Kids bikes

msl819 · #1 07-31-2022, 08:17 PM

Apologies as I know this has been discussed here before multiple times but I have a buddy looking for a “good” bike for an already tall and fast growing 8 yo son. I know there are several brands that pop up when discussed, but for the life of me I cannot remember them or find those threads. Thanks!

trener1 · #2 07-31-2022, 09:06 PM

Woom and Cleary are 2 of the good ones that come to mind

msl819 · #3 07-31-2022, 09:53 PM

Thanks, those are the ones.

nmrt · #4 07-31-2022, 10:01 PM

the cleary geo in good and so is the woom.
but cleary is heavy. i would not buy it.
woom is great! and lightweight. kids will apprecite the lack of weight.

Xrslug · #5 07-31-2022, 10:22 PM

Have also had good luck with Woom — two so far and taught both of my kids to ride on them.

pdonk · #6 08-01-2022, 05:23 AM

I'd add spawn to the list as well.

Toddtwenty2 · #7 08-01-2022, 05:53 AM

I would also add Early Rider. Great bikes.

My kids used Cleary when tiny and loved it as well.

oldpotatoe · #8 08-01-2022, 07:14 AM

Linus
Public
Cleary

9yo has a Linus and 11yo has a Cleary...

bronk · #9 08-01-2022, 07:22 AM

We have one of these. Designed similar to the others mentioned.
https://guardianbikes.com/

tellyho · #10 08-01-2022, 07:52 AM

90s era Trek mtb. Same thing as a Woom, $50 on Craigslist.

dbh · #11 08-01-2022, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tellyho

90s era Trek mtb. Same thing as a Woom, $50 on Craigslist.

Definitely not. For a kid who is in the 40-50lb range, a vintage MTB is going to be super heavy. Probably a third of his/her body weight. The (relatively) light weight of Woom bikes are what make them so good for kids. They definitely cost a pretty penny, so the trade-off in thoughtful design may not be worth it to you, but they are leagues ahead of most any other kids oriented bikes (though our son rode a Cleary when he was 4 and it got him hooked on cycling).

kgreene10 · #12 08-01-2022, 08:43 AM

Check our Prevelo. My son got his at 8 yo and loved it.

EDS · #13 08-01-2022, 08:55 AM

My oldest has a Woom Off and it is pretty awesome. Light weight, massive tires, decent gearing and good brakes really help her confidence.

Hardest thing about kids bikes is the kids keep growing. My daughter had a big growth spurt recently and I need to get her a bigger bike.

jcs7282 · #14 08-01-2022, 10:57 AM

Another vote for Prevelo.

We have a Zulu 3 and Zulu 4 in the family. My oldest is about to outgrow his Z4 and hand it down to his little brother. The Z3 we have has served both boys well for probably...4 or 5 years of use now? It's held up well.

If you want a "real" MTB for your little rider they make good stuff. For just cruising around the neighborhood, they're probably overkill/overpriced.

The only knock I have on Prevelo is both bikes arrived assembled but not well tuned. Shifting issues, mainly. Other than that, they have been solid and served the kids well for smaller local trail rides up to big 25+ mile adventures at KT.

markie · #15 08-01-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tellyho

90s era Trek mtb. Same thing as a Woom, $50 on Craigslist.

When you get to 26” wheels you are right an old mtb would probably be great. Beauty of woom is they have a range of wheel sizes so you can spend more$$ as the kids grow. My twins are almost eight and riding the woom off 4 with 20” wheels. Not sure if the kids are big enough for a 26er, but they will soon be too big for their current bikes