Dayton-based bike manufacturer Huffy is vocal in the recreational and commuting bike sector. Huffy has a strong market presence stretching from kids’ mountain bikes and BMX to adult beach cruisers and comfort bikes. But are huffy bikes good?
Huffy bikes are good because they come in beautiful and strong designs with good warranties. The bikes are also affordable, low-cost in maintenance, comfortable, and come in various sizes. They are generally best for entry-level cyclists, commuters, and recreationists.
So, generally, if you are a beginner cyclist, a commuter, or just a thrill-seeker, Huffy has a lot to offer you, and you only need to stick around to find out.
However, like every other bike brand, Huffy is not faultless, and neither are the bikes. So, we’ll also look at the brand’s ugly side to see if it’s worth spending money on.
Let’s start this Huffy bikes review with the brand’s history.
In a hurry? Here is a hotlist of the best Huffy bicycles!
5 Best Huffy Bikes on Amazon
- Huffy Stone Hardtail: Best Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Huffy Fairmont Cruiser Bike: Best Huffy Beach Cruiser
- Huffy Hyde Park Comfort Bike: Best Huffy Comfort Bike
- Huffy Enigma 20″ BMX: Best Huffy BMX Bike
- Huffy Moto X Kids Bike: Best Huffy Kids Bike
Huffy Brand History Explained
Huffy Bikes, popularly known as Huffy, was founded in 1892 by George Huffman, but later his son, Horace Huffman, took over.
Interestingly, the company didn’t begin as a bike manufacturer but a sewing company identified as Davis Sewing Machine Company. But following the founders’ interests in making bikes, they made the transition and never looked back.
The company changed its name from Davis Sewing Machine Company to Dayton Bicycles in 1924 and later rebranded to Huffman bicycles.
In 1949, the company unveiled its first-ever convertible bike, and that’s when they assumed the name Huffy. The brand’s popularity rose after its sponsored cyclists took gold during the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, but things took an abrupt turn.
The company started facing financial struggles in the mid-90s, and that saw them shut its plants in Ohio and Mexico and declare bankruptcy. Chinese creditors even took ownership of the company, and it is now Chinese-owned.
But since the exchange of ownership, Huffy has been doing well financially and seems to have regained its lost stock value.
Though the company’s initial focus was kids’ bikes, they now make a wide selection for all ages, which includes MTBs, BMX bikes, beach cruisers, comfort bikes, and e-bikes
Overall, the company targets the low-income class, making affordable bikes for all. They currently design at their head offices in Dayton, Ohio, but 70% of its manufacturing happens in China.
7 Reasons Huffy Bikes Are Good
Huffy bikes are generally good because of these reasons:
1. Beautiful Designs
Design is the first thing that attracts a customer while purchasing any item, and Huffy doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. Huffy bikes come in sleeker and elegant designs that catch the eye of everyone who glances at them.
2. Strong Build
Huffy bikes come mostly with steel frames that are strong enough to bear huge weights and aggressive usage. Their aluminum frames are equally strong, which means you can count on the bikes for long-term use.
3. Decent Warranties
Huffy offers decent warranties to cover defects in artistry and component assembly. The manufacturer provides limited lifetime warranties for its steel frames and good coverage for its bike components.
4. Affordable Choices
If you’re looking for a cheap bike, consider sourcing one from Huffy because it is one of the world’s most inexpensive cycle brands. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Huffy in terms of bike prices:
- Kids bikes – Starting from $99.99
- BMX bikes – Starting from $170
- Mountain bikes – Starting from $300
- Beach cruisers – Starting from $400
- Comfort bikes – Starting from $400
5. Low Maintenance
Huffy bikes are not just affordable, but they are also low-cost in maintenance. You can get most spare parts locally, and they don’t cost much to replace. So, they prove to be cost-efficient in the long term.
6. Comfortable Picks
Huffy bikes are designed with comfort in mind. Their aluminum frames are just as lightweight as most of their competitors, and the bikes come with quick-release seat posts that you can adjust to match your seat height.
The drivetrains promise smooth shifting as their cushioned saddles guarantee seating comfort. Moreover, you can count on their rubber handgrips for hand comfort.
7. Size Variety
With Huffy, there’s a bike for everyone! The company manufactures bikes of all sizes. You’ll get them in different wheels and frame sizes.
The Bad – Why Huffy Bikes May Not Be Good for You
Here are the drawbacks that come with Huffy Bikes:
- Assembly Requirement – Unlike most bikes, Huffy bikes mostly come in parts, which means you’ve to assemble them. That may not suit you if you aren’t handy. You, however, have the option of taking the bike to the nearest bike shop for assembly assistance.
- Quality Concerns – Although Huffy has been trying to maintain its standard; its quality has deteriorated with time. Huffy mainly focuses on the rider’s comfort but disappoints in specs quality. The groupsets and suspensions are only best for casual use but not high-end enough for pro-riding.
- Weigh Concerns – Though Huffy aluminum frames are not heavy, their steel frames are the opposite. The bikes weigh slightly more than high-end options. That’s another reason they aren’t the best for pro riding, as you could get fatigued quickly.
Huffy Bike Range
Huffy generally specializes in the following bike categories:
- Mountain bikes
- Beach cruisers (cruiser bikes)
- Comfort bikes
- BMX bikes
- Kids bikes
- Electric bikes
Note that electric bikes come in comfort and mountain bike options. Let’s discuss the first five.
Are Huffy Mountain Bikes Good?
Huffy offers an array of affordable MTBs that are best for everyday adventures, commuting, and thrill rides. The bikes are robust to endure any terrain and feature solid and rust-proof frames to serve you longer.
Huffy MTBs have wide knobby tires for optimum traction and stability off-road. They mostly come in hardtail options, which are not the best for the steepest terrains but are pretty decent on others.
The advantage of the hardtails is that they are lighter, making them best for fast riding on trails. They are also easier to maintain and are generally rider-friendly.
One top recommendation for kids and adults of all genders is the Huffy Stone Hardtail.
This hardtail comes with 20-inch, 24-inch, or 26-inch wheels to suit different ages groups and heights, as shown below.
- 20-inch wheels + 13-inch frame – Best for 5-9 years or 44-56 inches
- 24-inch wheels + 14-inch frame – Best for 12-19 years or 58-70 inches
- 26-inch wheels + 17-inch frame – Best for 13 years and above or 60-inches plus
In general, the Huffy Stone Hardtail is best for trail riding, thanks to its 21-speed drivetrain and knobby tires. Its steel frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty to prove its sturdy build.
Plus, its seat height is adjustable, and it enjoys slight-rise handlebars for a comfortable upright riding posture.
Are Huffy Cruiser Bikes Good?
Most bike riders prefer cruiser bikes because they are comfortable. Their ease of riding makes them a perfect fit for newbies and everyday commuters, and that’s what Huffy beach cruisers are all about.
These bikes have an upright geometry for better body-positioning to avoid fatigue after long rides. They also feature raised cruiser handlebars for a stable and balanced ride.
With the Huffy cruiser bikes, you don’t need to worry about changing gears because they are single-speed.
The Huffy Fairmont Cruiser Bike is one decent choice.
This Huffy cruiser bike comes with 20-inch, 24-inch, or 26-inch wheels to suit different ages and heights, as shown below.
- 20-inch – Best for 5-9 years or 44-56 inches
- 24-inch – Best for 12-19 years or 58-70 inches
- 26-inch wheels – Best for 13 years and above or 5 feet plus
Overall, the Huffy Fairmont Cruiser Bikes is best for commuting and recreational riding. From its foldable and adjustable handlebar, padded spring saddle, and crisp-stopping rear coaster brakes, you can tell that.
Its seat post enjoys a quick release for easy height adjustment, and its steel frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Are Huffy Comfort Bikes Good?
Huffy comfort bikes, which are a type of hybrid bike, are just what their name suggests. These bikes are all about the rider’s comfort. You can tell that from their adjustable and padded saddles, rubber handgrips, lightweight frames, and smooth-shitting drivetrains.
Don’t, however, mistake these bikes for delicate choices. Though they are comfort bikes, they are robust enough to take on the trails and not just the urban roads.
One fantastic Huffy comfort bike that illustrates that is the Huffy Hyde Park Comfort Bike.
This comfort bike is a perfect urban commuter, but you can occasionally ride it on trails. It comes in men’s (step-over) and women’s (step-thru) designs and features 27.5-inch wheels, making it comfortable for taller adults.
Its comfort features include rubber grips, adjustable ATB saddle, and 7-speed Revo shifters. The comfort bike is easy to assemble and enjoys a 250-pound load capacity.
Are Huffy BMX Bikes Good?
Do you want to unleash your hidden potential? The Huffy BMX can conquer it from smooth, rough terrains to dirt trails!
These bikes are robust but lightweight and come in freestyle and racing options. You’ll get them in kids and adult choices, and they are generally ride-friendly.
The best part is their designs. Though they enjoy a simple build, they are pretty tough to take just about any abuse you throw their way.
The Huffy Enigma 20″ BMX is one top choice.
This Huffy BMX bike suits kids starting from 5 years or 44 inches up to adults. It comes with a lightweight aluminum frame and a racing-style geometry perfect for Bicycle Motocross racing.
The BMX bike is pretty comfortable to ride, owing to its ATB saddle and Kraton grips. Furthermore, it’s pretty safe to ride due to its reliable linear-pull v-brakes.
Are Huffy Kids Bikes Good?
The best thing about getting a Huffy kid’s bike is their attractive, innovative designs that feature popular Disney models.
The bikes have robust frames and steady handlebars that are strong enough to tolerate aggressive handling by kids. Most of them come with training wheels, and you can get them in different wheel sizes ranging from 20-inch to 24-inch.
While there’s a lot to choose from, one option that accommodates kids at different age groups and heights is the Huffy Moto X Kids Bike.
The Huffy Moto X offers the following wheel size options:
- 12-inch – Best for 3-5 years or 37-42 inches
- 14-inch – Best for 4-6 years or 39-444 inches
- 16-inch – Best 4-6 years or 42-48 inches
- 18-inch – Best for 4-6 years or 42-48 inches
Overall, this Huffy kids’ bike comes with removable training wheels and a tool-free adjustable seat. It enjoys a BMX-racing handlebar that makes your youngster feel like they are riding a true BMX.
Moreover, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty for its steel frame and is generally comfortable thanks to its padded saddle and comfortable hand grips.
FAQs
1. Are Huffy Bikes Good Quality?
Huffy bikes come with solid steel or aluminum frames that can withstand the test of time. The bikes are also comfortable to ride, feature decent specs, and offer various options at budget prices.
So, yes, Huffy bikes are good. However, they are not the best people for pro riders as their specs aren’t the most high-end, and the frames are not the most lightweight.
2. Is Huffy a Good Brand?
Huffy is an excellent and reputable brand. The company offers a variety of bikes with various designs at pocket-friendly prices. Though the bikes are not the most high-end, they are decent casual options that anyone can ride.
3. Are Huffy Bikes Expensive?
Huffy bikes are among the cheapest in the bike market. Kids’ options start from $99.99, and adults go for as low as $300. Overall, very few Huffy bikes cost over $1,000, and they are primarily electric options.
4. How Much Are Huffy Bikes Worth?
You can get kids’ Huffy bikes for as low as $99.99-$150.00, BMX bikes for under $200, mountain bikes for under $500, comfort bikes for under $600, and beach cruisers for under $400. That makes Huffy one of the most affordable bike brands.
5. Are Huffy Bikes Made in the USA?
Huffy began making its bikes in the United States in 1934. They, however, currently get 70% of their stock from China.
In Summary: Are Huffy Bikes Good?
Huffy bikes are durable, cheap, and comfortable and are generally best for casual riding. But when it comes to professional riding, these bikes are not the best as they have slightly low-quality specs and can be heavier. So, consider them if you are on a budget and want a decent casual or recreational choice.
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