Joystar NEO Mountain Bike Review
Our verdict
The Joystar NEO is a 20-inch kids bike that has found consistent buyers, with 900 reviews at 4.2 stars and 20 purchases in a single month. It uses linear pull brakes and comes with training wheels, which is unusual at this size and appeals to parents whose kids need extra time before going without.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Bigger beginners ages 6 to 9 who are at least 48 inches tall and still want training wheel support on a 20-inch bike, particularly riders transitioning from smaller bikes.
Skip if
Your child has already dropped training wheels and wants a bike with gears or suspension for trail use.
- Bike type Kids Bike
- Wheel size 20.0 in
- Frame material Alloy Steel
- Frame size 20 Inch With Training Wheels
- Speeds 1
- Brakes Linear Pull
- Priced 20% above the category median ($150.26 across 82 tracked models)
- Wheel size of 20.0 in - larger than 64% of the 83 models we track
- Weight of 26.0 lb - heavier than 78% of the 83 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 900 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.3/5
900 owner reviews, more 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 Joystar NEO markets itself as a mountain bike but arrives as a single-speed, no-suspension 20-inch kids bike with linear pull brakes and training wheels. That spec profile puts it squarely in the beginner category despite the mountain bike label. The alloy steel frame is solid for everyday use, and the foam seat is a step up in comfort from plain plastic saddles. Minimum rider height is 48 inches.
Linear pull brakes, also called V-brakes, are a solid choice for this size class and are more effective than a coaster brake alone. Kids who have built some hand strength will find them responsive and easy to modulate. The single-speed drivetrain keeps things simple and maintenance-free, which is appropriate for the 6-to-9 age group this bike targets.
At $179.99, the NEO is priced in the middle of the 20-inch kids bike market. The 900-review base and 4.2-star average are acceptable but not exceptional. The 20 monthly purchases show ongoing buyer interest. Parents looking for a 20-inch bike with hand brakes and training-wheel support will find few alternatives in this price range.
Pros
- Linear pull brakes are more effective than a coaster-only setup
- Training wheels included, unusual at the 20-inch size
- Foam seat is more comfortable than hard plastic
- Solid buyer demand: 20 recent monthly purchases
Cons
- No suspension despite the mountain bike label
- Single-speed only, limiting use on hilly terrain
- 4.2-star average is below the top performers in this category
- At 26 lb, it is moderately heavy for a 20-inch kids bike
Specifications
| Bike type | Kids Bike |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 20.0 in |
| Frame material | Alloy Steel |
| Frame size | 20 Inch With Training Wheels |
| Speeds | 1 |
| Brakes | Linear Pull |
| Suspension | No-Suspension |
| Drivetrain | Single-Speed |
| Wheel material | Alloy Steel |
| Seat | Foam |
| Color | Purple |
| Weight | 26.0 lb |
| Min rider height | 48.0 in |
| Age range | Big Kid |
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Power | Manual Winding |
| Model year | 2021 |
Performance notes
20-inch alloy steel wheels, alloy steel frame, no suspension, single-speed linear pull brakes, foam seat. Weight 26 lb. Minimum rider height 48 inches. Training wheels included.
What buyers say
900 reviews at 4.2 stars with 20 recent monthly purchases shows active demand and generally positive feedback. The main trade-off buyers weigh is the lack of suspension against the convenience of having training wheels on a 20-inch frame.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Joystar NEO actually suitable for trail riding?
Despite the mountain bike branding, the NEO has no suspension and a single-speed drivetrain, which limits its capability on technical trails. It is best suited for smooth paths and flat neighborhood riding. Buyers looking for genuine off-road performance should consider a bike with front suspension and multiple gears.
Why would a 20-inch bike come with training wheels?
Most 20-inch bikes are designed for kids who can already balance independently, but some children transition later or grew up on a larger bike with training wheels still attached. The NEO addresses that situation by including training wheels, giving parents the option to use them or not depending on the child's comfort level.
How do linear pull brakes compare to coaster brakes for kids?
Linear pull brakes, or V-brakes, use a lever on the handlebar connected to a cable that squeezes pads against the wheel rim. They require some hand strength but give the rider precise control over stopping power. Coaster brakes require back-pedaling to stop, which is simpler but slower to react. For kids 6 and up, linear pull brakes are generally the better skill-building choice.