This has to be one of the nicest kids bikes I have seen in person. The frame design and wheel spokes look high-tech. The glossy paint finish looks classy and well-done. All the hardware (brake lever, clamps) feels premium.
-Packaging was excellent. Most of the paint was protected by foam wrap.
-Installation took about 20min and was easy. All tools necessary are included.
-The kickstand is heavy duty and works great.
-The front disc brake was perfectly calibrated out of the box.
-Includes a bell and 2 reflectors.
This 16 inch bike weighs in at 20lbs (minus training wheels). I have the smaller RoyalBaby BMX (steel frame) 14 inch wheels that also weighs 20lbs. So I guess the magnesium frame does save a bit of weight over a steel frame although I was hoping for even more weight savings.
My small 6-year-old and large 5-year-old ride with the seat close to the lowest point. I anticipate this bike will fit for easily 2-3 years or more.
OVERALL
I am very impressed with this magnesium RoyalBaby. It looks and feels like a higher-end bike and is a step-up from the RoyalBaby BMX. There is a small (2-3lb) weight savings with the magnesium frame.
So far, I'm giving this bike 2 stars, due to a lack of quality control in manufacturing. I'm a mechanical designer by trade, so seeing obvious manufacturing errors make it to the customer is of particular annoyance to me. I'd give it one star, but realistically my problem with the bike is limited to one particular piece, and the rest of the bike impressed me, build-wise.
The bike came in generally excellent condition, well-protected and packaged neatly. My problem is this (and believe me, I'll update the review as soon as the problem is resolved): I spent about 15-20 minutes putting the bike together, and then had to stop working entirely, so I could leave a voicemail for the warranty number.
After assembling the training wheels to the bike, I noticed the front forks weren't tightened down, so I began to do so. As I tightened the nut, I saw that the tab on the retaining washer (the teardrop-shaped washer with the tab, on either side of the axle rod, before the flange nut) wasn't lined up properly with its alignment hole, nor could I easily line it up and then tighten the nut down. Each time, the tab would slip out of the hole as the nut tightened down. Not to mention that, that side's flange nut was EXTREMELY difficult to turn, where the opposite side nut threaded on very smoothly. And no, before you ask, I didn't cross thread it. It appears the threads on either the nut or axle rod were not of the best quality to begin with.
So I disassembled the front wheel from the forks to see what was going on. Turns out, one issue is, the slotted tab on the end of one of the forks is bent slightly away from the center axis of the fork tube, where the opposite one is dead on. To fix it, I'd need to use pliers to bend it back to its proper position, which is the only repair option, and not something I am going to do on a brand spanking new $180 product.
IN ADDITION (and here's the big one), when I finally DID manage to thread the nuts on and get them relatively tight, the front disc brake was rubbing on the inside brake pad when rotated. So again, I disassembled the wheel from the forks. This time, I set the bike upside down on its handlebars, and sat straight back to see how everything on the bike was lining up in relation to the frame, and I see the THE FORK TUBES IN THE FRONT AREN'T EVEN THE SAME LENGTH ON EACH SIDE, NOR ARE THEY BENT AT THE SAME ANGLE AS ONE ANOTHER. This is directly visible when looking straight-on. So out comes the precision straightedge to verify. When measured from the floor to the same point (specifically, the point the axle contacts the inner radius of the notch) on both fork tubes (bike inverted), there is a measurable difference in length of 3/16"!!!
This is totally unacceptable for a product of this price point. I could MAYBE understand a similar error on a $50-70 bike, but this was nearly $200, and for a kids bike, no less! For that much money, I shouldn't have to make any real quality compromises. As I stated, I contacted the warranty number and requested they send me a new set of forks for the front. If this isn't an option, the bike will remain at 2 stars for me, and will be returned for a refund. Will update when this is resolved!
EDIT: Their customer service called me back the following day and left a voicemail for me. The guy on the other end sounded very apologetic and was keen to make it right by sending me out a new set of forks. He even wanted to explain to me how a manufacturing error like that could make it out of the factory. I have yet to call them back, but simply because of how responsive they were, I bumped the review back up to 4 stars. As I said before, the bike otherwise impressed me. I instead will be returning the bike to Amazon (sorry, RoyalBaby!) because I opted for a different bike (and for different reasons). I ended up going with a Stampede Sprinter in the same size. IMHO, it's a superior bike, and for only $22 more than what I paid for the Space Shuttle. I decided we didn't need the training wheels, and desired hand brakes for both front and rear, something that isn't a normal option on the RoyalBaby lineup for the size. FWIW, my 4-year old really thought the Space Shuttle looks pretty kick-butt (and I happen to agree, having now had one in my hands).
Great Bike! I’ve purchased other less expensive bikes for 45-$110. I found them clunky and my kids had a hard time peddling. This bike is light weight, all my kids fought over who was going to ride it so I had to buy the girls one each and the boys one each. Now they love riding and my 2 year old loves to do laps on this bike.
High quality. Easy to assemble. 18 inch wheel fits my 6 yr son (his height is 48 inchs) well, Need to set the seat at the lowest position, so his toes can reach the ground both sides. For those with concern about rear coaster brake, at least, the bike we got has front and rear disc brakes.
My 3-year old daughter loves her 14" purple bike and goes faster every day. Awesome frame, front disc brake, pedals, rims and tires. My only suggestion to Royalbaby is to offer the international version with a rear disk brake instead of only pedal coaster brake in US. (makes it easier for get going without push). Chain and brake were all set & tuned – no adjustments. My Amazon Warehouse “like new” ($107) was never even assembled.
Feature Product
- Frame/Fork: The lightweight magnesium frame and durable steel front fork make for the perfect combination of lightness and strength
- Wheels/Tires: One-piece magnesium rims, knobby 14x2.4" wide tires
- Drivetrain: A sturdy single-speed system with a one-piece crankset and a ball-bearing bottom bracket
- Brakes/Cockpit: A doubly-safe braking system with a front disc-brake and a Quando brand coaster brake
- Includes: HEAVY-DUTY magnesium training wheel supports and all assembly tools. The newly-patented fashionable hollowed frame with curved surface and smooth lines. A perfect combination of modern elements and childhood dreams
Description
RoyalBaby designers have been working for a long time to develop the full potential of the new ultra-light Magnesium for use in a kid's bike. Finally, the SPACE SHUTTLE, one of RoyalBaby's new 2017 products, launched at the Shanghai Bicycle Fair. The super lightweight magnesium alloy hollow frame and curved design work together to utterly reduce the bike's weight. Your little one will cultivate a sense of independence and self-reliance by being able to move the bike by themselves. No more of "Mommy, why can't I lift my OWN bike?" The magnesium alloy frame allows for comfort and safety with good anti-impact performance, and the structure inspires confidence in the rider while reducing the risk of a side tumble. The frame design was inspired by space and the universe, whose secrets have always attracted kid's attention. The Space Shuttle's unique design gathered China's prestigious Red Star Design Award and Windmill Award. Put your child on the most fashionable bike on this or any other shiny alloy child-size brake levers, newly-developed one-piece foam saddle, TPR soft grips, non-slip resin pedals with reflectors. The newly-patented fashionable hollowed frame with curved surface and smooth lines. A perfect combination of modern elements and childhood dreams.
Great quality! My 4 year old loves it
my daughter just loves this bike. I got it for her 7th birthday she absolutely loves it. It’s not too heavy and is so easy to ride that my 4 year old has taken to riding it with ease! My only issue is finding replacement parts. It’s not very easy. But I would definitely purchase another bike. I love the look of it the weight of it. I live in the city and with a walk up apartment it pays to have a light bike to carry up and down stairs every day. And my goodness it was the easiest bike to put together I was so surprised and so happy.
Bought this bike (18" wheels) for my 6yr old son as his first bike. The 18" wheels version comes with front & rear disc brakes, training wheels,a kickstand, reflectors, and a bell! The disc brakes are pre-adjusted for tension though I had to slightly adjust the rear pads so that they wouldn't touch the disc. You can't install both the kickstand and training wheels on the same time since they go on the same rear axle bolt. But while you have training wheels, I suppose the kickstand isn't needed so I just put it away for now.
My son is about 47" tall and he's able to get on and off the bike with the seat adjusted slightly above minimum height. The training wheels are fastened onto the rear axle bolts and are rock solid. My son started pedaling without any difficulty.
Overall, the bike is very well made, looks extremely cool, and it's light enough for my son to push around.
Nice bike. Easy to assemble. Comes with tools to assemble if you dont have them. We bought ours $70 cheaper from Amazon Warehouse (damaged). Box was damaged but couldn't find damage on bike. The only thing is the ringing bell is very cheap, probably wont last long
We bought the 14 inch bike for my son as his 1st bike. Light weight and solid construction. The right side pedal came off while he was riding once but that could have been my fault. I tightened it back on with some locktite and it has been good to go ever since.
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