Base 20" Lightweight Kids Bike

The base 20 is a lightweight 20" kids bike for children aged about 5½ to 8, or 113 to 130cm tall. It weighs 8.3kg and has 7 Shimano gears, Tektro hand brakes front and rear, and a low, stable frame that makes it easy to balance, start and stop. It's made by base, an Australian kids bike brand.

Why weight matters on a kids bike

A bike's weight matters more for a child than for an adult, because it's a much bigger share of their bodyweight. At 8.3kg, the base 20 is lighter than many 20" kids bikes. A lighter bike is easier to push off from a standstill, easier to steer and control, and less tiring on longer rides and hills. It's also easier for a child to pick up after a fall, or to lift over a kerb.

Easy to balance and control

The frame sits low, so the rider's centre of gravity is lower and the bike feels more stable. A low standover also makes it easy for kids to put a foot down when they stop.

7 Shimano gears

Seven gears help kids get up hills and keep going on longer rides. They're changed with a Shimano twist shifter on the handlebar, with a window that shows which gear they're in, so children learn to shift quickly. Gears are usually the first big step up when a child moves to a 20" bike, and a wide range means they can ride further with the family.

Hand brakes, no coaster brake

The base 20 has Tektro V-brakes on both wheels, with levers sized for small hands. There's no coaster brake (the back-pedal brake found on many kids bikes), so kids can pedal backwards to set the pedal position before they take off, and learn to brake the same way they will on an adult bike.

Adjusts as your child grows

• Quick-release seatpost: raise or lower the saddle without tools.
• Adult-style saddle rails: slide the saddle forward or back and adjust its tilt for a comfortable position.
• Adjustable handlebars: rotate the bars, or move the spacers on the stem, to change the reach and height as your child grows.

Built to last

The base 20 uses parts you'd expect on an adult bike: stainless steel spokes with brass nipples, a fully sealed bottom bracket and a threadless headset, with Shimano gears, Tektro brakes, Kenda Small Block 8 tyres, ProWheel cranks and a KMC chain. That makes it easier to service and helps it hold up for a younger sibling or resale later.

Sizing

base recommends the 20 for children aged about 5½ to 8 years and 113 to 130cm tall. Age is a rough guide: height and inside leg matter more. The best check is your child on the bike. The saddle height ranges from about 56 to 65cm. 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 smaller children, the base 16 is the size down. For taller children, the base 24 suits riders 125 to 147cm and adds hydraulic disc brakes and 8 gears. Compare other sizes in our 20" kids bikes and kids bikes ranges.

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

Frequently asked questions

What age is the base 20 for?

base recommends it for children aged about 5½ to 8 years.

What height is the base 20 for?

Children 113 to 130cm tall.

How much does the base 20 weigh?

8.3kg.

What is the seat height of the base 20?

The saddle adjusts from about 56 to 65cm.

What tyres does the base 20 have?

Kenda Small Block 8 tyres, a low-profile tread that rolls easily on paths and grips on gravel and dirt.

Does the base 20 have gears?

Yes. It has 7 Shimano gears with a twist shifter that shows which gear your child is in.

Does the base 20 have a coaster brake?

No. It has Tektro V-brakes on both wheels, with hand levers sized for small hands.

What's the difference between the base 20 and base 24?

The base 24 is for taller children, 125 to 147cm. It has 24" wheels, 8 gears and hydraulic disc brakes. The base 20 has 20" wheels, 7 gears and V-brakes, and is lighter.

Will the base 20 last for a younger sibling?

It's built with durable parts, including stainless steel spokes, a sealed bottom bracket and Shimano gears, so it's well suited to passing down or reselling.

Specifications