Base 16 Lightweight Kids Bike

The base 16 is a lightweight 16" kids bike for children aged about 4 to 6, or 99 to 116cm tall. It weighs 6.7kg with pedals, has Tektro hand brakes front and rear with no coaster brake, and is sized for young kids from the ground up, with micro-reach brake levers, 90mm cranks and small grips. It's made by base, an Australian kids bike brand.

Why 6.7kg matters for a four-year-old

For a young child, a bike is a big share of their bodyweight, so every kilo counts.

At 6.7kg, the base 16 is light enough for small kids to push off, steer and stop with control, and to pick up themselves after a fall. Less weight also means less fatigue, so they're happy to ride further. It's lighter for parents to carry, too.

Hand brakes, no coaster brake

Many 16" kids bikes have a coaster brake, where pedalling backwards stops the bike. The base 16 doesn't. Instead it has Tektro V-brakes on both wheels, with micro-reach levers that small hands can reach and squeeze.

Without a coaster brake, kids can backpedal freely to put the pedal in the right position before they push off.

That makes starting much easier, especially for kids coming off a balance bike, who are used to braking with their hands and feet rather than the pedals.

Sized for young kids

• Low, stable frame: a low centre of gravity makes balancing easier, and a low standover lets kids put a foot down quickly.
• 90mm cranks and a narrow Q-factor: short cranks and pedals set close together suit short legs and narrow hips, so pedalling feels natural.
• Micro-reach brake levers: Tektro JL-350 levers sit close to the bar for small hands.
• Small grips: 19.1mm-diameter lock-on grips that little hands can wrap around.
• Upright riding position: a 500mm bar with 60mm of rise and a short 40mm stem.

Adjusts as your child grows

• Quick-release seatpost: raise or lower the saddle without tools.
• Adult-style saddle rails: slide the Selle Royal saddle forward or back and adjust its tilt.
• Adjustable handlebars: rotate the bars to change the reach and height as your child grows.

Built to last

The base 16 has a 6061 aluminium frame and fork, stainless steel spokes with brass nipples, a fully sealed bottom bracket with steel cups and a sealed-bearing headset.

It comes with Tektro brakes, Kenda Small Block Eight tyres, ProWheel cranks and a KMC chain with a chain tensioner. That makes it easy to service and well suited to passing down to a younger sibling or reselling later.

What's included

A child-friendly bell, ball-bearing pedals with reflectors, and front, rear and wheel reflectors. The frame has a standard kickstand mount, and the bike is compatible with most training wheels. Neither is included.

Sizing

base recommends the 16 for children aged about 4 to 6 years and 99 to 116cm tall.

Age is a rough guide: height matters more. The saddle height ranges from about 46 to 55cm.

The best check is your child on the bike:

When learning, most kids are most confident with the saddle low enough to put their feet flat on the ground, and they should be able to reach and squeeze the brake levers comfortably.

For younger riders still learning to balance, the base 12 balance bike is the step before. When they outgrow the 16, the base 20 is the next size up, for children 113 to 130cm, and adds 7 Shimano gears. Compare other options in our 16" kids bikes range.

Every new bike comes with a free first service within 6 months, which is useful as the brakes settle in.

Frequently asked questions

What is the seat height of the base 16?

The saddle adjusts from about 46 to 55cm.

What age is the base 16 for?

base recommends it for children aged about 4 to 6 years.

What height is the base 16 for?

Children 99 to 116cm tall.

How much does the base 16 weigh?

6.7kg with pedals.

Does the base 16 have a coaster brake?

No. It has Tektro V-brakes on both wheels with micro-reach hand levers, so kids can backpedal freely to set the pedal position before they start.

Can I fit training wheels to the base 16?

Yes. It's compatible with most training wheels, which are sold separately. Check compatibility with the training wheel supplier.

Does the base 16 come with a kickstand?

No, but the frame has a standard kickstand mount.

Does the base 16 have gears?

No. It's single speed, which keeps it simple and light for young riders. The base 20 adds 7 gears.

What is the weight limit?

50kg, including the bike, rider and anything they carry.

What's the difference between the base 16 and base 20?

The base 20 is for children 113 to 130cm. It has 20" wheels and 7 Shimano gears and weighs 8.3kg. The base 16 is single speed and weighs 6.7kg, for children 99 to 116cm.

Specifications