The Hornit HERO 20 is a premium, child-focussed design that we expect to become a popular choice for parents looking for a high-quality, lightweight 20-inch wheeled bike. It’s particularly noteworthy as it is one of the smallest and lightest geared 20-inch bikes currently on the market, making it an ideal first geared bike for smaller or younger riders (typically aged 4 to 7 with an inside leg of 49–64cm) who are keen to move up to a bike with gears.
The current Hornit HERO 20 model has been updated from the earlier 2021 version. While the 2021 HERO had a 3-speed hub gear and a belt drive, this new version features simple, reliable MicroSHIFT Acolyte gears with a traditional chain and cassette. The intuitive trigger shifters (index finger makes it harder, thumb makes it easier) are designed to help children take their very first steps into gear shifting without getting confused, making the process smooth and enjoyable.
Weighing in at a mere 7.95kg, this bike is significantly lighter than many of its competitors. This lightweight frame is one of the most important features, as it allows a child to handle the bike more easily—from starting and stopping to tackling small climbs—which ultimately builds confidence and makes cycling more fun.
The bike is designed for a variety of cycling activities, including urban cycling, neighbourhood cruising, gentle off-road paths, cycling to school, and is sturdy enough for long family holidays. For parents who appreciate the brand’s commitment to quality and thoughtful design, we’ve provided a comprehensive brand overview of Hornit Bikes which you can read for more details on their philosophy.
Overall, the Hornit HERO 20 is a good value choice in the premium segment, perfectly blending child-focussed design with quality components to offer a genuine first geared bike experience. If this particular model isn’t the right fit for your child, or if you want to compare it with other great bikes, you can find plenty of other options in our Best 20 inch kids bikes for 6 to 8 year olds.