Best Brands Reviews

Critical Cycles

Critical Cycles is a company dedicated to bringing high-quality yet affordable bicycles and gear to riders of all levels. Their wide selection of bikes includes options like the Cub Balance Bike, perfect for teaching little ones how to ride, as well as the versatile Fixed Gear Bike for cruising city streets in style. For adults, they offer road, mountain, hybrid, and even electric bikes to suit your riding needs.

About Critical Cycles

Founded in California, Critical Cycles offers high-quality yet affordable bicycles and gear for riders of all levels. Their goal is to provide an excellent cycling experience without the high price tag.

Critical Cycles’ signature fixed gear bikes are sleek, simplistic, and designed for optimal urban riding. With various color options, these stylish bikes are fully customizable with different wheelsets and add-ons to suit each rider’s needs. The fixed gear design helps improve balance and pedaling efficiency.

The brand’s balance bikes help toddlers learn to ride on two wheels in a safe and intuitive way. The Cub Balance Bike is lightweight with adjustable handlebars and seat to grow with the child. Its air-free tires never go flat. The footrest gives stability while gliding before pedaling.

Critical Cycles’ bike helmets prioritize both safety and comfort. Their adjustable fit system and multiple vent holes keep riders cool while the durable shell protects from impact. For the style-conscious, they come in various colors and designs.

With quality craftsmanship and affordable prices, Critical Cycles aims to get more people comfortably riding and enjoying the cycling lifestyle. Their wide selection caters to many needs for recreation, exercise, and everyday transportation.

The most popular products right now

Critical Cycles (Retrospec) Cub Balance Bike

$33.00

Why Choose Critical Cycles

Value

Critical Cycles offers top-notch quality at reasonable prices compared to other bike manufacturers. You get the performance and longevity of a high-end bicycle without the staggering cost. Their direct-to-consumer business model eliminates retailer markups, passing the savings to you. No need to sacrifice quality to save money.

Excellent Construction

The bike frames consist of hand-built steel or aluminum designed for optimal strength and control. Critical Cycles incorporates premium materials from leading suppliers. So while the price tag is gentle, the manufacturing standards are anything but. The quality construction ensures the bikes will withstand years of regular use.

Comfort

Comfort is crucial for an enjoyable ride, and it starts with the saddles and grips. Critical Cycles equips all models with ergonomic saddles padded with high-density foam. The grips also utilize delightfully soft foam for a comfy hold. You'll stay content mile after mile.

Safety

Critical Cycles optimizes braking and steering to give you complete control for safe handling in diverse conditions. Linear pull brakes quickly slow momentum, while the wide tires provide superior traction. The steering geometry promotes natural maneuverability. Ride with full confidence in the bike's reliability.

Customizable

Make your Critical Cycles bike uniquely yours with interactive customization. Swap out components like saddles, pedals, and handlebars for full personalization. Custom paint jobs are also available to match your style. Build your dream bike to enhance performance or aesthetics.

Customer Service

The Critical Cycles team proudly stands behind their products. Their warranties protect against manufacturer defects, and the customer service reps eagerly assist with any issues to ensure 100% satisfaction. You'll ride easy knowing the brand has your back. Critical Cycles lives up to their name by producing meticulously constructed bicycles perfect for critical cyclists. Their combination of quality, value, comfort, safety, customization, and service is hard to beat. If you seek top-performing bikes tailored to your needs, Critical Cycles delivers. Every model is a wise investment in your cycling passion.

Hear what customers say

"I recently purchased the Critical Cycles Balance Bike for my 3 year old son and we absolutely love it! He took to it immediately and is zooming around the neighborhood. The quality seems very good, especially for the price. The frame is sturdy but lightweight and easy for him to maneuver. The seat is adjustable which is great since he's still growing. The wheels roll smoothly and the handbrake teaches him control. I love that there are no pedals so he can focus on balancing first. We've tried other bikes with pedals but they were too heavy and cumbersome. This balance bike has been perfect for building his confidence. He's having a blast and I'd definitely recommend it to other parents looking for a first bike."
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
"OMG I'm literally obsessed with my new Critical Cycles fixed gear bike! I've been wanting one forever because they look sooo cute and retro. This one did not disappoint. The light blue color is absolutely gorgeous and it arrived super fast with free shipping which was amazing. I loooove riding around downtown with this bike, it makes me feel so stylish and hipster lol. The smooth ride quality is perfect and it was easy to assemble. I got so many compliments the first day I rode it! I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone looking for a fun, stylish ride. 5 stars!"
Samantha Lee
Samantha Lee
As an avid cyclist, I recently purchased the Critical Cycles fixed gear bike and helmet bundle to use for my daily commute. I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality and performance of both products, especially considering the reasonable price point. The bike itself is lightweight yet durable, with responsive steering and smooth gear changing. The fixed gear provides an efficient yet low-impact cadence perfect for urban riding. The helmet is comfortable and adjustable, providing ample protection without feeling bulky. After a few weeks of near daily use, I can confidently recommend this bike and helmet combination for anyone seeking reliable, affordable gear for fitness or commuting.
Michael Evans
Michael Evans
I bought the Critical Cycles Cub kid's balance bike for my 4 year old daughter last Christmas and I have to say it was her favorite gift! She absolutely loves riding it around our neighborhood and local park. It provides the perfect way for her to learn balance and coordination without having to worry about pedals and brakes. The quality seems very good and it has held up nicely even with rough usage by a kid. It glides smoothly and the seat is easily adjustable as she grows. My daughter likes that she can put her feet down easily to stop. I really appreciate that it's teaching her important bike skills and helping her gain confidence. I would definitely recommend this balance bike to other parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
Sarah Kim
Sarah Kim
As a bike enthusiast and recreational rider, I decided to purchase the Critical Cycles fixed gear road bike based on its attractive price point and positive reviews. I have not been disappointed one bit! This bike provides a fast yet comfortable riding experience perfect for exercise or commuting. The lightweight aluminum frame allows for quick acceleration while the 700c tires roll smoothly even over bumpy urban terrain. The fixed gear adds an extra fun challenge to my regular routes. The styling is sleek and minimalist, which I really appreciate. With simple tools, the bike was easy to assemble right out of the box. For riders seeking quality and simplicity at a reasonable price, I highly recommend this fixed gear road bike from Critical Cycles.
James Wilson
James Wilson

FAQs

The frames on Critical Cycles bikes are made from hand-built steel or aluminum depending on the model. The steel frames use chromium-molybdenum steel tubing for a lightweight yet strong and durable frame.

Some key features of Cub Balance bikes include lightweight steel or aluminum frames, adjustable seat heights, footrests to transition to pedal bikes, rear wheel brakes or hand brakes, and puncture-proof tires. They are designed to help toddlers learn balance and steering.

Minimal assembly is required for these bikes. They come 85-90% assembled and include the necessary tools. You just need to install the front wheel, handlebars, seat and pedals based on easy instructions.

Balance bikes are designed for toddlers and young kids, usually between 18 months to 5 years old. They help develop balance and coordination before transitioning to a pedal bike.

Fixed Gear bikes are low maintenance but still require proper care. You’ll want to keep them cleaned, lubricate the chain periodically, and perform basic adjustments to the brakes, chain, tires, etc. Storing them indoors helps prolong their life.

Measure your child’s head and compare it to the helmet size chart from the brand. The helmet should fit snugly but leave room for growth. Adjust the straps to fit just below the ear lobes and so the helmet doesn’t rock forward or backwards.

It’s not recommended as stickers can damage the protective shell and affect safety. Most brands suggest keeping decals small and placing them low on the back of the helmet if desired.

They come with a 1 year warranty from original purchase date against defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or improper use/maintenance.

Our bikes and helmets are designed in-house in California. The bikes are manufactured in Asia and helmets in China under our quality control standards and specifications.

Yes, we ship to most international locations from our California warehouse! Shipping timeframes and costs vary by country. Contact us if you need help with an international order.