Bike Maintenance & Tyre Pressure Guide
KOKUA bikes are designed to need very little maintenance — that's part of the point. Aviation-grade aluminium doesn't rust, sealed components don't need regular servicing, and a lightweight bike simply wears more slowly than a heavy one. The one thing that does matter, on every model, is tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure — the one number that matters most
Correct tyre pressure protects the rim, makes pedalling easier, and reduces punctures. Check it every couple of months, and before any longer ride.
| Model | Tyres | Recommended pressure |
|---|---|---|
| LIKEaBIKE Jumper 12 (Street & Black Dirt) | Schwalbe Big Apple | 40 PSI (≈2.8 bar) |
| LIKEaBIKE Jumper 14 | Schwalbe Big Apple | 40 PSI (≈2.8 bar) |
| LtB 16 SRAM Automatix | Schwalbe Big Apple | 60 PSI (≈4.1 bar) |
| LtB 20 SR | Schwalbe Big Apple / Black Jack | 60 PSI (≈4.1 bar) |
| LtB 24 SR | Schwalbe Big Apple | 60 PSI (≈4.1 bar) |
Singapore's heat won't overinflate a tyre left in the sun, but slow air loss through the valve is normal — expect to top up every couple of months even without a puncture. A soft tyre is the single most common cause of a bike that suddenly feels "sluggish"; check this before assuming anything else is wrong.
The pump we recommend
KOKUA does not sell pumps, but a hand pump gets tedious at 60 PSI for a growing family of KOKUA riders. Our recommendation: the Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Compressor 2 Pro — small enough for a hallway drawer, set-and-forget (dial in the PSI from the table above and it stops on its own), and easily capable of both the 40 and 60 PSI settings across the whole range. It isn't sold or endorsed by KOKUA GmbH — it's simply what we use ourselves.
General care — five minutes, a few times a year
- Check tyre pressure before longer rides, and top up every couple of months regardless (see above).
- On pedal bikes (LtB 16, 20 SR, 24 SR): wipe the chain with a dry cloth and apply a drop of bicycle-specific chain lubricant every few weeks — more often after riding in rain. A dry, squeaky chain wears the drivetrain faster than a lubricated one.
- Check the brakes before every ride. The lever should feel firm, not spongy, and the pads should grip promptly. If the cable has stretched and the lever pulls close to the grip, it needs a small adjustment — most bike shops do this in minutes.
- Check the seat post clamp and stem bolts are snug — especially after re-adjusting the saddle as your child grows. A loose clamp is the most common cause of a saddle that slowly tilts or slips.
- Rinse off sand and salt air after East Coast Park or beach rides. The sealed bearings and hubs handle Singapore's humidity well, but grit left to sit will wear them faster than the ride itself.
- Store the bike dry, ideally indoors or under cover. Corrosion from being stored wet or outdoors is one of the few things not covered under warranty — a bit of shelter beats a frame repair.
- On the Jumper 12 & 14: give the steering damper and elastomer shock a quick look occasionally. Both are stocked as spare parts if they ever need replacing.
Built to last — what's actually under the paint
KOKUA bikes cost more than a supermarket bike because they are built from better parts, not more of them. Every model in the range shares the same foundation:
- Aviation-grade aluminium frame — light enough for a small child to lift and carry themselves, and it doesn't rust.
- Schwalbe Big Apple tyres — the same German tyre maker used on adult touring bikes, not a generic import.
- Sealed bearings and alloy hubs and rims on every wheel.
- Velo saddles, cushioned and shaped for a child's frame, on every model.
Each model then adds parts matched to what a child needs at that stage:
- The Jumper 12 & 14 add an elastomer-sprung swing arm and a steering damper — both there to make early riding forgiving, not fast.
- The LtB 16 uses an exclusive SRAM Automatix 2-speed hub — no shifter, no cables to maintain, it simply shifts up automatically around 17 km/h.
- The LtB 20 SR steps up to a 7-speed Shimano RevoShift twist-shift system and Tektro V-brakes.
- The LtB 24 SR — the last bike in the range — runs 8-speed Shimano Altus gearing with an HG Megarange cassette.
Read more about the range in our story, or see the exact specification for each model on its own product page.
When it's more than routine care
If something looks structurally wrong — a cracked frame, a brake that won't grip even after adjustment, a wheel out of true — stop riding and email us photographs at kokua@kokuabikesg.com. We stock spare parts for every model we sell, and frame and fork defects are covered by KOKUA's manufacturer warranty for the first year.
Quick answers
What tyre pressure should I use on my KOKUA bike?
40 PSI (≈2.8 bar) for the Jumper 12 and Jumper 14. 60 PSI (≈4.1 bar) for the LtB 16 SRAM Automatix, LtB 20 SR and LtB 24 SR.
Does KOKUA sell a bike pump?
No. We recommend the Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Compressor 2 Pro, which handles both pressure settings above with an automatic cut-off.
How often does a KOKUA bike need servicing?
Very little. Check tyre pressure every couple of months, keep the chain lubricated on pedal models, and check bolts are snug after adjusting the saddle. There is no scheduled service — the parts are chosen to need as little attention as possible.
What tyres and parts do KOKUA bikes use?
Schwalbe Big Apple tyres, Velo saddles, aviation-grade aluminium frames, and — depending on model — a SRAM Automatix hub, Shimano gearing, or Tektro brakes. Full detail above and on each product page.
KOKUA Bikes Singapore is the only official KOKUA agent in Singapore. Questions about your specific bike? Email kokua@kokuabikesg.com or see our FAQ.