The Dawes 16" Thunder Kids Bike brings mountain bike-inspired styling and everyday practicality together in a bicycle designed especially for adventurous young riders. Featuring a tough Dawes steel Y-frame and distinctive racing-inspired details, the Thunder is built to make those early cycling experiences enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. Its 16-inch wheels provide a manageable platform for children developing their pedalling, steering and braking skills, while the sturdy construction is designed to withstand the demands of regular use. Whether practising in the park, enjoying supervised family outings or exploring local cycle paths, the Dawes Thunder offers an exciting introduction to the freedom of riding on two wheels.
Keeping cycling straightforward, the Dawes Thunder features a simple single-speed drivetrain that allows children to concentrate on building their riding skills without the distraction of changing gears. The 36T chainring and 16T rear freewheel provide practical gearing for everyday cycling, while the one-piece chainset and ball-bearing bottom bracket offer dependable performance. A rigid steel Unicrown fork provides durable construction and predictable steering, helping young riders feel comfortable and in control. Front and rear V-brakes with junior-reach resin brake levers provide reassuring stopping power, allowing children to develop essential braking skills as their confidence grows.
Designed to combine comfort, practicality and plenty of personality, the Dawes Thunder features wide 16x2.1-inch tyres with racing-inspired detailing for a distinctive appearance and reassuring grip on suitable riding surfaces. Durable aluminium alloy rims with 14G spokes and nutted hubs provide reliable everyday performance, while the 500mm handlebars with a 45mm rise encourage a comfortable, upright riding position. Mushroom-style grips and a cushioned junior saddle add comfort for growing riders. The included stabilisers offer additional support during early cycling practice, while the racing-style number plate gives the bike a sporty finishing touch. Complete with mudguards and a water bottle with cage, the Dawes 16" Thunder is ready to help young cyclists enjoy their next adventure.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Durable Steel Y-Frame:Tough junior-specific frame construction provides dependable performance for young riders developing their cycling confidence.
- 16-Inch Wheels:Designed for growing children, offering manageable handling and stability for early cycling adventures.
- Simple Single-Speed Drivetrain:A 36T chainring and 16T rear freewheel keep cycling straightforward, allowing children to concentrate on pedalling and steering.
- Child-Friendly V-Brakes:Front and rear V-brakes with junior-reach resin brake levers provide dependable stopping power and comfortable control.
- Durable Aluminium Wheels:Aluminium alloy rims with 14G spokes and nutted hubs offer dependable construction for regular everyday riding.
- Comfortable Junior Components:500mm handlebars with a 45mm rise, mushroom-style grips and a cushioned junior saddle help create a comfortable riding position.
- Stabilisers Included:Provide additional support for children learning to pedal and steer, helping build confidence before riding independently.
- Adventure-Ready Accessories:A racing-style number plate, mudguards and water bottle with cage add practical convenience and sporty styling to every ride.
Full specification:
- Frame:Dawes steel Y-frame
- Fork:Steel Unicrown rigid fork
- Number of Gears:1, single-speed
- Chainset:One-piece chainset
- Chainrings:36T single chainring
- Rear Cassette:16T single-speed freewheel
- Bottom Bracket:Ball-bearing bottom bracket
- Pedals:1/2-inch pedals
- Rims:16-inch aluminium alloy rims, 14G spokes
- Front Hub:28-hole, nutted axle
- Rear Hub:28-hole, nutted axle
- Front Tyre:16x2.1 inches
- Rear Tyre:16x2.1 inches
- Brakes:Front and rear V-brakes with junior-reach resin brake levers
- Handlebars:500mm width, 45mm rise
- Grips:Mushroom-style grips
- Headset:1-inch threaded
- Stem:Quill stem
- Saddle:Cushioned junior saddle
- Seatpost:25.4mm diameter, 8-inch length
- Mudguards:Mudguards
- Other Accessories:Racing-style number plate, stabilisers, water bottle and bottle cage
- Inside Leg/Age Range:Approximately 5 years and over; individual fit should be checked
- Weight:10.7kg
Manufacturers reserve the right to change specifications without notice based on availability at the point of assembly.
Information for Dawes kids bike range:
Finding the right children’s bike starts with a comfortable fit and controls your child can use confidently. Whether they’re learning to pedal or ready for longer family adventures, Dawes offers a choice of styles and sizes to suit different stages.
The current children’s range includes 14, 16, 18, 20, 24 and 26-inch wheels. Smaller models include the Thunder, Princess, Blowfish and Lil Duchess, while the Bullet HT and Paris HT bring mountain-bike features to the larger sizes.
Why choose a Dawes kids’ bike?
Choice of riding styles: From heritage-inspired bikes to junior mountain bikes, there are options for different interests.
Simple first bikes: Single-speed models let younger children concentrate on pedalling, steering and braking.
Aluminium options: The Blowfish, Bullet HT and Paris HT use aluminium frames to help keep weight manageable.
Geared models for growing riders: Bullet HT and Paris HT bikes introduce Shimano gears from 20-inch wheels.
Front suspension options: The Bullet HT and Paris HT feature suspension forks for added comfort over uneven ground.
Size Chart for Dawes Kids Bikes
| Model | Wheel Size | Approximate Age | Approximate Rider Height |
| Thunder | 14-inch | 3–4 years | - |
| Princess | 14-inch | 3–4 years | - |
| Blowfish | 14-inch | 3–4 years | - |
| Lil Duchess | 14-inch | 3–4 years | - |
| Thunder | 16-inch | 4–5 years | - |
| Princess | 16-inch | 4–5 years | - |
| Blowfish | 16-inch | 4–5 years | - |
| Lil Duchess | 16-inch | 4–5 years | - |
| Blowfish | 18-inch | 5–6 years | - |
| Lil Duchess | 18-inch | 5–6 years | - |
| Bullet HT | 20-inch | 6–8 years | 114–135cm |
| Paris HT | 20-inch | 6–8 years | 114–135cm |
| Bullet HT | 24-inch | 8+ years | 122–140cm |
| Paris HT | 24-inch | 8+ years | 122–140cm |
| Bullet HT | 26-inch | 9+ years | 135–150cm |
| Paris HT | 26-inch | 9+ years | 135–150cm |
Sizing advice: Use age as a starting point. Check that your child can comfortably reach the handlebars, operate both brakes and get on and off confidently before choosing a size.
Warranty Information for Dawes:
Tandem Group Cycles’ general bicycle warranty policy lists different periods according to the part:
Rigid steel frames and forks: Five years.
Rigid aluminium frames and forks: Three years.
Suspension frames and forks, paintwork, decals and original parts: Generally one year, with some branded components covered by their own manufacturer’s warranty.
Cover applies to the original owner, with proof of purchase and cycle registration required to validate a claim. Wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse and inadequate maintenance are excluded, as are labour and transport costs. Claims should normally go through the original retailer.
View warranty information and owner’s manuals