Huffy 71809 Bmx Bike Review
Our verdict
The Huffy 71809 is a 16-inch BMX-style kids bike with both a coaster brake and a front sidepull caliper brake, giving young riders two ways to stop. At $139.99 and 28.9 lb, it is priced fairly but is noticeably heavy for a 16-inch bike, which is the most significant practical concern for parents.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Kids ages 4 to 6 who want a BMX look with dual braking and parents who do not mind a heavier bike
Skip if
Weight is a priority or your child is closer to the 60 lb max weight limit
- Bike type Bmx Bike
- Wheel size 16.0 in
- Frame material Alloy Steel
- Frame size 16 Inch
- Speeds 1
- Brakes Coaster, Sidepull Caliper
- Weight of 28.9 lb - heavier than 88% of the 83 models we track
- Max rider weight of 60.0 lb - lower than 60% of the 83 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 365 owner ratings
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Popularity2.1/5
365 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Huffy 71809 pairs 16-inch alloy steel wheels with a rigid alloy steel frame in a gloss black finish. The dual-brake setup is a genuine advantage over coaster-only competitors, as it introduces kids to hand braking while keeping the coaster as a backup. The frame is aimed at ages 4 to 6, with a minimum rider height of 42 inches.
At 28.9 lb, this bike is heavy for a 16-inch model. The extra weight comes from the alloy steel construction, which is durable but denser than aluminum alternatives. For a child on the lighter end of the age range, the bike can feel unwieldy to push or maneuver off the bike. The single-speed drivetrain keeps things simple once the child is riding.
With 365 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the feedback is modestly positive. Buyers mention the BMX styling as a draw and note the dual brakes as a practical feature. Assembly complaints are occasional but not dominant in the reviews. The $139.99 price is reasonable for a dual-brake 16-inch kids bike from a recognizable brand.
Pros
- Dual braking with coaster and sidepull caliper gives young riders two stopping options
- BMX styling appeals to kids who want a sportier look
- Alloy steel construction is durable for rough neighborhood use
- Reasonable price at $139.99 for a dual-brake 16-inch kids bike
Cons
- 28.9 lb is heavy for a 16-inch kids bike, harder for smaller kids to handle
- 60 lb max rider weight is low, limiting growth room
- Rigid frame offers no cushioning on rougher surfaces
- No suspension at all on a bike marketed toward active young riders
Specifications
| Bike type | Bmx Bike |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 16.0 in |
| Frame material | Alloy Steel |
| Frame size | 16 Inch |
| Speeds | 1 |
| Brakes | Coaster, Sidepull Caliper |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Drivetrain | Single-Speed With Coaster Brake |
| Wheel material | Alloy Steel |
| Color | Gloss Black |
| Weight | 28.9 lb |
| Max rider weight | 60.0 lb |
| Min rider height | 42.0 in |
| Age range | Kids (4-6 Years Old) |
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Power | Manual Pedaling |
| Model year | 2020 |
Performance notes
16-inch alloy steel wheels on a rigid alloy steel frame. Coaster brake plus sidepull caliper front brake. Single-speed drivetrain. Bike weighs 28.9 lb. Max rider weight 60 lb. Min rider height 42 inches. Suited for ages 4 to 6.
What buyers say
365 reviews averaging 4.3 stars reflects solid but unremarkable satisfaction. Buyers appreciate the dual brakes and BMX look. Weight and assembly difficulty are the most common criticisms, with some parents noting the bike feels heavier than expected straight out of the box.
Similar mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles to consider
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Huffy 71809 have two types of brakes?
The coaster brake lets the child stop by back-pedaling, which young kids typically learn first. The sidepull caliper brake on the front wheel introduces hand braking, which is the standard stopping method on adult bikes. Having both means the child can practice hand braking at their own pace without losing the familiar coaster backup.
Is 28.9 lb too heavy for a 4 or 5 year old?
It is on the heavy side. Most 16-inch kids bikes weigh between 18 and 25 lb. A child who weighs 40 lb carrying a 28.9 lb bike is managing a significant load relative to their own weight. If the child will mostly ride on flat pavement with adults nearby, the weight is manageable. For kids who need to pick it up, carry it, or tackle any inclines, a lighter option is worth considering.
What age range does this bike fit?
Huffy targets ages 4 to 6 with a minimum rider height of 42 inches. Most kids in that height range can comfortably reach the ground with a slight bend in the knee at seat height. If your child is already close to 6 years old and 42 inches or taller, sizing up to a 20-inch bike may be a smarter long-term buy.