Radio Flyer has long been a trusted name in children’s toys, and their new line of Flyer kids pedal bikes aims to extend that reputation to the world of cycling. Available in 16-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch wheel sizes, these brightly colored bikes boast solid aluminum frames and a promising appearance. But when it comes to choosing the best bike for your child, looks aren’t everything. We put Radio Flyer Flyer pedal bikes to the test, evaluating everything from comfort to braking performance, to help you determine if a Bike Radio Flyer is the right fit for your family.
Radio Flyer Flyer 16 Review: Hesitations for the Price
The Radio Flyer Flyer 16 is designed as a single-speed bike with a coaster brake, targeting younger learners. While it presents a durable build and ease of riding for our testers, the $199 MSRP raises questions, especially when compared to more affordable and equally capable alternatives like the Retrospec Koda 16, priced around $120.
What You Should Know About the Flyer 16
Despite its solid construction, the Flyer 16 faces challenges in key areas that impact its value proposition.
Coaster Brake Concerns
One notable drawback is the coaster brake system. Engaging the brake requires more force than on comparable bikes we’ve tested. This is partly due to the shorter crank arms on the Flyer 16. Shorter cranks make it harder for small children to generate the necessary backward pedaling force for quick stops, a crucial safety consideration for beginner riders.
Weight Consideration
At 20.4 lbs (without training wheels), the Flyer 16 is lighter than some competitors like the Royalbaby 16. However, it’s significantly heavier than the Retrospec Koda 16. For young children just starting to ride, every pound counts, and a lighter bike can make a considerable difference in their confidence and control.
Radio Flyer Flyer 20 Review: Awkward Ride and Higher Price
Moving up in size, the Radio Flyer Flyer 20, priced at $299, features dual hand brakes and 7 gears. However, our tests revealed concerns about its ride geometry and overall value, especially when compared to similarly priced bikes from brands like Guardian Bikes and REI.
What You Should Know About the Flyer 20
The Flyer 20 struggles to justify its price point due to design elements that affect rider comfort and performance.
Uncomfortable Geometry
The geometry of the Flyer 20 results in an awkward and less comfortable riding experience. Observing the same child rider on both the Flyer 20 and the Guardian Bikes 20 Large highlights these issues.
The Flyer 20’s stem is longer, and the handlebars are positioned lower and further forward. This forces the rider to lean too far forward to reach the handlebars, creating an unnatural and strained posture. Adding to this, the longer crank arms and higher bottom bracket on the Flyer 20 cause a cramped knee position at the top of the pedal stroke. Our young tester reported feeling like her knees were hitting her chest, further emphasizing the discomfort. For a slightly higher price, the Guardian 20 Large offers superior kid-friendly geometry, a lighter weight, a better gearing range, and the advanced SureStop braking system, making it a significantly more appealing option.
Radio Flyer Flyer 24 Review: A Recommended Model
In contrast to the 16 and 20-inch models, the Radio Flyer Flyer 24 emerges as the standout in the Flyer line and a bike we can recommend. Priced at $379, the Flyer 24 offers a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience, with user-friendly brake levers and shifters and well-integrated components.
What We Loved About the Flyer 24
The Flyer 24 justifies its price with several features focused on rider comfort and performance.
Enhanced Comfort Features
While slightly pricier than competitors like the Guardian 24 and Retrospec Koda 24, the Flyer 24 includes comfort-enhancing elements not found on all competing models. These include comfortable grips with side bumpers to protect hands, a plush, cushioned saddle, and wider, high-volume 2.35″ tires that effectively absorb bumps for a smoother ride on sidewalks and streets. These features combine to provide a noticeably more comfortable ride compared to more budget-oriented bikes.
Optimized Geometry
Unlike the Flyer 20, the Flyer 24 boasts excellent geometry, closely resembling the well-regarded Guardian 24. This design promotes a comfortable, semi-upright riding position that is generally preferred by children.
Compared to the Retrospec Koda 24, the Flyer 24 offers a less stretched-out riding position, enhancing both comfort and bike control. The seat height adjustability of the Flyer 24, ranging from 27.5″ to 33.5″, accommodates children with inseams from approximately 25″ to 31″. However, for children with inseams exceeding 27″, the reach to the handlebars may become too short as the seat is raised, suggesting it might not be ideal for larger or faster-growing children in this wheel size.
Adequate Gearing
The Flyer 24, along with the Retrospec and Guardian 24″ bikes, features 7 gears, but with slight variations in gearing range. The Guardian offers the widest range, followed closely by the Flyer 24. The Flyer’s 2.6 – 5.6 gain ratio provides a good balance for varied terrains, offering both easier low gears for climbing and higher gears for speed on flat surfaces. The inclusion of a replaceable derailleur hanger on the Flyer 24 is a significant advantage. This feature protects the frame from damage in case of falls or impacts to the derailleur, preventing potentially costly repairs and ensuring the gears continue to function correctly.
Drawbacks of the Flyer 24
Despite its strengths, the Flyer 24 is the heaviest among the compared bikes, weighing in at 28.3 lbs. While only slightly heavier than the Retrospec Koda 24, it is notably heavier than the Guardian 24. However, the Flyer 24 distinguishes itself with an aluminum frame, while the Retrospec and Guardian utilize steel frames.
Bottom Line: Radio Flyer Kids Pedal Bikes
The Radio Flyer line of kids pedal bikes presents a mixed bag. While the Flyer 16 and 20 models exhibit shortcomings, particularly in terms of value and riding comfort compared to competitors, the Flyer 24 stands out as a well-designed and comfortable option. However, the higher price point across all Flyer models compared to other recommended brands makes them a less compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. For those prioritizing comfort and specific features like a replaceable derailleur hanger in the 24-inch category, the Radio Flyer Flyer 24 is worth considering.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review and Two Wheeling Tots purchased the REI REV bikes to facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.
