This bike has amazing value and if it is within your budget for your child and you want to step up to significantly better quality without significantly higher price, this is the ultimate sweet spot IMO. It is a HUGE step up from Walmart/Target/Dicks bikes and despite what a few LBS owners on here are claiming (maybe some margin bias?), a friend with his own LBS has confirmed that this bike has excellent value on par with what he sells. I priced this with some of his own inventory, including Cleary, etc., and for what you get, he recommended to go with this bike. I don't have anything against owning a Huffy, Schwinn, Kent, etc. variety from Walmart/Target, and growing up, that's what I learned on. However, if you have the option to spend a little more for a better quality bike that makes the transition from pedal/coaster brake single-speed 16" to a handbrake and 6spd, this bike will allow for better long-term investment and much better ride for your little one. The biggest benefit outside of improved frame and components is the weight savings compared to cheaper bikes. With an overall weight of 21lbs reported on multiple sites, though I didn't independently verify, seems fairly accurate. You just can't get that weight range in this price point.
It has many favorable qualities for a 6-10 y/o in the 20" category and works as a great beginner mountain bike that can easily transition to the road. It matches up very favorably against high-end kid specific brands like the Cleary Owl 3spd 20", for much less than even their single speed, and while not quite as nice as the likes of Spawn, Prevelo, Guardian, or Woom, it also gets you 90% of the way there for more then half the price of many of those! It is also 3+lbs lighter than the lowest tier Trek options like the Precaliber 20", and while that's a nice durable bike, this is $120 cheaper minimum. The Precaliber has a front suspension, but at this age, the fork is complete junk and only exists for aesthetics at the cost of extra weight. I would take the weight savings over the fake suspension any day.
If you are looking for a solid value bike that gives you mostly quality components, relatively lightweight frame, threadless stem, and Shimano 1x6spd with dual hand breaks, this bike is a great transition bike. I hesitate to spend $400+ on a bike that my child will at max only use for 3 years, but wouldn't hesitate to spend the $80-120 extra over the Walmart/Target/Dicks varieties. If you have "hand-me-down" aspirations, this bike would be perfect. It offers better components, better frame, better weight savings, and with a decent assembly and tune, can provide years of joy. Two-wheeling Tots has this bike listed as their "Best Value" bike in the 20" category and I can easily see why.
The few things I don't like about this bike are:
-The aggressive stance means my son sits/leans forward quite a bit in a permanent attack position. My son picked up on it quickly, but it is still a little more aggressive than I would have preferred for 7 y/o. It also means that long rides are a little more tiresome. The handlebar grips are on very securely (someone else said theirs was coming off), but, much like others mentioned, aren't very comfy. However, it has a threadless stem and aluminum handlebar and is easy to swap out to a less aggressive handlebar if desired with around a $10-15 investment. Otherwise, no complaints so far.
For the price, there really isn't anything to complain about. This bike oozes the "cool" look for my son with the black and orange, which his friends have been envious of, while also being from a reputable brand with solid build. The shifters aren't great, but very easy to work and appropriate for this age. Brakes work perfectly fine after adjusting, and the wheels were relatively true.
Great value intro 20" bike, do not hesitate if its in your budget.
| Bike Type | Kids Bike |
|---|---|
| Age Range (Description) | 5 - 7 years |
| Brand | RALEIGH |
| Number of Speeds | 1 |
| Color | Green |
| Wheel Size | 16 Inches |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Suspension Type | Rear, Front |
| Special Feature | Aluminum Frame, mountain bike, lightweight |
| Included Components | Bicycle |
| Size | 16" |
| Brake Style | Linear Pull |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Item Weight | 19.2 Pounds |
| Style | 16" Wheels |
| Model Name | Raleigh Bikes Rowdy Kids Bike for Boys |
| Wheel Material | Plastic or Alloy Steel |
| Year | 2018 |
| Seat Material Type | Plastic or a synthetic material like Nylon or Polyurethane |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00791964557388 |
| UPC | 791964557388 |
| Manufacturer | Accell North America -- Dropship |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 36.3 x 18.8 x 7.9 inches |
| Package Weight | 9.98 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | RALEIGH |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Suggested Users | unisex-child |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 14-0510180 |