Radio Flyer, a brand synonymous with childhood memories and classic wagons, has expanded its horizons into the world of kids’ pedal bikes with their new FLYER line. These bikes boast vibrant colors, come in three different sizes (16″, 20″, and 24″), and are constructed with lightweight aluminum frames, suggesting a blend of style and substance. For parents navigating the crowded market of children’s bicycles, the question remains: how do Radio Flyer Bikes truly perform and compare against the competition?
To provide clarity and assist in your decision-making process, we’ve put these Radio Flyer pedal bikes through rigorous testing. Our child bike testers evaluated everything from riding comfort to braking efficiency, aiming to determine if a FLYER bike is indeed the perfect choice for your child’s cycling adventures.
An Overview of Radio Flyer Kids Pedal Bikes
The Radio Flyer “Flyer” series of pedal bikes is designed to cater to a range of ages and sizes, offered in 16-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch wheel configurations. Each size in the FLYER lineup shares a common foundation: a durable and light aluminum frame, available in a palette of 5 appealing colors to suit every child’s personality.
However, the features vary across the sizes to match the developmental stage of the rider. The Flyer 16″ is engineered as a simple, single-speed bike equipped with a coaster brake, ideal for younger learners focusing on mastering the basics. Stepping up in size and complexity, the Flyer 20″ and 24″ models are equipped with dual handbrakes and a 7-speed gear system, offering greater control and adaptability for more experienced young cyclists ready to tackle varied terrains.
Our Recommendation: While the entire FLYER line presents appealing features, our top recommendation from this series is the 24″ Flyer. We believe it offers the best value and performance within the range. Conversely, with reservations, we suggest carefully considering the Flyer 16″ and Flyer 20″. Despite their merits, these smaller models present certain limitations, especially when considering the availability of alternative bikes in the market that might offer superior features or better value at a similar or even lower price point.
Detailed Reviews by Bike Size
To help you navigate the specifics and find the perfect fit, we’ve broken down our comprehensive reviews by each size in the Radio Flyer FLYER bike range.
Explore All FLYER Kids Bikes on Amazon
Radio Flyer – FLYER 16: A Closer Look
Recommended Age: 4-7 years
MSRP: $199
Seat Height Range: 18.8″ – 23.5″
Bike Weight: 20.4 lb. (excluding training wheels)
Braking System: Coaster brake (pedal backwards) only
Training Wheels: Included
Our Recommendation: Recommended with hesitation due to its price point relative to comparable bikes.
Key Considerations for the Flyer 16
The Radio Flyer FLYER 16 is undeniably a well-constructed and robust bike. Our young testers found it easy to handle and enjoy. However, at a retail price of $199, it faces stiff competition from bikes like the Retrospec Koda 16, which offers remarkably similar features at a significantly lower price of around $120. This price difference prompts a closer examination of the Flyer 16’s features and performance.
Coaster Brake Performance
One notable aspect of the Flyer 16 is its coaster brake system. While coaster brakes are common on kids’ bikes, especially for beginners, the Flyer 16’s implementation presents a slight challenge. Our testers found that engaging the brake required more force compared to other bikes in the 16-inch category. This is partly attributed to the shorter crank arms on the Flyer 16. Shorter crank arms reduce leverage, making it harder for young children to generate sufficient backward pedaling force needed for quick stops. For children still developing their leg strength and coordination, this could be a point of frustration.
Weight Factor
At 20.4 lbs, the Flyer 16 is reasonably lightweight for a kids’ bike, and marginally lighter than the Royalbaby 16. However, when compared directly to the Retrospec Koda 16, the Flyer 16 is noticeably heavier. The few pounds difference might seem insignificant, but for a child just learning to ride or maneuvering a bike, extra weight can impact their confidence and ease of handling. A lighter bike is generally easier to start, stop, and control, especially for smaller children.
Radio Flyer – FLYER 20: Is It Worth the Price?
Recommended Age: 5-9 years
MSRP: $299
Seat Height Range: 23.7″ – 28.8″
Bike Weight: 24.8 lb.
Braking System: Dual hand brakes
Gears: 7-speed
Gain Ratio: 2.1 – 4.2
Training Wheels: Not included
Our Recommendation: Recommended with hesitation due to geometry and weight issues at this price point.
Understanding the Flyer 20’s Ride Experience
The Radio Flyer FLYER 20 enters a more competitive price bracket at $299. At this level, it contends with bikes from brands like Guardian Bikes and REI Co-op, which are known for their kid-friendly designs and features. Unfortunately, our testing revealed that the Flyer 20 falls short in several key areas, particularly in ride comfort and weight, making it a less compelling option compared to its rivals in the same price range.
Important Note: If you are considering a 20-inch bike with training wheels, it’s worth noting that the Guardian 20″ small bike is generally considered a superior choice for training wheel use. REI Co-op kids bikes, while well-regarded overall, are known to have training wheels that are not as robust or well-designed.
Uncomfortable Geometry and Handling
The primary drawback of the Flyer 20 is its geometry, which leads to a less comfortable and somewhat awkward riding position for children. The image below provides a clear visual comparison, showcasing the same child rider on both the Flyer 20 and the Guardian Bikes 20 Large.
As seen in the comparison, two main geometry issues contribute to the Flyer 20’s less comfortable ride:
- Handlebar Position: The stem on the Flyer 20 is elongated, and the handlebars are positioned low and far forward. This forces the child to lean forward excessively and reach uncomfortably far to grip the handlebars.
- Crank Arm and Bottom Bracket Issues: The Flyer 20’s crank arms (the parts connecting pedals to the frame) are longer than ideal, and the bottom bracket (where crank arms attach) sits relatively high off the ground. This combination results in an unnaturally high knee position at the top of the pedal stroke, causing a cramped knee bend.
Our testers reported feeling cramped and complained of their knees being too close to their chest while riding the Flyer 20. For a slightly higher price point, the Guardian 20″ Large offers significantly improved, kid-friendly geometry, a lighter weight (approximately 3 pounds less), a better gear range, and the innovative SureStop braking system, making it a more attractive option for parents prioritizing comfort and performance.
Radio Flyer – FLYER 24: Our Top Pick in the FLYER Line
Recommended Age: 7-12 years
MSRP: $379
Seat Height Range: 27.5″ – 33.5″
Bike Weight: 28.3 lb.
Braking System: Dual V-brakes
Drivetrain: 7-speed, Shimano grip shift
Gain Ratio: 2.6 – 5.6
Our Recommendation: Highly Recommended – a great bike offering excellent value for its price.
Why We Love the Flyer 24
The Radio Flyer 24″ FLYER stands out as the highlight of the series and earns our unreserved recommendation. Unlike the smaller models, the Flyer 24 strikes a compelling balance of features, comfort, and performance, making it a top contender in the 24-inch kids’ bike category. Both the brake levers and shifters are designed for ease of use for smaller hands, and the overall component integration ensures a consistently smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
Enhanced Comfort Features
While priced slightly higher than some competitors, such as the Guardian 24 and the Retrospec Koda 24, the Flyer 24 justifies its price with several comfort-enhancing features not typically found on bikes in this class. These include:
- Comfortable Grips: Equipped with side bumpers, these grips not only provide a comfortable hold but also protect young hands from scrapes and impacts.
- Cushioned Saddle: A soft, padded saddle enhances riding comfort, especially on longer rides.
- High-Volume Tires: Wider 2.35″ tires provide increased air volume, which acts as a natural suspension, effectively absorbing bumps and vibrations for a smoother ride on sidewalks and varied surfaces.
These comfort elements combine to deliver a noticeably smoother and more pleasant ride compared to many budget-focused competitors. While other bikes may not be uncomfortable, the Flyer 24 excels at minimizing road imperfections and enhancing overall ride quality.
Optimized Geometry for Young Riders
In stark contrast to the Flyer 20, the geometry of the Flyer 24 is well-designed and closely mirrors that of the highly-regarded Guardian 24. This geometry promotes a comfortable, semi-upright riding posture that is generally preferred by children, offering a good balance of comfort and control.
Radio Flyer 24 vs. Guardian 24 Geometry Comparison
Compared to the Retrospec Koda 24, our testers felt less stretched out on the Flyer 24, resulting in enhanced comfort and improved bike handling.
Flyer 24 vs. Retrospec Koda 24 Geometry Comparison
The Flyer 24’s adjustable seat height, ranging from 27.5″ to 33.5″, accommodates children with inseams from approximately 25″ to 31″. However, for children with inseams exceeding 27″, while the seat can be raised further, the bike’s reach (distance from seat to handlebars) may become too short, potentially limiting room for growth. Therefore, we recommend considering the Radio Flyer 24 for kids with inseams up to 27″ to ensure optimal fit and longevity.
In comparison, the Guardian 24 offers a slightly lower seat height range (25″ – 33″), while the Retrospec Koda 24 has a taller range (29″ – 35″).
Adequate Gear Range for Varied Terrain
The Flyer 24, Retrospec Koda 24, and Guardian 24 all feature 7-speed gear systems, but their gear ratios differ, impacting their performance across varying terrains. The Guardian 24 boasts the widest gear range (2.45 – 5.6 gain ratio), offering both easier low gears for uphill climbs and higher top gears for speed on flat surfaces.
The Flyer 24 closely follows with a 2.6 – 5.6 gain ratio, providing a versatile range for most riding conditions. The Retrospec Koda 24 has a narrower range (2.42 – 4.84), which may slightly limit its top speed capability compared to the Flyer and Guardian.
The higher top gear ratios of the Flyer and Guardian (both at 5.6) allow for greater distance covered per pedal stroke at higher speeds, beneficial for sprinting or maintaining speed on flat terrain. The Retrospec’s lower maximum gain ratio of 4.84 means it will require slightly faster pedaling to achieve the same top speed.
Replaceable Derailleur Hanger: A Durable Detail
A standout feature of the Flyer 24, not found on the Retrospec or Guardian models, is its replaceable derailleur hanger. This is a significant advantage for kids’ bikes, as derailleur hangers are designed to bend or break in the event of a fall or impact, protecting the bike frame from damage.
If the derailleur hanger bends, it can be easily and inexpensively replaced, preventing potentially costly frame repairs or gear shifting problems that can arise from a bent frame. This thoughtful design element enhances the durability and longevity of the Flyer 24.
Minor Drawbacks of the Flyer 24
Despite its many positives, the Flyer 24 is the heaviest among the three compared bikes, weighing in at 28.3 lb. The Retrospec Koda 24 is slightly lighter at 28.1 lb., and the Guardian 24 is the lightest at 25.5 lb. However, it’s important to note that the Flyer 24 is the only bike in this comparison built with an aluminum frame, while the Retrospec and Guardian both use steel frames. Aluminum frames are generally preferred for their lighter weight and resistance to rust, offering a trade-off between weight and frame material.
Radio Flyer Kids Pedal Bikes – The Final Verdict
In conclusion, while the Flyer 16 and 20 models have areas for improvement, particularly in terms of value and geometry respectively, the Flyer 24 emerges as a comfortable, well-featured bike that our testers genuinely enjoyed riding. However, it’s important to acknowledge that all three Radio Flyer FLYER bikes come with a relatively higher price tag compared to other reputable brands in the kids’ bike market. This price factor should be weighed against the specific features and benefits each model offers to determine the best fit for your needs and budget.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are integrated within this review. No financial compensation was provided for this evaluation, and Two Wheeling Tots independently purchased the REI REV bikes used for comparison in this review. All opinions expressed and images presented are the sole property of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are protected by copyright and should not be reproduced or used without explicit permission. For further details, please refer to our Terms of Use.
