Hornit Bikes brand overview: incredibly well-designed and lightweight kids bikes
This article is kindly sponsored by Hornit. It also contains affiliate links, which means that when you buy through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Cycle Sprog is a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission.
Hornit is a brand that we’ve been recommending for a long time now, and they’ve just launched their all-new HERO range of lightweight pedal bikes!
While the HERO name isn’t new, this is a completely overhauled line-up that replaces the older models with redesigned frames, improved geometry, and better specifications across all sizes. Parents who may have struggled to find stock of the smaller HERO bikes will be pleased to see the full range relaunched and available again in 14”, 16”, 20”, and 24” wheel sizes.
Here at Cycle Sprog we’ve reviewed Hornit bikes before, including earlier HERO models and the ever-popular AIRO balance bikes, so we know and trust the brand’s ability to produce lightweight and high-quality bikes.
That’s why we’re excited to see this new and improved HERO lineup, which bridges the gap between toddler balance bikes and confident pedal bikes destined for little independent cyclists.
Alongside their award-winning AIRO range, fun kids bike helmets and accessories like the MINI bike light with horn, Hornit is becoming a firm favourite for many parents who want the best start for their mini future pedallers that won’t break the bank.
Who is Hornit?
Hornit are a British bike brand who have dedicated themselves to inspiring children to be outside and enjoying the freedom of two wheels.
Founded by former lawyer and Ironman triathlete Tom de Pelet, the brand originally started with the idea of creating louder bike horns for city commuting.
Today, Hornit has evolved into a well-recognised children’s cycling brand, best known for its lightweight balance bikes, colourful kids helmets, and unique accessories that make cycling fun for all ages.
Their mission is "to create beautiful, reliable, and great-value bikes and accessories that spark joy and build confidence" - and we think they're pretty successful at it!
They’ve won several awards and their products are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, and through our long term partnership with their team, we’ve managed to review several of their products.
The Hornit bike range
Hornit’s bikes are designed to support every stage of a child’s cycling journey, from their first glide on a lightweight balance bike, to the freedom of pedalling on their first geared bike.
The award-winning AIRO balance bikes have been a huge hit with families, and now Hornit has relaunched its pedal bike range with the all-new HERO: a fully updated, redesigned set of bikes available in four sizes. So read on while we explain the range in this comprehensive brand overview.
HERO: the first pedal bike
The all-new HERO range is Hornit’s brand new, completely overhauled lineup of first pedal and kids’ pedal bikes. While we’ve seen HERO bikes before, this relaunch replaces the old versions entirely, and it’s a big step forward.
The ultimate lightweight kids bike, the all-new HERO range comes with refreshed geometry, quality aluminium frames, child-specific components, and better handling. The new HERO bikes are built to give kids the best possible start.
Meanwhile parents will appreciate Hornit’s lifetime warranty on frames and forks, showing their confidence in the durability of the new design.
Every HERO bike is fully compliant to UK safety regulations, and includes a chainguard, bell, reflectors, and simple assembly instructions. All bikes receive a PDI (pre-delivery inspection) before dispatch.
The all-new HERO range is designed to give children the confidence to enjoy cycling further and faster, and parents the reassurance that they’ve invested in a bike built to last.
HERO 14: First pedal bike
At just 5.33kg, the ultralight aluminium HERO 14 is the perfect first pedal bike for children aged 3–5 years (inside leg 34–41cm). Compared to other 14 inch pedal bikes on the market, it has one of the lowest standover heights, making it especially suitable for smaller and super keen children.
It also means the HERO 14 is a great alternative to the discontinued Islabike, which many parents still search for. If you've got a very small keen bean, the HERO 14 could be the answer you're looking for.
Its upright riding position, short cranks, and carefully balanced geometry make pedalling intuitive and frustration-free. It comes with the new Hebie Looper Chainguard, which protects clothing from dirt and inquisitive fingers from getting trapped. A great next step after the AIRO 12 balance bike.
HERO 16: Lightweight kids bike
Weighing 5.5kg, the HERO 16 is a lightweight kids bike, ideal for children aged 3–6 years (inside leg 40–51cm).
Designed to handle like a dream, it builds real cycling confidence, whether that’s on the school run or family weekend rides. The 16 inch model also comes with the Hebie Looper Chainguard to keep fingers and clothing safe and clean.
HERO 20: First bike with gears
Designed for ages 4–7 (inside leg 49–64cm), the 7.95kg HERO 20 is one of the smallest and lightest geared 20 inch bikes on the market. This makes it the perfect alternative to the much sought after but discontinued Islabike, which will be welcome news to parents who are very keen to get their little ones riding with gears as early as possible.
It’s equipped with simple MicroSHIFT Acolyte gears with intuitive trigger shifters (index finger makes it harder, thumb makes it easier), helping kids take their first steps into gear shifting. Perfect for longer adventures.
HERO 24: School commuter
The largest in the line-up, the HERO 24 suits riders aged 6–10 (inside leg 63–78cm). At 8.82kg it’s still extremely lightweight, yet robust enough for everyday use.
With the same intuitive MicroSHIFT Acolyte gearing as the 20, with its clear gear indicator, and smooth handling, it’s a brilliant choice for school commutes and weekend adventures.
AIRO: lightweight and award-winning balance bikes
Hornit’s AIRO toddler balance bikes have long been a cornerstone of their range, and with good reason. They’re designed to give little ones the best possible introduction to cycling, helping them to build balance, coordination, and confidence long before pedals come into play.
What really sets the AIRO apart is its incredibly lightweight magnesium alloy frame, which makes it easy for even the youngest riders to manoeuvre, lift, and control. Parents often find that this makes the difference between a bike that gathers dust and one that gets used daily.
Alongside the lightweight build, thoughtful design touches mean the AIRO isn’t just practical but also fun for little kids to ride. It’s designed to last through years of play, and thanks to Hornit’s lifetime warranty on frames and forks, parents can invest with confidence.
Whether it’s a first glide down the path or racing around the park, the AIRO balance bike has been created to give youngsters a flying start, before being passed on to siblings, friends, or family when the time comes.
AIRO 12: Toddler balance bike
At just 2.95kg, the AIRO 12 inch balance bike is a lightweight balance bike that’s perfect for ages 18 months–5 years (inside leg 30–46cm). With a magnesium alloy frame, air-filled tyres, and contoured footrests, it helps toddlers glide smoothly while developing their core balance skills.
Our 2 year-old reviewer found the lightweight balance bike easy to manoeuvre, turning it around with ease and lifting it independently.
The Hornit AIRO [12] has been a massive hit with our youngest sprog and has been an ideal bike to get him out on two wheels. It's very light, well designed and good value for money and as such is hard to fault. With plenty of seat post left to extend I can see this lasting easily until he is ready to jump on to a pedal bike.
AIRO 14: Lightweight balance bike
A larger 14 inch balance bike for children with an inside leg of 40–53cm (approx. 3.5 years+). At 4.18kg, it includes a rear brake to introduce them to developing braking skills and give extra control on undulating paths. Our twin reviewers, who were almost four at the time of testing, loved riding the Hornit AIRO 14, finding it catered well to their growing need for speed and cruising down hills.
When compared to other balance bikes [...] (also reviewed by the twins), the AIRO 14’s geometry made it more stable at higher speeds, so is idea for confident, speedy toddlers.
Hornit accessories
It’s not just the bikes that make Hornit stand out: their accessories are equally well thought through, making safety and practicality seem a lot more fun.
Hornit’s range includes their popular kids bike helmets, available in a wide selection of bright and fun colours and patterns that children are excited to wear, while still offering the protection parents expect.
To add even more enjoyment to cycling, there’s also the Hornit MINI, a clever combination of kids bike lights and imaginative sound effects. From extra safety to making rides more playful, Hornit accessories ensure that cycling is an adventure every time.
Hornit kids helmets
Hornit offer a range of childrens bike helmets, designed to make safety fun. If you have trouble convincing your youngster to wear a helmet on a bike ride, you're sure to find an option that they'll love. They’re helmets that kids will actually want to wear.
Their main helmet comes in 15 different designs (from dinosaurs and unicorns to sloths and pugs) and comes with two size options (Small 48–53cm, Medium 54–58cm).
Meanwhile the Hornit AIRO helmet is specifically for small heads (48–53cm) and can be colour matched with their Hornit AIRO bike.
Features include:
- Lightweight construction with 11 air vents
- An inner EPS foam liner for impact protection
- Adjustable fit with straps and dial system
- Built-in rear LED safety light
- EN1078 and CPSC tested for safety
Whether for bikes, scooters, or skateboards, Hornit helmets provide safety for the parents, and a splash of personality for the kids.
They look brilliant, it's cheap, and younger kids love them which can be exceptionally useful if you are encouraging your rider to wear a helmet.
Hornit MINI bike light with horn
The Hornit MINI is a great accessory that combines a kids bike light with a sound effects horn.
With 25 fun sounds (including a police siren, motorbike, and even a wolf!) and six different light settings, mounting the MINI to their handlebar will not only keep them safe and seen, but let their imagination run wild and add to the fun and games. And what parent doesn't fancy a farting noise and giggling child accompanying them on a bike ride?
It’s designed to fit on both bikes and scooters, making it a good gift option for young riders of all kinds who’d benefit from some cool bike lights.
Where you can buy Hornit bikes and accessories
Hornit bikes, helmets, and accessories are available directly from Hornit’s official website. Buying direct ensures you get the full choice of colours, sizes, and designs, as well as their excellent customer service and lifetime warranty.
Closing thoughts
Having been long-time followers of Hornit as a brand, and working with them from the beginning, the team here at Cycle Sprog are excited to see them grow in the way they have.
With their high quality products that are genuinely lightweight and sit at the mid-range of the market, we think lots of parents will appreciate what they offer.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting their redesign after loving the original 14 inch HERO, and are looking forward to bringing you an up to date review on the all-new model, so watch this space!
Other posts you might be interested in:
Comments