base 16 | 16 inch bike
Age 4 - 6 years | Child Height 99 - 115cm
Among the lightest 16 inch bikes worldwide at 6.9kg!
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.
Only 6.9kg, among the lightest worldwide
Two hand brakes, no pedal/coaster brake
Compatible with training wheels
Five year frame and fork warranty
$49 flat rate shipping*
No risk, free, easy 100-day returns
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.
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.
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.
Long lasting and durable
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 like Tektro hand brakes, Kenda tires, Pro-wheel cranks, and a KMC chain, this bike is designed for durability, ensuring the base 16 can be passed down to younger siblings, and can be resold.
The bike dads review
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*.
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.
Customer Reviews
If you're reading reviews and unsure about buying a bike from Base Bikes, here's my two cents: go for it!
I'm thoroughly impressed with Adam's service – he's top-notch! When I was worried about the bike arriving late for my daughter's birthday, Adam went above and beyond to ensure it got delivered on time. He kept me updated on the delivery status and even chased the courier company to make sure everything went smoothly. Thanks to him, the bike arrived just in time!
The assembly process was a breeze. The team at Base Bikes had already done most of the work, so all I had to do was tighten the handlebars and attach the pedals. The bike itself is a significant upgrade from my daughter's previous one, which she'd had for two years.
This new bike is bigger, but it's also noticeably lighter and feels like a proper bike, not just a toy. The quality components make a big difference, and my daughter was confident and proficient on it from the start. She couldn't wait to ride it!
Overall, I'd say the bike and the service from Base Bikes are unbeatable.
Thank you so much for the kind words Ali! I just couldn't imagine your daughter waking up on her birthday without her main present. Always here if you need anything - don't hesitate to reach out if we can help with anything else. Thanks again!
First pedal bike for my son and i am sure it will last him and then hopefully the next kids (if he is ready to give it up). Moving up from a cruiser style not having a back pedal brake is great. Only question is do you plan on selling with bike stands? I don't want him just dumping it on the ground in the garage because it looks so good.
Thanks for the review Paul and for the feedback regarding the kickstands. We are in the process of sourcing kickstands which we are hoping to have available at the end of September. Thanks again!
Was looking for a lightweight bike for my son to transition from balance bike. Wanted something without coaster brake. Was struggling to find something here in Australia.
So excited to find Base bikes, Adam was fantastic to deal with answering questions buying the bike online and when the bike arrived was super easy to set up.
It really is a fantastic bike much lighter than other options, well built and in my opinion the best available here down under. The lower frame geometry means the 16 inch fits my son with plenty of room to grow. Very happy and highly recommended!
Hi Josh - thanks so much for the review and so glad we could help!
We bought this for our grandson’s 3rd birthday. He loved his balance bike but was beginning to ask each time he went out on it if he could have a peddle bike. He was so thrilled to get this bike. He chose the colour and was waiting eagerly. He did not hesitate to get on and take off though he did need us to help him coordinate everything on the first day. The second day he was away on his own and had mastered the break. The trickiest part for him has been taking off but on the third riding day he could even do this independently some of the time. It is a lovely bike and we expect it will last him a few good years as it is currently in the lowest position. It is a great fit for him as he can get his feet down easily and he was able to manage the bike easily push it along independently. He was a little obsessed with the bell. He continuously fiddled with it and it fell off. We lost an integral bit of it, and so he is currently riding without a working bell but this has been the only issue we have had since getting the bike. He loves his new bike!
So glad the bike is a great fit Donna, and thanks so much for taking the time to post such a comprehensive review! We'll pop some spare bells in the post for you!
She literally learnt to ride within 20 min. Makes my life as a parent so much easier.
Wow, that is really impressive! Thanks so much for the review Lili!
Our kids started riding by 3 years old. Our 3.5 daughter just moved up to the base bike 16 and she loves it! It's so light yet well built. So impressive, and really great value.
If your kids love riding (and you don't want coaster brake!), there is no better bike for them, made here right in Australia too.
Well done team. Super impressed!
Thanks so much Dave! We really appreciate you taking the time to write us a review, and so glad your daughter is loving the bike. Its why we do what we do!
Great build quality, just like a mini version of a serious mountain bike. This is a bike for kids who have riders as parents and appreciate quality design and parts that'll last and perform.
Thanks Daniel - we really appeciate your review!
Purchased this bike for my daughter to learn to ride. It’s been perfect and she loves riding it. I especially love the ability to remove the pedals and use it as a balance bike to get her used to the hand brakes and riding first. Also love how lightweight it is and easy to maneuver!
Thanks so much for the review Katerina! Every review makes a real difference for us and other parents, so thanks so much again! So glad your daughter is enjoying her new bike.