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The Trek Precaliber 16 marks a milestone: no more coaster brake, your child now brakes with two levers on the handlebar, like the grown-ups. 16-inch wheels, a single freewheel gear, tool-free stabilisers and a parent handle, for 8.35 kg according to Trek. This Fjord Blue is a clear, light blue.
| Frame | Kids' aluminium alloy, 16 inch |
| Fork | Steel, kids' fork |
| Drivetrain | 1-speed freewheel: 26-tooth steel chainring with chain guard, 18-tooth sprocket, 89 mm alloy cranks |
| Brakes | Two linear-pull rim brakes (V-brake), levers on the handlebar |
| Wheels / tyres | 16-inch alloy rims, 28 spokes / Bontrager XR1 16 x 2.25-inch |
| Cockpit | 500 mm steel handlebar, 80 mm rise, 50 mm Bontrager stem |
| Saddle / seatpost | Padded kids' saddle with integrated seatpost and handle |
| Equipment | Tool-free stabilisers, kids' satellite pedals |
| Weight | 8.35 kg, one size (Trek figure) |
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At a glance
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For 4 or 5 year olds, from 99 to 117 cm, moving on from their first bike or starting straight on a 16-inch after a balance bike. It suits families who want a bike for rides in the park and the first few miles on cycle lanes.
An alloy frame built for the age of first hand brakes. The Precaliber 16 is based on a kids' aluminium alloy frame and a steel fork. Its real distinguishing feature lies elsewhere: it drops the coaster brake of the 12-inch for two linear-pull brakes, operated by levers on the handlebar just like an adult bike. Your child thus learns the movement they will keep for their whole cycling life.
| Precaliber 12 | Precaliber 16 | Precaliber 20 Freewheel | |
| Stage | First pedal bike | The independence bike | First big-kid bike |
| Frame / fork | Alpha Silver alloy / steel | Alloy / steel | Alpha Silver alloy / steel |
| Reference bike | 6.80 kg, 86 to 102 cm | 8.35 kg, 99 to 117 cm | 9.45 kg, 114 to 132 cm |
| What it means | Coaster brake only | Hand brakes, freewheel | Bigger wheels, kickstand |
In other words: 8.35 kg, a single freewheel gear, two hand brakes and stabilisers that fit without tools. Trek designs it for 4 and 5 year olds.
Two linear-pull brakes act on the front and rear rims. Teach your child to brake gently with both hands at the same time: it is the right reflex for stopping in a straight line. In the workshop, we bring the levers closer to the handlebar so they fall right under their fingers.
The freewheel lets your child pedal backwards without braking: they bring their pedal back to the top before setting off, as they will later be taught on a 20-inch bike. The 26-tooth chainring with chain guard and the 89 mm cranks are in proportion to their legs.
| Model | Wheels | Child's height | Gears / brakes | Weight |
| Precaliber 12 | 12 in | 86 to 102 cm | 1 speed, coaster brake | 6.80 kg |
| Precaliber 16 | 16 in | 99 to 117 cm | 1 speed, 2 V-brakes | 8.35 kg |
| Precaliber 20 Freewheel | 20 in | 114 to 132 cm | 1 speed, 2 V-brakes | 9.45 kg |
| Precaliber 20 7-speed | 20 in | 114 to 132 cm | 7 speeds, 2 V-brakes, 35 mm fork | 10.90 kg |
Our take: at 8.35 kg, the Precaliber 16 weighs 1.55 kg more than the 12-inch, but brings hand brakes. The Precaliber 20 Freewheel (9.45 kg) takes over at 114 cm.
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LVR sizing advice Trek recommends the Precaliber 16 from 99 to 117 cm, for 4 and 5 year olds. When seated, your child should be able to put their feet on the ground and reach the brake levers without stretching their arms. Drop into our Béziers shop with them: a test ride settles the question in a few minutes.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| Will my child be able to brake? | Yes, with a little practice; the levers are adjusted to the size of their hands. |
| Are stabilisers useful? | Only for the very beginning; take them off as soon as possible. |
| How many gears? | Just one, freewheel, to keep the bike simple. |
| Is this blue light? | Yes, it is a bright Fjord Blue, fresh and soft. |
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The LVR Cycles verdict The Precaliber that teaches hand braking, with the simplicity of a single gear. Its fresh, light Fjord Blue suits it perfectly.
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Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we adjust the brake lever reach to your child's hand, check the pads and set the saddle as they grow.
Data sheet
Specific References