Hornit AIRO 14 review: the lightest 14" balance bike!

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In this Hornit AIRO 14 review, we're looking at this larger balance bike that promises to provide a smooth, stable ride while helping kids develop the skills they need before moving on to their first pedal bike.

Choosing one of the best balance bikes for your child can be a tricky decision, especially when it comes to finding one that suits their current skills and confidence level. Whether your little one has outgrown their 12-inch balance bike, or they’re starting from scratch and in need of a bigger balance bike for older children, a 14-inch balance bike might be the perfect solution.

As you’ll see from our Hornit AIRO 12 review, the smaller balance bike received high praise from our tester. Naturally, we were eager to see if the larger AIRO 14 could live up to the same high standards. Will this bike meet the expectations for a confident, speedy rider?

Keep reading to find out, as we share our hands-on experience and thoughts on the AIRO 14’s performance and features.

Disclosure: Cycle Sprog were sent the Hornit AIRO 14 to review. We were not paid to write this review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links, so may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.

Hornit AIRO 14 scores

Quality - 5/5 - A top of the range, lightweight balance bike with high quality components.
Weight - 5/5 - The lightest 14" balance bike we know of!
Value for money - 4/5 - A light weight top of the range balance bike at a fair price.
Customisability - 3/5 - Only two colour choices, but Hornit do a great range of helmets to accessorise
Resale value - 4/5- A well respected brand with good resale value.

Final verdict - The Hornit AIRO 14 is an excellent, lightweight, speedy balance bike for slightly older kids who are keen for more time balancing before moving onto a pedal bike.

Find out more about the Cycle Sprog review process

About our reviewers:

For this review, we enlisted the help of a keen young tester who loves balance biking!

E, now aged 3 years and 11 months, has been confidently balancing on her Islabike for some time but was beginning to outgrow its 10-inch wheels. Recently, she had been using a pedal bike without the pedals, while her twin sister, H, rode the Kidvelo Rookie 14. To give her the right fit at this stage of her riding journey, Hornit kindly provided the AIRO 14 for E to test and enjoy before making the transition to pedals.

E and H come from an adventure-loving family who spend plenty of time on two wheels. Whether riding at trail centres, exploring scenic cycle routes, tackling pump tracks, or cruising along seaside promenades and disused railway lines, cycling is a big part of their lives. When they’re not riding independently, the girls enjoy being passengers on their parents’ bikes, using Kids Ride Shotgun seats and a Burley trailer.

This made them the perfect family to put the Hornit AIRO 14 through its paces and compare the bike to some of the other great balance bikes out there!

E was the primary tester of this bike, but as you'll see in the photos, her sister loved it too!

Hornit bikes

Hornit is a UK-based company dedicated to enhancing the cycling experience for riders of all ages. Their product lineup includes bike racks, horns, helmets, and lights, catering to both adults and children. Notably, Hornit offers the world's loudest cycle horn and the CLUG bike storage system, known as the world's smallest bike rack.

In the realm of children's bikes, Hornit has made a significant impact with their AIRO balance bike range as well as their HERO pedal bike range.

In our Hornit AIRO 12 review, we praised its super lightweight design, vibrant colours, and excellent value for money. The bike's durability and appealing aesthetics make it a popular choice among parents and children alike.

Hornit's commitment to quality and thoughtful design has established them as a reputable manufacturer of children's bikes, providing products that are both enjoyable and practical for young cyclists.

First Impressions of the Hornit AIRO 14

In the Hornit AIRO 12 review, it was joked that the reviewers thought the box was empty when it arrived, and this was the case again with the 14. The box did in fact have a fully assembled bike inside, and only needing a handlebar straightened, the bike was ready to go.

The first thing that caught our testers’ attention was the bright yellow colour, they both loved it and couldn’t wait to give it a go. In true diplomatic fashion, they each claimed it was theirs to test!

Having been impressed with the quality of Hornit bikes in the past, we’re pleased to say the Hornit AIRO 14 is no exception. It feels incredibly well made, with every detail carefully considered.

Hornit AIRO 14 Specifications

Designed with young riders in mind, the Hornit AIRO 14 is packed with features to make balancing, freewheeling, and stopping as easy as possible.

The specially designed TEKTRO brake lever is sized for small hands and requires minimal force to bring the bike to a safe stop. Combined with a low-maintenance rear drum brake, it helps with smooth, controlled braking, even on steeper descents as the riders confidence grows.

The ultra-lightweight magnesium-alloy frame keeps the AIRO 14 nimble and easy to handle, weighing in at just 4.18kg. This makes it effortless for little riders to manoeuvre and light enough for parents to carry when needed.

The bike’s geometry, combined with air-filled tyres, provides a smooth and responsive ride over a variety of surfaces.

The wheels feature a lower spoke count to reduce unnecessary weight while maintaining strength, meaning a more comfortable experience even on rougher terrain.

The Hornit AIRO 14 includes grip-taped footrests that are subtly contoured into the frame, allowing young riders to rest their feet and freewheel with ease. The generous tyre clearance also means it can handle muddy paths without issue.

Riding the Hornit AIRO 14

The low standover frame design was an instant hit with the whole family, making it easy for E to hop on and off the bike independently, earning it a well-deserved gold star from the start.

On smooth paths, the Hornit AIRO 14 absolutely flies. Thanks to its slack head tube, it's incredibly stable at speed, allowing E to push her limits with confidence. And this is key, because confident Cycle Sprogs are happy Cycle Sprogs!

Both H and E loved riding it, embracing their growing need for speed (probably nurtured by years riding shotgun with mum and dad). With their well-honed bike handling skills, they made the most of the AIRO’s fast and smooth ride.

At the same time, the twins were also testing the Kidvelo Rookie 14, providing a great side-by-side comparison. While both bikes offered a fun ride, the Hornit AIRO 14 seemed noticeably more stable and secure at high speeds, something the twins really appreciated.

From an adult perspective, it was slightly nerve-wracking to watch them whizzing along, but it was clear how in control and capable they were on the Hornit AIRO 14 compared to the Kidvelo Rookie 14. This extra stability comes down to small but important differences in frame geometry, the slacker head angle, flatter handlebars and longer wheelbase make a real difference when riding fast. Of course, this only really matters if your child is a speed demon!

Beyond speed, the low standover height also proved invaluable when navigating trickier terrain. Whether walking down steep drops, tackling rocks, or hopping up kerbs and steps, it gave them the reassurance they needed to stay in control.

Being so lightweight made a real difference on climbs, too. It allowed them to power up inclines without feeling held back although that didn’t stop them from occasionally deciding to walk at the furthest possible point from the start!

Thankfully, the AIRO 14’s lightweight design meant it was easy for us to pick up and carry when needed.

Overall Verdict on the Hornit AIRO 14 balance bike

The Hornit AIRO 14 balance bike stands out as a fantastic choice for children looking to transition from a smaller balance bike or prepare for the next stage in their cycling journey.

With its lightweight magnesium-alloy frame, stable geometry, and thoughtful design, it offers an enjoyable and safe riding experience for young riders. Our reviewers both loved the speed and stability it provided, especially on smooth paths, and appreciated the ease of getting on and off thanks to the low standover height.

The balance bike’s impressive handling, solid braking system, and comfortable footrests make it ideal for kids who are confident on two wheels and ready to push their limits.

When compared to other balance bikes, like the Kidvelo Rookie 14 (also reviewed by the twins), the AIRO 14’s geometry made it more stable at higher speeds, so is idea for confident, speedy toddlers while the Kidvelo Rookie is more upright and stable for slower or novice riders.

Whether for cruising down hills, tackling rougher terrain, or just enjoying a fast, smooth ride, the Hornit AIRO 14 is a top contender in the balance bike market. With its perfect balance of function, style, and durability, it’s sure to keep your little rider grinning from ear to ear.

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Where to buy the Hornit AIRO 14

The Hornit AIRO 14 is available directly from the Hornit website, where you can choose from two vibrant colours: yellow and red.

The bike is available at other online retailers, however, purchasing through our affiliate link directly with Hornit helps support both us and Hornit at no additional cost to you!

When you buy the AIRO 14, you're not only investing in a high-quality balance bike, but you’re also backed by Hornit's lifetime warranty on the frame and forks, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

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