My first bike, the bike I learned on was a 20" Schwinn Henderson. This bike was passed along from family siblings and all the cousins. By the time I got it she was pretty well beat, but I learned and passed it on. I can remember my father running behind me until I got the knack. No training wheels back then.
My first real brand new bike was an early 50's 26" black Hercules 3 speed with the Hercumatic shifter and hub. Got her for Christmas and she stayed with me until I got my junior drivers license. Wish I had her now.