Apollo Kids Bikes
Apollo kids bikes have been putting British children on two wheels for years - and there's a straightforward reason parents keep coming back to them. Built around absolute durability rather than showroom glamour, these bikes are designed to take the inevitable drops, kerb hops, and puddle charges of park riding without flinching. The high-tensile steel frame that runs through the Apollo range isn't the lightest option on the market, but it's the kind of thing you could leave outside a leisure centre in the rain and still expect to work perfectly on Saturday morning.
The component choices follow the same logic. Short-reach brake levers mean smaller hands can actually stop the bike - not just squeeze hopefully at it. Fully enclosed chain guards keep laces and trouser legs out of the drivetrain. Stabilisers on the smaller models remove themselves with no tools needed when your child is ready to ditch them. These aren't flashy touches; they're genuinely useful ones.
The range covers wheel sizes from 12-inch starter bikes right through to 24-inch junior setups, so there's a size to match most ages and heights. If you want something lighter or more trail-focused for older riders, Frog Kids Bikes and Cube Kids Bikes are worth a look - but for everyday value and toughness, Apollo sits in a strong position.
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Decoding the Apollo Kids Bikes Lineup
The range is built around wheel size progression, which is the clearest way to match a bike to a child's age and height. At the bottom end, 12-inch models are aimed at toddlers taking their first pedal strokes - upright geometry, wide tyres for stability, and tool-less removable stabilisers so the transition to two wheels doesn't require a spanner hunt in the garage. Step up to 16-inch and 20-inch models and you get a broader choice of styles: some stay firmly in the pavement-and-park camp with rigid forks, mudguards, and enclosed drivetrains, while others start introducing more trail-ready geometry with knobbly tyres better suited to grassy paths and light gravel tracks.
At the top of the Apollo children's bikes lineup, 24-inch Apollo junior mountain bikes bring front suspension forks into the picture, making them a credible option for family trail days where the paths get rougher. These aren't built to tackle anything technical, but they'll handle a bridleway or a gravel forest track without drama. The distinction between rigid pavement models and the front-suspension junior trail bikes matters when you're choosing - if most riding will be on tarmac or packed paths, a rigid bike is actually the better call. Suspension forks on entry-level bikes add weight without much genuine benefit on smooth surfaces.
Looking for the perfect pre-pedal starter? Head over to our dedicated Apollo Balance Bikes page to explore models designed to teach core stability before introducing pedals.
The Apollo Tech Philosophy
Apollo's approach to design is unapologetically utilitarian, and that's not a criticism. Where brands like Carrera Kids Bikes chase a slightly sportier aesthetic, Apollo focuses on making bikes that work reliably, stay safe, and don't need constant fettling. The high-tensile steel frame is central to that. Steel is heavier than aluminium - we'll get to that - but it's also genuinely tough. It flexes rather than cracks under impact, which matters a lot when a seven-year-old rides it into a fence post at speed.
The fully enclosed chain guard deserves a mention beyond its obvious function. Yes, it keeps the drivetrain cleaner in wet conditions. More importantly for parents of younger riders, it stops shoelaces, dangling straps, and the cuffs of jogging bottoms from getting eaten by the chainring mid-ride. It's a small detail that removes a real hazard.
Short-reach V-brake levers are another area where Apollo gets the basics right. Standard adult brake levers require a hand span that most children simply don't have. Apollo's child-specific levers are proportioned so that a small hand can apply meaningful braking force - not just graze the lever. V-brakes themselves are a sensible choice at this price point: easy to adjust, easy to replace pads on, and powerful enough for the speeds children reach on park paths. Wide, stable tyres complete the package, giving younger riders a forgiving contact patch that doesn't demand precise steering inputs to stay upright.
Living with an Apollo in the UK
One of the most common mistakes parents make when buying a kids' bike is sizing up - buying a 20-inch when a 16-inch fits now, on the logic that they'll grow into it. With children's bikes, that logic backfires. A bike that's too big is harder to control, harder to brake confidently, and frankly less fun to ride. Standover height is the critical measurement: your child needs to be able to stand flat-footed over the top tube with a few centimetres of clearance. If they're on tiptoes, the bike is too big and confidence takes a hit before they've even moved.
Apollo kids bike sizes are straightforward to match using wheel diameter as a guide - 12-inch for roughly ages 2 - 4, 16-inch for ages 4 - 6, 20-inch for ages 6 - 9, and 24-inch from around age 9 upwards, though inside leg measurement is always the more reliable check than age alone.
On the maintenance side, the high-tensile steel frame and basic hardware that keep Apollo's costs down do require a little attention in a typical British winter. If the bike is stored in a damp shed or unheated garage - which covers most of us - apply a light smear of grease to any exposed bolt threads and keep the chain lubed through the colder months. Surface rust on steel is mostly cosmetic if caught early, but left untreated it can seize bolts and make future adjustments frustrating. A ten-minute check before putting the bike away for winter is worth far more than an afternoon fighting a rusted bolt in spring. For riders ready to step up, the Apollo Mountain Bikes range shows how the brand scales its approach for more serious riding.
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Apollo Kids Bikes FAQs
Are Apollo bikes good for kids?
For everyday park riding and neighbourhood use, Apollo kids bikes are a solid choice. The high-tensile steel frames are genuinely robust, the geometry is age-appropriate, and the child-specific brake levers are a meaningful safety feature. They're heavier than premium alloy alternatives like Frog, but at the price point, the durability trade-off makes sense for most families.
What size Apollo bike does my child need?
Match wheel size to your child's height and inside leg, not their age. As a rough guide: 12-inch suits ages 2 - 4, 16-inch ages 4 - 6, 20-inch ages 6 - 9, and 24-inch from around age 9 upwards. Always check that your child can stand over the top tube flat-footed with comfortable clearance - if they're stretching, drop down a size.
How heavy are Apollo kids bikes?
Apollo kids bikes run heavier than aluminium-framed competitors because of the high-tensile steel construction. A 16-inch model will typically come in around 9 - 11kg. That's noticeable on hills, and younger children may struggle to carry the bike. The pay-off is durability and a lower price - for flat park riding, most children adapt quickly.