Retrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids Bike

Curated from 84 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 26, 2025

Retrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids Bike

Brand: Retrospec
Price: $229
Snoop Score:
7.4
Sentiment
5.9
Popularity
8.2
Technical
7.3

Snoop's Take

The Retrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids Bike is designed for children aged 6-8, offering a 7-speed drivetrain for both boys and girls. This bike features adjustable components to grow with young riders, ensuring they remain comfortable as they develop their cycling skills. Consumer sentiment highlights several strengths of the bike, such as its ability to accommodate growth spurts and provide a decent quality riding experience for the price. Users have noted that it is a good bargain bike when assembled properly, with one stating, "It's a good bargain bike as long as you have a quality assembly and not a Walmart assembly." However, there are concerns about weight and comfort, with remarks such as, "apart from the seat which hurts my backside." Overall, the Retrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids Bike is recommended for its category, particularly for families seeking an affordable and versatile bike for leisure riding. While there are some quality concerns, many users appreciate its performance and durability for the price point.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Kids' Bikes

Things wont have to be adjusted as much to stay tuned.

Positive Feedback

Retrospect are often heavy.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.4
Retrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids Bike
Learning to Ride
6 / 10
Family Outings
6 / 10
Growing with Your Child
10 / 10
Active Play and Adventure
10 / 10
See how this compares to all Kids' Bikes

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Quality components lead to better performance
Things wont have to be adjusted as much to stay tuned.
I definitely think that with a kids bike when you get into the $400-$500 range you are buying a much better experience for your child.
Honestly just frustrated.
Bikes accommodate growth spurts
High turn over.
Inexpensive option for a decent quality bike
I haven't tried one personally, but they're inexpensive enough that I'd say it's worth a try for you.
Positive long-term ownership experience
I owned mine for a year, 945 miles, and still love it!
Better fit for beginners
is this retrospec bike any good for a beginner biker?
I bought the Harper 7 from Retrospec and I love it. The one your looking at is definitely better for beginners though and will be a bit more comfortable so I'd say go for it!
Good bargain bike when assembled properly
It's a good bargain bike as long as you have a quality assembly and not a Walmart assembly.
Pleasant long-term use experience
I love my bike. It requires little to no maintenance, and even after the hundreds of miles I've put on it, it's still as smooth and quiet as ever.
Decent quality for the price
For $300 I have no complaints. I’ve been riding every day.
Affordable pricing for decent quality
We just ride for leisure. We don't do racing. We aren't messengers.
IF you want inexpensive, colorful, fun bikes or parts, this is the way to go.
My bike is in a similar category as retrospec, but I got it for about 30% of the retail price.
Good for leisure riding
My first fixed gear bike was a Retrospec that was too small for me. I loved it, though, because I learned all the fundamentals of urban and fixed riding while I owned it.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Retrospec bikes are often heavy
Retrospect are often heavy.
New bikes might attract thieves
I think you're barking up the wrong tree if shopping for a *new* bike that won't attract thieves.
High return fees and complicated return policy
Retrospec bikes Be wary of retrospec, we had a terrible situation with them, the return policy is pretty crazy also, out of a $400 bike you end up getting about $122 back due to the insane 50% restock fee, $55 to ship back, all in original packaging etc so hopefully you didn’t scrap it and then you have to disassemble the bike you end up not wanting.
well, yeah, its a retrospec.
Poor company reputation and review integrity
Never again.
Heavier than some alternatives
I have a Retrospec saddle, not bad. Aside from that though I you can usually find better, lighter parts other places for comparable prices.
Seat comfort issues reported
apart from the seat which hurts my backside.
Poor quality components
Retrospec makes very poor quality bikes and sells them expensively because of the cute colours.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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RoyalBaby Stargirl Kids Girls Bike 12 Inch PinkRoyalBaby Stargirl Kids Girls Bike 12 Inch Pink$147
7.9
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RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike 16 Inch BMX BicycleRoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike 16 Inch BMX Bicycle$169
7.6
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Retrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids BikeRetrospec Dart 20 Inch Hybrid Kids Bike$229
7.4
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Chipmunk Kids Bike for Toddlers - 12 to 18 Inch WheelChipmunk Kids Bike for Toddlers - 12 to 18 Inch Wheel$94
2.0
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Schwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Kids BikeSchwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Kids Bike$179
1.6
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about bike weight considerations for kids
Trust me, saving even just 5 lbs will make a world of difference for him, and he will want to ride more and get into the sport.
I need to digest it all, but I can't thank you enough for your opinion...sincerely.
Quality of construction impacts long-term use
Anything "steel" started rusting before the container ship even reached port in the US.
Encouragement for beginners in the biking community
Unless you're planning on just buying a higher-end frame as your next bike and swapping upgraded parts from the retrospec to the new frame, I'd suggest just doing the bear minimum in terms of maintenance to keep the retrospec going until you're ready to pull the trigger on something more capable.
User experiences with Retrospec models
I tried to swap in some standard after-market pedals, but the crankset would only accept some smaller-sized pedal axle.
Discussion about lightweight bike brands for kids
It's time to upgrade my child's bike and I'm looking for a bike thats not going to weigh too much.
Very light.
They are sized properly for kids with shorter reach components like brake handles etc.
Great bikes that has a low weight and use stuff like Schwalbe tires for a greater feeling.
Discussion about potential upgrades for beginner bikes
I am completely new to biking/cycling.
Discussion about bike features and requirements
Kids aesthetically pleasing euro-style city bikes (2020) Hello! First post here (bc I somehow never thought to ask Reddit after spending...a lot...of hours searching for a 20" upgrade for my kid's Linus Lil Dutchi.)
Those are some adorable bikes!
I think I saw one of your previous posts and clicked through to that ebay seller... We're not going
Just found This 16” for a great price! https://retrospec.com/products/beaumont-mini-kids-bike

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Mention of bike maintenance and fit range for kids
Best kids bike on the market from a parents perspective because it’s virtually zero maintenance and has a ridiculously wide fit range.
Discussion about bike upgrade paths and limitations
There honestly isn't a great upgrade path here.
Advice on selling or keeping the bike based on its value
If you are only out $300 you aren’t in a bad spot. You might be able to sell it for $150-$200… but at that price I would keep it as a commuter and keep saving for another bike
Discussion about toddler bike recommendations
Younger Toddler Bikes I was hoping to get some opinions on toddler bikes from others! There seems to be so many options out there.
We got our girl a Woom 1 when she was about 19-20 months. She loves it then, loves it now!
Every walk, she wants to ride her bike. She is constantly asking to go to the bike park and pump track.
The only right answer is a balance bike. We love woom 1.
User experiences with used bikes and value
I picked up a Harper fixed gear used for $150 CAD seems fine.
Concerns about used bike availability and pricing
Whenever I do come across a good one that's my size, they're always upwards of $800.
Discussion on alternative bike sources
You can probably get a much better bike on Craigslist or from BikesDirect for $400 - $500.
Take a look at the Windsor hour on bikesdirect as well.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about bike brands and their features
Kids bikes? What's the best or any advice would be great
I did a lot of research and eventually went with Woom for my kid.
The other selling point of Woom is they let you upgrade to larger bikes as the kid grows.
Their upCYCLING program looks like a complete failure.
Comparative thoughts on bike features and potential issues
Both are juust at the threshold of being worth maintaining, and I think hand-me-downable bikes are a very worthy aspiration! You can absolutely spend more, but at that point, you're paying for resale value and 'cool parent points,' as well as a better riding experience for your little one!
Discussion about bike theft and value of older bikes
I just want something to ride around the city and not feel like I'm on a complete piece of junk.
Concerns about brands and their reputation
if you're not sure you're keeping something and are likely to return it, probably a good idea to not throw out the packaging straight away when they explicitly tell you that you'll need it.

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