Retrospec Bikes Review 2024: Is It Secure & Reliable

Are you worried about choosing the best bike for your kids and family or want to know the quality, performance, and worth of retrospec bikes? Here is my honest, tested, and well-researched Retrospec bikes review for you. 

retrospec-bikes-review

I prepared this article after detailed research and testing different bicycles, collecting reviews of more than 5000 Retrospec customers, and interviews with bike shop owners and suppliers.

You may think that Retrospec bikes are expensive or have low-quality components. I think not; these bikes are especially known for their beautiful, stylish look and affordable prices. 

History of Retrospec Bikes:

Retrospec was founded by Ely Khakshouri in 2009. It started its cycling business with the first fixed-gear bike named “Alpha” and initially sold to students from a Van. In 2010, Ely Khakshouri partnered with his brother and started selling bikes from online platforms to reach a larger audience.

In 2012, Retrospec achieved $1 million in annual sales. In 2014, this company increased its business in skateboards, snowboards, and paddleboards. In mid-2021, they launched the first electric bike with a customizable battery facility.

Now, this cycling brand has its official website and Amazon Retrospec Store with a wide range of amazing bikes in different categories. This company also offers hundreds of products for cycling, skating, hiking, walking, and snow sports at affordable prices.

Who Owns And Makes Retrospec Bikes:

Ely Khakshouri owns Retrospec and has physical offices to design different their bike models in Los Angeles, Perris, and Culver, all of which are California cities. However, their bikes are manufactured in famous cycling factories in China.

Is Retrospec A Good Brand:

Absolutely, yes, Retrospec is a good cycling brand and very famous due to their unique, classic, and eye-catching look bicycles. This brand is an ideal choice for parents and peaceful cyclists. One thing that we like about retrospec company is to eliminate retailers and use a direct-to-customer model to offer affordable prices.

What Types of Bikes Does Retrospec Make Now?

Although this cycling brand started its business selling fixie bikes, it now offers a wide variety of amazing bikes in different categories, including kid’s balance bicycles, beach cruisers, hybrid, and BMX.

If you are looking for kids’ mountain bicycles, check out Joystar Bikes Review, or if you want the best electric bike for yourself, check out Senada Bikes Review.

Top Retrospec Bikes Models list:

ImageProductPrice
1
Retrospec-koda-kids-bike-review
Koda Plus

12″, 16″ & 20″ Wheels Size

2
Retrospec-beaumont-mini-kids-bike
Beaumont Mini

Fits For 4 to 6 Year Kids

3
Retrospec-dart-kids-hybrid-bike
Dart Kids Hybrid Bike

Two Sizes For 7 to 14 Years

4
Retrospec-chatham-beach-cruiser-bike
Chatham Beach Cruiser

20″ & 24″ Size For 6 to 12 Year

5
Retrospec-sesh-kids-freestyle-BMX-bike
Sesh Kids Freestyle BMX

Suitable For 6 to 11 Year

6
Retrospec-cub-toddler-balance-bike
Cub Toddler Balance Bike

18 Months To 4 Year

7
Retrospec-cricket-2-baby-walker-balance-bike
Cricket Baby Walker

For 12 to 24 Months Babies

8
Retrospec-chipmunk-plus-kick-scooter
Chipmunk Plus Kick Scooter

3 Years And Above Kids

1. Retrospec Koda Plus

Retrospec-koda-plus-kids-bike
Retrospec-koda-kids-bike-review

Features:

  • Durable Alloy Steel Frame
  • Easy To Reach V-Brakes
  • Rear-Foot Coaster Brakes
  • Adjustable Handle & Seat
  • Grippy Tire & Training Wheels
  • Full Covered Chain Guard
  • 3-Sizes For 2 to 12-Year Kids

This Retrospec Koda Plus Bike has complete safety features for kids, such as a seat holder, a fully covered chain guard, removable training wheels, and wide tires for little bumps. You can adjust its seat height to 6″, which is a good facility for growing kids. 

This Koda plus is built around an alloy steel frame and features ergonomics geometry to easily maintain balance. Its responsive V-brake and rear coaster brake provide double-stopping power and ensure safe rides for your little king.

You will also get a free ringing bell and stickers to decorate the frame. Many customers like its reach-adjustable brake lever and appreciate its attractive look. However, some customers reported that small size Koda plus models did not come with front handbrakes, fenders, or reflectors. 

Pros

  • Ergonimic Geometry To Easily Balance
  • Lightweight & Fast Learning Features
  • Ergonomic Seat For Kids To Maneuver
  • Adjustable Brake lever For Little Hands
  • Optimized Pedaling WIth Good Gain ratio
  • Come With Stickers To Decorate the Frame
  • Free Basket & Ringing Bell Included
  • 12″, 16″, & 20″ Sizes Fits For All Kids

Cons

  • Does Not Come With Fender & Reflectors
  • Front Hand Brake Is Not Provided In Small Sizes
Retrospec-koda-kids-bike-review
  • 12″ Koda For 2-3 Year Kids
Retrospec-koda-Plus-kids-bike-review
  • 16″ Koda Plus For 4 to 6 years Kids
Retrospec-koda-plus-kids-bike
  • 20″ Koda Plus For 7- 12 year kids

2. Retrospec Beaumont Mini

Retrospec-beaumont-mini-kids-bike

Features:

  • Durable & Solid Alloy Steel Frame
  • Soft & Adjustable Cushioned Seat 
  • Rear-Foot Coaster & Rear V-Brake
  • All-Season Wear Resistant Tires
  • Removable Steel Training Wheels
  • 16-Inch Wheels For 4 to 6-Year Kids

The Retrospec Beamount Mini is the best gift for 4 to 6 year first-time riders due to its easy-to-mount alloy steel frame, which makes it easy for your little hero to learn how to ride. The recommended age for this mini bike is 4 to 6 years.

This Beaumont mini is very comfortable. It has an adjustable soft-cushioned seat and large-end safety grips. Its rear coaster and rear hand brakes provide double stopping power to ensure secure rides. 

the manufacturing company designed this bike to be beautiful. For example, to match a light brown basket, they use dark brown leather in the seat and dark brown handle grips. Silverbell matches the handlebar pipe. You also get a free chain guard and removable training wheels.

Pros

  • Excellent Paint Not Easy To Scratch
  • Easy-To-Mount Frame For Learning
  • Classic Woven Basket For Snack, etc
  • Chain Guard To Protect Hands & Cloths
  • Coaster & Hand-Brake For Double Safety
  • Perfect For 4 to 6 Years First Time Riders
  • Free Wide Basket, Training Wheels & Bell

Cons

  • Weight Limit of The Basket Is Only 5 Kg
  • Some Customers Reported Poor V-Brakes

3. Retrospec Dart Kids Hybrid Bike

Retrospec-dart-kids-hybrid-bike

Features:

  • Hi-Carbon Steel Solid Frame
  • 7-Speed Smooth Drivetrain 
  • Tool-Free Adjustable Seat
  • Front & Rear Alloy V-Brakes
  • Front Alloy Suspension Fork
  • Alloy Steel Wheels & Wide Tires
  • Perfect For 8 to 14 Year Big Kids

This ultra-lightweight and solid Retrospec Dart Hybrid Bike is made with a high-carbon steel frame and has a total weight of only 24 pounds. A wide range of height limits in adjustable seats up to 6 inches provide the facility to grow the bike with your kids to get a perfect riding position.

This hybrid bike is equipped with a precise 7-speed drivetrain and responsive V-brakes to provide excellent speed control. Its soft handlebar grips, comfortable sports seat, and wide-grooved tires ensure smooth and comfortable everyday rides.

Pros

  • Easy-To-Control Frame Geometry
  • Wide Range of Height Adjustable Seat
  • Wide Tires Provide Excellent Traction
  • Adjust Brake Reach For Small Hands
  • Smooth Drivetrain For Precise Shifting
  • Wide Grooved Tires For Reliable Grip
  • Lightest Bike Weighs Only 24 Pounds
  • Available in 20″ & 24-inch Wheel Size

Cons

  • No Ringing Bell, Rear Rack & Fenders
  • Tricky Adjustment of Brakes For Beginners
  • Seat Is Small For Long Distance & Heavy Kids

4. Retrospec Chatham Beach Cruiser Bike

Retrospec-chatham-beach-cruiser-bike

Features:

  • Alloy Steel Cruiser Style Frame
  • Plush Cushioned Spring Seat
  • Rear-Foot Pedal Coaster Brake 
  • Soft Foam Handlebar Grips
  • Air-Filled Fast Rolling Tires 
  • 20″ & 24″ Alloy Steel Wheels
  • Best For 6 to 11 Year Big Kids

This ultra-comfort Retrospec Chatham Cruiser Bike is equipped with a wide cushioned spring seat and air-filled tires to smoothly ride over flat roads and sidewalk bumps. This cruiser bicycleBW has a wide range of height-adjustable limits up to 6 inches in the seat to get the perfect riding position.

This single-speed cruiser bike has soft foam handlebar grips and a protective chain guard. You will also get free assembling tools and an instruction manual to easily adjust. Assembling this cruiser just takes less than 30 minutes. This cruiser bike is available in 20 and 24-inch wheel sizes to accommodate 6 to 11 years big kids.

Pros

  • Less-Complex & Easy To Maintain
  • Best For Flat Roads & Side Bumps
  • Wide Spring Seat For Heavy Kids
  • Protective Alloy Chain Guard Cover
  • Easy To Understand Instructions
  • 85% Pre-Assembled With Tools Kit
  • Two Sizes For 6 to 11 Years Riders

Cons

  • Kickstand & Handbrakes Are Not Included
  • Little Bit Heavy in Weight (15 Kg)

5. Retrospec Sesh Freestyle BMX Bike

Retrospec-sesh-kids-freestyle-BMX-bike

Features:

  • Carbon Steel Frame & Thick Fork
  • Quick Responsive Rear U-Brakes 
  • One Pair of Removable Axle Pegs
  • Crmo 3-Piece Tubular Alloy Crank
  • 20×2.40″ Shock Absorbing Tires
  • Threadless Handle Steering System
  • Suitable For 6 to 11 Year Big Kids

This entry-level Retrospec Sesh BMX bike is designed for youth and first-time riders to learn and enjoy stunts quickly. Its carbon steel frame is Ultra lightweight and durable enough to absorb hard impact.

The manufacturing company gently designed this freestyle BMX bike using pro-level features, including a freestyle handlebar with threadless steering, a 3-piece tubular crank, 25 x 9T compact gearing, and a thick dropout fork.

The compact size of the rear U-brake provides reliable and confident stopping power.

‘Its shock-absorbing wide tires provide a strong grip on pavement and smooth rides over bumps and jumps. You will also get a pair of removable Axle pegs to attach either to the front or rear wheels.

Pros

  • Gently Design With Pro-Level Features
  • Tubular Frame To Absorb Hard Impact
  • Extra-long Handlebar For Full Control
  • Snag-Free U-Brake For Quick Stopping
  • Wide Grippy Tires For Bumps & Jumps
  • Pair Of Removable Axle Pegs Included 
  • Lightest BMX Weighs Only 25 Pounds

Cons

  • Uncomfortable Seat For Long Rides
  • Provided Pedals Are Made of Plastic
  • Crank Bearing Are Little Bit Tight

6. Retrospec Cub Toddler Balance Bike

Retrospec-cub-toddler-balance-bike

Features:

  • Step-Through Alloy Steel Frame 
  • Puncture Proof Airless Grippy Tires
  • Adjustable Seat And Handlebars
  • Miniature City Comfortable Saddle
  • Rear Footholds With Non-Slip Tape
  • Best For 18 Months To 4 Year Kids

If you have children from 18 months to 4 years and want to build their confidence for their next two-wheel bicycle, you should buy this Retrospec Cub Toddler Balance Bike to help them learn to ride.

It’s no-pedal design and low step-through frame allow your child to easily mount and stride on the bike, keeping him at a safe height. This simple-looking bike is equipped with a miniature padded seat, soft handlebar grips, and puncture-proof airless tires.

Its rear grippy foothold with non-slip tape provides a secure space for feet to rest. The manufacturing company offers this model in eight colors. We physically checked this balance bike, and its quality is much better than that of local brands.

Pros

  • Low-To-Ground Frame To Balance
  • Tool-Free Height Adjustable Facility
  • No Pedals Design For Fast Learning
  • Safety Features To Ensure Safety
  • Suitable For Indoor & Outdoor Riding
  • Affordable For Budget-Friendly Parents
  • Available In Eight Attractive Color Range

Cons

  • Plastic Wheels are Used
  • Front Wheel Can Rotate Completely

7. Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker

Retrospec-cricket-2-baby-walker-balance-bike

Features:

  • Solid & Durable Alloy Steel Frame
  • Sturdy, Comfortable, and Safe Design
  • Non-Slip & No-Scratch Four-Wheels
  • Non-Slip, Comfortable & Gripy Handle
  • Soft Padded Seat For Extra Comfort
  • Best Gift For 12-24 Months Babies

This Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker is a wonderful gift for 12 to 24 months babies to develop their walking and riding skills. Its frame design is very secure and ensures that your baby feet are always touching the ground, and four non-slip wheels provide a strong grip on the ground, which prevents side falling.

The provided wheels also have a no-scratch feature to prevent the floor from scratching, making this walker usable for indoor and outdoor riding. The soft handlebar, comfy seat, and 135-degree Limit steering make it sturdy and comfortable for your little angle and king.

Pros

  • Helpful In Learning How To Ride 
  • Touching Kid’s Feet With Ground
  • Steering Secure From Side Falling
  • Non-slip Wheels Offer Secure Grip
  • Maximum Weight limit: 44 Pounds
  • Available In a Wide Range Of Colors

Cons

  • Provided Seat Is Not Much Adjustable
  • There is No Ringing Bell Provided
Buy on Amazon

8. Retrospec Chipmunk Plus Kick Scooter

Retrospec-chipmunk-plus-kick-scooter

Features:

  • Extra Wide Non-Slip Deck To Stand
  • Removable & Adjustable Folding Seat
  • 3-Level Height Adjustable Handlebar
  • Three Wheels Design With LED Lights
  • Easy-To-Use Rear Foot Brake System
  • Perfect For 3 Years And Above Kids

This Retrospec Chipmunk Kick Scooter has the unique feature of a removable and adjustable folding seat that allows the user to sit and scoot or easily remove it with a push button. Its attractive three-wheeled design with LED lights gives extra visibility during sunset rides.

This scooter’s other safe and secure features are also interesting, such as the non-slip wide deck, padded handlebar grips, easy-to-use rear wheel foot brake, lean-to-steer system, smooth-gliding large PU wheels, and co-molded soft seat. This scooter can hold up to 130 lbs.

Pros

  • Lightest Scooter Weighs Only 8 Pounds 
  • Three-Wheels Design To Ensure Safety
  • Lean To Steer Handle For Perfect Balance
  • Rear Foot Brake To Easily Control Speed
  • Co-Molded Seat & Deck To Prevent Slips
  • Adjustable And Lockable Handle T-Bar
  • No Kickstand Needed For Parking Scooter
  • LED Light Increases Visibility Of Wheels

Cons

  • Seriously Did Not Found Any Issue

Are Retrospec Bikes Good:

After detailed research and interviews with kid’s bicycle dealers, I get useful information about the quality, worth, and benifits of retrospec bikes to provide a simple and clear overview of this cycling brand. Here are some of the advantages of their bikes.

1. Affordable Prices:

After analyzing the prices of different retrospec bike models, I can confidently say that this cycling brand is not expensive. You can get small kid’s bikes for $50 to $150 and big kid’s bikes for $100 to $250. However, some high-end adult models and electric bikes may be expensive. Still, they offer great value for the money.

2. Customisable Bikes:

Almost every bike model of retrospec brand has a facility to upgrade its components, such as tires, pedals, wheels, etc. You can also change the batteries in their electric bikes.

3. Manufacturer Warranty:

Retrospec offers a one-year limited warranty on the frame and fork. However, some components, such as batteries, have a 60 days warranty.

Pros And Cons of Retrospec Bikes:

Pros

  • Much cheaper than other cycling brands
  • Unique, stylish, and beautiful frame design
  • Easy to assemble and maintain for beginners
  • Almost all bikes have a customization facility
  • Wide range is available on Amazon & Website
  • Frame and Fork Have 1-year warranty
  • Good Reputation & Quick Customer Service

Cons

  • Some customers Reported Small Seats
  • Some bikes come with a short-term warranty
  • Not suitable for serious ridings on hilly areas
  • Limited stock availability in physical shops & stores

Retrospec Bikes may not be good for you if:

There is no doubt about the style, quality, and affordable prices of Retrospec bikes are unbeatable. However, this brand may not be good for you due to the following reasons:

  • Want a hardtail MTB for off-road adventures 
  • Need long-term durable components
  • Prefer a long-term lifetime warranty
  • If you are a heavy rider and want a wide padded seat
  • If you want a test ride at a physical shop before buying

Overall, Retrospec can be a great option for beginners and casual riders who have tight budgets and need stylish bikes in an affordable price range.

Where To Buy Retrospec Bikes From:

As you have experience, physical shops manage a limited stock of bicycles and usually do not offer any discount deals. So, the most trusted and authorized source for buying these bikes is their official Retrospec Amazon Store, which also offers different discount vouchers and an easy-to-return facility.

Why You Should Trust Us:

This article was written by MP Naveed, a seasoned cycling expert with years of knowledge and experience in almost all types of bikes. The main goal of Best Bikes Lab’s Team is to provide authentic, reliable, and important information to help you make smart decisions and improve your riding experience. 

We have a team of pro cyclists, content writers, and reliable sources in the cycling industry who regularly conduct bike market analyses. We purchase and receive bikes for reviews and testing. We also conduct detailed interviews with different customers, dealers, and cycling shop owners to provide useful and correct information.

Professional Tip For Beginners:

Everyone has a specific need, budget, and purpose for buying a bike. However, every rider needs a comfortable and smooth bike. So, before buying any Retrospect model, you should check the description of the product to find features for comfortable riding, such as a soft seat, soft handlebar grips, tire grip, and gear performance for enjoyable rides.

Conclusion:

The affordable price, stylish look, and wide range of colors of retrospec bikes make this brand an attractive choice for casual and peaceful cyclists. However, after testing different models of Retrospec and checking the reviews of thousands of customers, I can confidently say that these bikes are suitable for cruising around town, commuting, and enjoying peaceful rides.

FAQs About Retrospec Bikes Review:

1. Are Retrospec bikes made in the USA?

This is a California-based cycling company that controls the complete design and quality check system of bikes in Los Angeles and California, USA. However, the actual manufacturing of these bikes does not take place in the USA.

2. Where Are Retrospec Bikes Made?

Retrospec clearly states about manufacturing in their FAQs section: “Their bikes are designed from in-house adventure labs in Los Angeles and manufactured in China.”

3. Is Retrospec A Good Brand?

It depends on your specific needs. For Example, if you like smooth and comfortable riding, then retrospec bikes are good for you. But if you want aggressive riding bikes, you should look at Schwinn and Mongoose bike reviews.

4. Is Retrospec An Expensive Bike Brand?

No, according to my price research experience and market analysis, this brand offers affordable prices compared to other expensive cycling brands. Retrospec Kids bikes have a price range from $50 to $200. You can buy their adult bicycles from $350 to $600, except for electric bikes. 

5. What Are Common Problems With Retrospec Bikes?

The construction and features of retrospec bikes are specific for casual riding on smooth and paved roads. Therefore, these bikes are unsuitable for rocky surfaces and off-road hilly areas.

6. Are Retrospec Bikes Better Than Joystar?

Both brands are good and offer prices that are almost similar to those of their customers. Retrospec offers a wide range of color choices. While JoyStar offers a long-term warranty. for more detail check Joystar bikes review.

I hope this article about Retrospec bikes review gives you a lot of information and helps you to find the best bike for you and your family. If you have any questions about this cycling brand, you can comment us below or contact us.

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