base 16 | 16 Inch Bike
Age 4 - 6 years | Child Height 113 - 133cm
- Description
- Size Guide
At just 6.9kg, the base 16 is a lightweight 16 inch bike designed for kids from the ground up. With a low, stable geometry and no pedal / coaster brake, it's safe, easy to ride and effortlessly fun.
This makes the base 16 the ultimate first bike for kids learning to ride, and equally perfect for confident young riders ready to take on new adventures with a premium, high-performance bike.
The base 16 is generally ideal for kids aged 4 to 6 years, or between 99cm and 115cm tall.
We recommend a minimum inseam of 41cm, but for new or cautious riders, an inseam of at least 44cm will offer more comfort and confidence.
Remember, you’re covered by our 100 day easy returns if it’s not quite the right fit.
Add accessories:
Why Kids (and Parents) Love it
Easy to ride
With a low and stable geometry, a lightweight, kid-centric design, and the absence of a coaster brake to simplify balancing and starting, the base 16 is designed to be the easiest bike to ride.
Lightweight, only 6.9kg
At just 6.9 kg, the base 16 is an incredibly light children's bike. This makes it easy for kids to start, stop and control, boosting their confidence and reducing fatigue.
For four or five year olds, even a small difference in weight can significantly impact their confidence and enjoyment. Plus, it’s lighter for parents to carry!
No pedal / coaster brake
Equipped with two hand brakes instead of a pedal / coaster brake, the base 16 allows kids to backpedal for balance and to find the ideal starting pedal position.
Two hand brakes
Premium quality front and rear Tektro hand brakes provide powerful and reliable stopping.
The micro-reach brake levers are specially designed for small hands, requiring minimal effort to operate, helping kids develop proper two-handed braking techniques right from the start.
Designed specifically for young kids
The base 16 is meticulously designed from the ground up to cater to the unique needs of young riders.
It features a low, stable geometry, micro-reach brake levers, small-diameter lock-on hand grips, shorter cranks, and a narrow Q-factor.
All in all, this makes the bicycle much easier to push off, balance, control and stop. This means more enjoyable, safe and confidence-boosting rides.
Grows with them
Designed with growing boys and girls in mind, the seat is fully adjustable and can be easily raised or lowered using the quick-release mechanism. Like an adult bike, it also allows forward and backward adjustments and can be tilted.
The handlebars can be rotated to optimise and adjust the reach and height as your child grows.
Built with high-quality components, the base 16 ensures durability as your child grows, making it perfect for passing down to younger siblings or reselling.
Long lasting and durable
Built to withstand the Australian outdoors, the base 16 is made with durable materials like stainless steel spokes with brass spoke-nipples, an aluminium frame and fork, a fully sealed bottom bracket with steel cups, and a semi-integrated threadless headset.
Combined with premium components, the base 16 will last the whole family and can be resold.
Safety first
The bike is rigorously tested to meet or exceed all Australian and New Zealand product safety standards.
Its light weight and easy handling reduce the risk of falls, while lock-on hand grips minimise the chance of injuries from exposed handlebars.
All base bikes include Cateye reflectors and a bell.
To Your Door
Delivered to your door from South Australia.
Enjoy an easy 10-minute setup. Simply rotate and tighten the handlebars and attach the pedals. Read more.
Peace of Mind
Backed by a 5-year frame and fork warranty.
No risk, free, easy 100-day returns (we even pay return shipping), you can buy risk-free with confidence. Read more.
Word on the Street
“Designed in Adelaide and light as a feather. The base 16" has a lot going for it.
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Walkthrough Video
Compare the base 16
Designed in Adelaide and just 6.9kg, with two hand brakes instead of a pedal / coaster brake, confidence-boosting geometry, and plenty of other features, the base 16 is a standout 16 inch bike from a premium Australian kids' bike brand.
More Information
Detailed description
Frameset
Premium quality, ultra-lightweight 6061 grade Aluminium featuring a low centre of gravity for better balance, a long wheel base for increased stability, a gentle head angle for stable riding and plenty of room for kids to grow. The total bike weight, including the pedals, is 6.9 kg!
Wheels and Tyres
Super lightweight alloy rims with durable stainless steel spokes to prevent rust and Australian Standard compliant Cateye reflectors on each wheel.
Kenda Small Block 16*1.5 inch tyres with low rolling resistance and great for paved and light trail use.
Free wheeling rear hub
This bike features a free-wheeling rear wheel, without the counterintuitive pedal brake (commonly known as a 'coaster brake').
This allows children to easily adjust the pedals to the right starting position. It also enables back-pedaling for balance, and eliminates the risk of losing rear braking if the chain comes off, which is a key safety issue with back-pedal brakes.
Drivetrain
A sealed bottom bracket with steel cups for longevity, a Prowheel 26T chainwheel with double-sided chain guard and a KMC chain. A narrow q-factor (the horizontal distance between the pedals) and 90mm cranks to perfectly suit smaller bodies.
Overtime, all chains will stretch. We have included a chain tensioner to allow easy chain tightening and wheel alignment as the bikes are passed to siblings and friends.
Saddle
Child-proportioned with a lightweight alloy stem. The saddle can be adjusted forwards and backwards and the seat angle tilted, meaning maximum flexibility for growing children and the longest possible lifespan for growing kids on the bike.
The seat post also has a clear, minimum insertion line, and a rear Cateye reflector, to keep safety a priority.
Handlebars
50 cm wide for stable riding, black anodised for maximum durability, lightweight and adjustable, with a thinner 19 mm grip to suit little hands and the inclusion of a locking clamp to keep the grips safely in place.
A bell and front (and rear) Cateye reflectors are included and arrive already attached.
Headset and Stem
A NECO 28.6 mm threadless headset with sealed bearings for durability.
A lightweight stem with 40 mm extension and 3 degree rise.
Hand Brakes
The dual hand brakes are high quality Tektro J310 V-brakes front and rear with child friendly Tektro micro-reach JL-350 brake levers for maximum quality and longevity.
Components / Specifications
Frame: Lightweight 6061 Aluminium.
Fork: Aluminium with alloy steerer.
Hand Brakes: Tektro J310 V-brakes front and rear with Tektro micro-reach JL-350 brake levers.
Freewheel / cassette: 16T, steel, free-wheel (no back-pedal brake).
Chainwheel: Prowheel, 26T with 90 mm alloy cranks, narrow q-factor.
Chain: KMC with included chain tensioner.
Bottom bracket: sealed bearings with steel cups and aluminium sheath.
Headset: NECO, sealed bearings, 28.6 mm diameter.
Rims: Lightweight Aluminum.
Tyres: Kenda K1047 Small Block Eight 16 x 1.5.
Grips: 19.1 mm diameter with lock-on clamp.
Seat: Selle Royal, kids comfort saddle.
Handlebar: 500 mm wide with 60 mm rise.
Stem: 40 mm extension, 28.6 mm bar bore (for steerer).
Pedals: ball bearing with Australian Standard reflectors.
Included accessories: front, rear and wheel Cateye reflectors. Child friendly bell.
Optional accessories: Includes standard frame mount for a kick-stand (kick-stand not included). Compatible with most training wheels (not included). Check with accessory supplier to confirm compatibility.
Total weight: 6.9kg (with pedals).
Weight limit: 50kg (bike, rider and cargo).
Note that some components may differ from those listed. Reach out if you would like to double check anything. Don't forget you're covered by our No Risk Easy 100 Day Returns.
Bike size guide
The base 16 is generally ideal for kids aged 4 to 6 years, or between 99cm and 115cm tall. That said, we’ve seen confident 3-year-olds and even 7-year-olds ride it happily.
We recommend a minimum inseam of 41cm, but for new or cautious riders, or if you plan to start out in balance bike mode (with the pedals removed), an inseam of at least 44cm will offer more comfort and confidence.
Remember, you’re covered by our 100 day easy returns if it’s not just right.
Once a child is beginning to outgrow the base 16 they will be just the right size for the base 20. More information is available in our full size guide.
Shipping
$49 flat rate shipping on all bikes to most areas in Australia*.
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive an email with your tracking details. Please note that the tracking number may take several hours to activate.
The estimated delivery time is 2 to 8 business days after dispatch. We aim to dispatch all orders within 2 business days.
We only post within Australia at this time.
*Please note that we currently do not offer standard shipping to remote or some regional locations. If your shipping address falls within these areas, you will be notified at checkout and we will be happy to provide a personalised shipping quote. We do not post to PO Boxes due to carrier restrictions.
Ready For Adventure
The base 16 is absolutely perfect for family bike rides and everyday adventures.
With its lightweight, durable aluminium frame, dual hand brakes, low centre of gravity, kid-friendly geometry, and absence of a pedal brake, it’s incredibly easy for kids to push off and stay in control.
This makes the base 16 perfect for learning, keeping up on family bike rides, cruising around the neighbourhood, or tackling awesome trails.
Built with premium components for lasting performance, this bike makes it simple for your child to have fun on two wheels. Watch as their confidence and skills grow!
Built to Last with Premium Materials
Crafted with premium components like Tektro hand brakes, Kenda tires, Pro-wheel cranks, and a KMC chain, this bike is designed for exceptional performance and durability.
Featuring an aluminium frame and fork, stainless steel spokes, fully anodised screws, pre-stretched stainless steel cables, and a fully sealed bottom bracket, base bikes are built to withstand years of use, and last multiple siblings.
Designed to grow with your child, base bikes provide long-lasting performance, making them a valuable investment.
We back this quality with a robust warranty, ensuring peace of mind for years to come.
Safety for Your Little Rider
Your child’s safety is our top priority. The base 16 is fully tested to comply with Australian product safety standards, ensuring every ride is secure.
With a lightweight frame, powerful front and rear hand brakes for smooth stopping, and a low standover height, this bike is designed to minimise risks and help kids ride confidently.
Lock-on grips provide added safety by preventing slipping, which can expose the metal handlebar—a common cause of injuries in kids' bikes.
The easy handling reduces falls, promotes balance, and provides peace of mind, making each adventure safer and more enjoyable for your little rider.
Customer Reviews
As a dedicated mountain biking dad with years of experience riding, racing, and maintaining bikes, I was looking for a quality, lightweight build that would help develop my 4-year-old son's bike riding skills and confidence. The design aspects described by Base are spot on, with no compromises or shortcuts.
The Base 16 has exceeded all my expectations in every way. The quality is top-notch and offers great value for money. It's been an absolute game-changer for my son and has brought so much joy to our riding.
What I love the most:
- Lightweight and easy to manage
- Great geometry ensuring a stable ride
- Quality front and back v-brakes (no pedal brake) suited for small hands
- Super adjustable to fine-tune an ever-changing riding position as he grows.
Tip: To get the best experience out of the first ride, make sure the bike is set up correctly for your child by someone experienced and skilled.
Thank you, Base Bikes, for producing such an awesome product! Already have my sights on the Base 20 for the next stage.
Thanks so much for your review Juan! We're so glad you appreciate the quality of the bike!
We have a 4 yesr old with motor planning and coordination issues. We needed a very lightweight bike that would take minimal effort to propel forwards, and that could take training wheels, and went for a Base bike. Rang Adam at base bikes to check the bike could take training wheels, and he was so helpful- even sent us a photo of the type of training wheels he knew would work. Our son loves his super cool green 16inch - he's quite tall (115cm) but it is perfect for him as he feels low to the ground and still plenty of room to pedal. He's refused to even try bikes in the past- we are practicing daily on this one, and can see that he will get there. Amazing!
Our 6-year-old daughter learned to ride a bike easily with Base Bikes. No pedal brakes, lightweight, and a simply gorgeous design—we couldn’t be happier!
Thanks so much for the review, it really means a lot to us!
I'm so glad base bikes have finally addressed the gap in the market for a truly lightweight bike that doesn't have a pedal brake. My daughter is not at all a confident rider, however she has taken to the base bike really well. Love that there is an option to take the pedals off as well so she can practice with it in balance bike mode. Her only criticism was that it doesn't come in pink, but a sticker kit fixed that! We did get a set of generic training wheels to add to it which fit no worries, however I don't think we'll need them for long.
Thanks Jenna. We couldn't find what we wanted when we were looking for bikes for our little chaps, so we figured we would solve the problem ourselves :)
So glad your daughter is doing well with her new bike!
Lightweight, high quality all round and basically ready to roll out of the box.
Clearly a lot of thought and effort has gone into getting this right. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much Tim, especially for the motivational words! :)
Adam and the team at Base bikes were a pleasure to deal with. Ours was a rushed Christmas order and they over delivered on their promise. The bike is of incredible quality, perfectly suites our 3yr old with room to grow. Couldn't be happier and know exactly where we'll be buying from once out grown the current bike.
Thanks for the amazing review Cliff! This has totally made our day. We'll go sailing into the weekend on a massive high note!
Impressive package. The bike came 99.9% assembled and ergonomically adjusted, nearly ready to ride. 2 mins to align and tighten the steerer tube install and tighten the pedals and off you go. The v - brakes are perfectly adjusted and the levers are easy for my 3 yr old to squeeze. Seriously quick delivery, too!! It arrived the same day as placing the order. Im not easily impressed, but this experience has left me very happy. Thanks to the mechanic who assembled it, well done!
Hi Dan. Wow! Thanks so much for the review. So glad you're happy with the bike set up. We really hope your 3 year old loves the bike!
Bought this for my 4 year old son, who is now transitioning from his balance bike he has had for 2 years. It’s light so it’s easy to carry (and ride I guess). Made of all quality parts. Green is my son’s favourite colour. Comes almost entirely pre-assembled (just put on the pedals, straighten the handle bars). Shipping to Perth was 1.5 weeks at Christmas time (arrived on time 2 weeks early). My son loves it, and I do too! If anyone knows what the little plastic clip on the underside of the seat is (at the back), let me know - it’s where my hand goes when balancing my son - not a problem, just curious!
Hi Ben,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear your son is loving his new bike (and that you’re enjoying it, too). Regarding the little plastic clip under the saddle, that’s actually designed to fit a rear light. We appreciate your curiosity, and we’re glad it’s helped give you a place to steady your son while he’s learning to ride! If you have any other questions or feedback, just let us know—we’re always here to help. Be sure to check our learn to ride video for some more tips on helping kids learn to ride: https://youtu.be/KgqYxi3U3RQ?si=aZ7xFWdd5x7jTEGH.
Thanks again for choosing our bike and for sharing your positive experience!
Best regards,
Adam
Great to see a good quality bike which my grandkids of 7 and 5 love.
My granddaughter had the small bike. Her younger brother preferred it to his small bike (cheapy) so he rides it too - they argued over it. So now she has the next size up letting him have the smaller bike! They are made well and super light which is good from a grandparents point of view. I would recommend them without a doubt.
Can't get her off it...