has 24-inch wheels that are an inch in width. The drop handlebars look just like the pros. The drop handlebars measure 380 mm in width and 100 mm in length. It is equipped with 16 speeds for various degrees of hill climbing and levels of difficulty.
The body frame is made out of a lightweight aluminum material. The frame is equipped with a replaceable derailleur hanger which adds more durability. The Diamondback Podium is the ideal bike for kids with an interest in cycling for sport.
Features at a Glance
- 24-inch wheels
- 6061 aluminum frame
- Drop handlebars
- 16 speeds
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Aero Alloy straight blade fork for handling
Buy the Diamondback Podium Youth Road Bike here on the Amazon website for around $500.
2. GMC Denali Road Bike
The GMC Denali Road Bike has earned itself 3.9 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. Geared towards kids between the ages of 9 and 12, the Denali is a great starter bike for cycling enthusiasts. The bike’s frame is made of alloy aluminum for durability and an incredibly light weight. Other components and key features are made from alloy aluminum as well. The frame is equipped with an alloy water bottle cage for the health and safety of the cyclist. Braking is a breeze with the alloy calipers and brake levers.
The bike tires have alloy Vitesse racing rims for a higher quality tire to rim interface. The Denali has 21-speed gears and smoothly shifts between gears with the help of a Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts. Whether using the bike just to ride to school or for long rides on various terrain, the Denali goes that extra mile!
Features at a Glance
- Alloy water bottle cage
- 21-speed gears
- Alloy Vitesse racing rims
- 24-inch wheels
- Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts for smooth gear shifting
Buy the GMC Denali Road Bike here from the Amazon website for around $221.
3. Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike
The Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike has earned itself 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Giordano Libero comes in two types, one catered towards boys and another catered towards girls. The difference is the sizing (and color scheme). The framing of the boy’s bike fits riders who are between 4 feet 7 inches and 5 feet with an inseam between 26 and 29 inches. The girl’s bike fits riders between four feet 4 inches and 4 feet 8 inches with an inseam between 25 and 28 inches.
The bike frames are made of 6061 aluminum with a steel fork. The bike is designed for durability and efficiency with Shimano Claris 16-speed STI shifters and derailleurs. These coordinate with the aluminum road crank. The 24-inch wheels are 1 ⅜ inches in width for excellent grip on the sidewalk; this is the ideal choice for kids going into racing!
Features at a Glance
- 6061 aluminum frame
- Dual water bottle mounts
- 24-inch wheels
- 16-speed Shimano Drivetrain
- 1 1/8th threadless seam
- Shimano front and rear derailleurs
Buy the Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike here on the Amazon website for between $460 and $476 (two different versions: One for boys and one for girls).
4. Diamondback Bicycles Clarity Kid's Pavement Bike
The Diamondback Bicycles Clarity Kid's Pavement Bike has earned itself 3.8 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Diamondback is ideal for casual or long rides and is a great starter bike for a child with an interest in racing one day, but is not ready to commit. The bike is made from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to manage. The derailleur hanger is replaceable for added durability. The bike is equipped with a 14-speed drivetrain for long rides and linear pull brakes for easy and quick stopping. The aero alloy straight blade fork provides the rider with easy and precise steering. This bike is catered towards girls.
Features at a Glance
- 14-speed drivetrain
- Replaceable derailleur hanger
- Linear pull brakes
- Aero Alloy straight blade fork
- 24-inch wheels
Buy the Diamondback Bicycles Clarity Kid's Pavement Bike here on the Amazon website for around $230.
5. Kent Super 20 Boys Bike
The Kent Super 20 Boys’ Bike has earned itself 3.6 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Kent is made for younger boys who have graduated from training wheels or are new to long distance riding with the family. The wheels are just 20 inches and designed for smaller bodies. The framing is made from fully welded dual-suspension steel with shock absorption on the seat and handlebars. It also has a downhill front suspension fork for safety. The bike is equipped with a 7-speed gear with twist grip shifting that kids will have no trouble getting the hang of quickly. The seat can be easily adjusted with an alloy quick-release seat clamp. The bike is on the heavier side, weighing 36 pounds.
Features at a Glance
- 20-inch wheels
- 7-speed gears with twist grip shifting
- Alloy quick release seat clamp
- Dual-suspension steel frame
- Downhill front suspension fork
- Shock absorbing seat and handlebars
Buy the Kent Super 20 Boys’ Bike here on the Amazon website for between $80 and $100.
