If I recall correctly, the first words that came out of my mouth when I pulled the Early Rider Belter 16 from the box were “I want this in my size.” This bike has an impressive visual appeal for both kids and adults. The sleek belt drive and the hand brushed aluminum frame give it a more grown-up look, and the quality of the components is rarely seen on a bike made for children.
Needless to say, my son was thrilled to have this new bike. But, there is a catch that I was not expecting. Our neighbor’s kid now wants to hang out with my son just to ride what he calls the “superbike” (pronounced with an obligatory lisp.) It’s both cute and annoying, but it does get my son excited to ride, so I can’t really complain.
It’s pretty hard to come up with any “cons” for the Belter. I take great pleasure in teaching my son the proper use of dual handbrakes, and I truly appreciate the 2-inch slick tires and the exceptionally smooth and quiet belt drive. The aluminum drivetrain and frame make this bike durable and long-lasting, while the belt drive ensures minimal maintenance and longevity, making it a great investment for years to come.
It’s no wonder that this bike has earned the title of “superbike” in our neighborhood, considering its outstanding quality and performance. In fact, it’s so good that we have added it to our list of the best 16 inch kids bikes.
Review in a Nutshell
Pros:
- Low maintenance belt drive
- Slick 2-inch wide tires
- Front and rear brakes
- High-quality components
- Durable and long-lasting materials
Cons:
- Aggressive riding position, limited adjustability
- Expensive
Price: $479
Design Is Both Lightweight AND Durable
Weighing in at approximately 13.5 pounds it is one of the lightest 16 inch bikes currently available on the market, which is surprising given its design. It doesn’t look light, but it is.
This is advantageous for young riders, especially at skate parks where we’ve primarily ridden this bike. It’s easy to push up big hills and take to the top of the drop-ins. Its lightness is due to the simplicity of the design and the materials used.
The bike is primarily constructed of aluminum, including the drivetrain, and features corrosion-resistant hardware, meaning it won’t rust or get damaged from water exposure. Early Rider even boasts that this bike is so damage-resistant that there will be no loss on any future resale value, and I am beginning to agree.
The Belter 16 boasts an exceptional build kit that truly sets it apart from other kids’ bikes. Equipped with a high-quality Ritchey stem and handlebars, Vee Speedster tires, Tektro V-brakes, and a Gates Powergrip belt that mirrors the quality found in car timing belts, this bike is designed for top performance. What’s particularly noteworthy about belt-driven bicycles is that the belt doesn’t need oil, unlike traditional chains that require regular maintenance.
Even if debris accumulates on the belt, it can be easily wiped off with a towel or gently rinsed with water. This minimal maintenance ensures there’s no annoying chain squeak to deal with! This is the biggest selling point for this bicycle and is why many people are investing in belt drives.
When I am shopping for children’s bicycles, I always make sure that the parts are readily available at local bike shops. It’s important to me that if something were to break, it could be easily replaced. For the most part, this particular bike meets that criterion, except for the plastic seat, which is upgraded on the Belter 20 model.
However, it’s important to note that this bike is not just a toy because it has a plastic seat. It requires maintenance and adjustments similar to those of an adult bike, just in smaller quantities. For instance, the stem height is adjusted using spacers, similar to an adult bike, and the wheels have metal spokes that will need to be trued. Additionally, the cranks will need to be occasionally tightened.
This exceptional bike not only provides children with the joy of riding but also introduces them to the important skills of bicycle maintenance. Early Rider has shown a dedicated commitment to creating top-quality bikes for young riders that are durable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly (the Belter won’t end up in landfill anytime soon).
With the option to choose from three excellent colors and colorful add-on accessories, this bike offers both functionality and style. For added convenience, a kickstand can be easily added from the Early Rider website (us.earlyrider.com) which is currently a must in our home.
Geometry Is Best Suited For Confident, Athletic Riders
The Belter 16 is specifically designed for children aged 4-6 years old with an inseam of AT LEAST 17.7 inches. This bike comes with a 7-inch seat tube, allowing for significant growth.
While it has received an average rating of 4.9 stars based on 142 website reviews, one common complaint is related to the reach. Due to the straight handlebars and stem height, the reach cannot be easily adjusted, making it more challenging to customize the bike to your child’s specific needs.
The more aggressive positioning may be uncomfortable and scary for newer riders, so it’s advisable to test-ride the bike before making a purchase, if possible. More timid or less athletic kids, will be better suited by a bike with a more upright riding position, such as the Woom 3.
Note the more aggressive, bent over position of the Early Rider Belter (left) compared to the more upright position of the Woom 3 (right).
Sizing is an important aspect of handling. It can help build confidence for a child to be on a bike that is sized properly for them. A bike that is sized too large can make steering and braking more difficult, which can be nerve-wracking for a young rider.
My son has an inseam of 18 inches and several years of riding experience. Although he loves this bike, it’s not the easiest for him to maneuver.
He isn’t struggling, but it’s clear that the more forward reach of this bike requires him to put in extra effort with steering. Nevertheless, he manages because it’s the coolest bike he has, no question.
Safety
The Belter 16 comes with both front and rear Tektro V-brakes with adjustable short-reach brake handles. While these brakes effectively reduce stopping distance, they must be operated independently, resembling those on an adult bike.
I appreciate the value of encouraging my son to develop advanced brake handling skills. However, it will take time for him to feel confident with this setup. Some kids’ bike manufacturers address this challenge by offering either a rear brake (like the Biky bikes) or a dual front and rear brake controlled by a single lever (like Guardian).
Given my son’s current skill level, having a single brake lever might be preferable, but given that we anticipate using this bike for the next season or two, I believe that his skills will improve and he will eventually come to rely on the front brake when necessary.
I am also thankful that this bike does NOT have an added coaster brake. Coaster brakes make learning to ride harder for kids and can cause skidding.
This bike doesn’t have any quick-release mechanisms, whether on the seat tube or the wheels. While this means that adjustments will take a little longer, it also means that there’s no risk of the wheels accidentally coming loose if your kid decides to tinker with the bike. However, it’s important to occasionally check the bolts on the wheels, cranks, and stem to make sure everything is properly tightened. You may choose to add a quick-release seatpost collar to make seat height adjustment easier as your child grows.
The Belter 16 is specifically designed to accommodate riders weighing up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds), which provides approximately two years of use. This longevity is particularly desirable considering the initial investment.
Notably, the bike does not include a steering limiter, a feature that I previously thought would be beneficial as it claimed to prevent oversteering. However, in practice, we have found that it is not as effective as anticipated. In fact, due to a previous incident where my son experienced a crash caused by oversteering while using a bike with a steering limiter, I am now of the opinion that this feature is not a significant loss. As a result, I do not prioritize the presence of a steering limiter when evaluating the safety of different bike options.
The belt drive system eliminates the need for a chain guard and minimizes the risk of children getting hurt by sprockets. The wider teeth on the front and rear sprockets are designed specifically for the belt teeth, reducing the risk of injury.
Additionally, the belt drive reduces the chances of pant leg or shoelace snags, thereby preventing potential falls. With a belt drive, there is also a significantly lower risk of the chain snapping while pedaling, making it an ideal choice for single-speed bikes and offering considerable weight savings.
As an added feature, the bike includes its own bell, providing an essential safety element that I often overlook. Also, kids find it fun!
Hybrid Or Mountain Bike?
I often compare the geometries of kids’ hybrid and mountain bikes to understand the differences and similarities and figure out what we need from the bike. Early Rider offers both a hybrid (Belter 16) and a similar mountain model (Seeker 16), and I found that their geometries are identical.
The stand-over heights and sprocket sizes are the same, and so are the build kits, except for the tires. The Seeker comes with 2.25” knobby tires while the Belter comes with 2″ slicks. I’m happy about this because having similar geometries means we don’t have to choose between a hybrid or a mountain bike; we can simply switch tires, which we’ll likely do as the tire clearance is ample (approx 3 inches).
The wheelbase of this bike is slightly longer (710mm) than that of comparable hybrid kids bikes, providing enhanced stability whether you are riding on or off the trails. It also has a bit of a longer reach (approximately 10mm longer) than the bikes I compared it to, which can be difficult for some young riders, but it has a much shorter seat tube (approximately 20mm shorter) making it easier to get on and off while also reducing the serious misfortune of racking yourself when stopping abruptly.
Overall, I would say this bike is designed as a mountain bike with slick tires and sold as a hybrid, which is a huge advantage for us given our future riding goals, but if you and your family want to stick to paved roads and paths, perhaps a more upright riding position would be more comfortable for your child.
The only issue I have with this bike is related to its lack of adjustability. If you need to make adjustments to fit your child, the range is limited. For instance, many kids’ bikes have upright, cruiser-style handlebars that can be tilted back to help a child reach.
The Belter 16, on the other hand, has riser handlebars meaning the only option for adjustment would be the inch of space under the stem with spacers. The seat post offers many inches of adjustment and I’ll be curious to see how the bike handles as my son grows into it.
Other than that, I love the geometry of the frame. It is versatile and I am thrilled to be able to make it more trail-ready.
Is It Worth The High Price?
One of the biggest pushbacks parents are going to have with this bike is the price. At $479, it is slightly more expensive but still in the same ball park as other high quality bikes like the Woom 3 or Prevelo Alpha Two.
Other 16 inch belt drive bikes include the Belsize 16 and Priority Start 16–both of which are over $100 less. That said, these bikes have lower quality, off-brand components, and in the case of Belsize, less reliable customer service and unknown sustainability practices.
If your family values biking and sustainable purchases, or has more than one child that the bike can be handed down to, the Early Rider Belter 16 is a wise choice.
Bottom-Line: A Solid Investment
The Belter 16 is a lightweight and durable bicycle that promises to transform your child’s biking experience. With its thoughtfully crafted design and top-quality build kit, this bike is built to last.
From the aluminum components to the single-speed belt, every detail has been carefully considered. The 2-inch tires provide stability while allowing for larger tires if desired, and its geometry is akin to the Seeker 16, Early Rider’s kids’ mountain bike.
Weighing in at just 13 pounds, it is nimble and effortless to handle. Additionally, safety features such as front and rear v-brakes, along with a bonus bell, have been incorporated into its design, ensuring a secure riding experience for your little ones.
I would highly recommend this bike to parents who are looking to transition to more advanced riding positions, practice using both hand brakes, and those who never have to worry about a squeaky chain again. It is easy to set up and maintain, and the fact that it can accommodate a larger tire makes me very excited about the possibilities on or off the trail.
Since we got this bike, my son’s skills have improved significantly. He is taking corners with greater speed, pumping out of the saddle, and tackling bigger descents. While it is a significant investment, I am confident that its quality construction will ensure its longevity, making Early Rider my go-to choice for any future upgrades.
Let Us Help You Find The Perfect Bike For YOUR Child!
You’ve been reading all the articles and doing all the research. But there are things that make YOUR child and your family’s situation unique.
That’s why we offer 1:1 help. Fill out our FREE “bike help” form, and we will hand pick a bike that would be a good fit for your child (and your budget).
More Stuff You Might Like
- Best Kids Bikes: Reviews & How To Choose
- How To Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike (Without Tears!)
- 10 Best Kids Bike Helmets For Your Child
About The Reviewer
Candice Dawson is a toddler chaser, gardener, and aspiring foodie. When she isn’t out cruising with her kiddo, she can often be found drinking coffee or hiking the local trails.