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Steel. A fairly common material, widely used in all types of children's bicycles (see "Type"). Having a low cost, steel is at the same time very strong, reliable and resistant to shock and shock. Its main disadvantage is considered by many to be relatively large weight; however, the difference in weight with the same aluminium is usually not that big (especially when compared to the weight of the cyclist itself). It is worth noting that different grades of steel can be used in children's bicycles, and the overall quality of this material often depends on the price category of the machine.
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Aluminium. Aluminium-based alloys are very strong, light in weight, and much less susceptible to corrosion than steel. On the other hand, the cost of such materials is significantly higher, and high strength is not always critical (taking into account the peculiarities of riding children's bicycles, especially tricycles). Therefore, aluminium is less common, although it can also be used in all types of machines.
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Plastic. Plastic is relatively lightweight, absolutely insensitive to moisture and easy to process - it can be given almost any shape and color. With all this, this material is inexpensive. On the other hand, plastic is not durable; therefore, it is used exclusively in bicycles for the smallest, mainly in three-wheeled models and balance bikes (see "Type").
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- Tree. The general characteristics of wood are such that this material is not well suited for classic bicycles - both two-wheelers and three-wheelers - but it is very convenient for balance bikes (see "Type"). Wood, even unpainted, looks good, and this material is quite pleasant to the touch. Of its shortcomings, some fragility can be mentioned - if the same plastic is likely to bend from a strong impact, then the tree may crack. However, it is still not easy to damage the wooden frame of the balance bike. But such a product does not tolerate moisture well, so you need to store it in a dry place.
- Fiberglass. As a rule, in this case, not pure glass fiber is meant, but fiberglass - a composite material made of glass fiber filled with plastic filler. This material is noticeably stronger than conventional plastic, however, it is more expensive, and in terms of overall reliability it still does not reach steel and aluminium. Therefore, fiberglass frames are quite rare, and mostly among balance bikes (see "Type").
— Magnesium. Magnesium alloys are similar to the aluminium alloys described above: they are characterized by high strength and at the same time low weight. At the same time, compared to aluminium, such an alloy is stronger and more durable, weighs more, but not much, but it costs much more - and the difference in price rarely outweighs the mentioned advantages. As a result, magnesium frames have not received much distribution, they are found only in certain models of two-wheeled bicycles of the older age group.
