Children's bikes test 2019: In the past few weeks, we and our nine little testers have tried and tested a total of eleven children's bikes with 20-inch tires. What insights we have gained, what to look out for when buying a children's bike and which models are recommended.
Update 2021: What has happened?
Even if the article from 2019 is still valid, a lot has happened with children's bikes in the meantime. We reveal what to look out for at the moment and which models are particularly recommended.
Children bike: Bulls, Puky, Woom - the ten best new children's bikes for 2021
Children's bikes 2021: The children's and youth bike, reduced to the essentials, is the better alternative to the "school bike" packed with all sorts of unnecessary equipment features. Velomotion explains why this is the case, what you should look out for when choosing a sporty kids' bike - and presents current 24-inch models from the hottest brands for young cyclists. A children’s bike looks really solid and practical […]
Children's bike test 2019: Insight #1 Weight is important
Kids are quick to go by looks when it comes to a bike, and adults are fooled by big names and “adult features”. But our nine test children were all allowed to ride bikes and quickly learned to appreciate the bikes that were easy to handle - ergonomics were important here ... but also the weight. That stands out woom 4, but which was heavily trimmed for lightweight construction. Also wheels like that Bull's Tokee Lite, which remain well under ten kilos when fully equipped (keyword: side stand), stand out here.
Children's bike test 2019: Finding #2 Equipment isn't everything
Some people overdo it and make the bike more difficult for children to use: KTM with a 2 x 6 drivetrain with front derailleur or Specialized with 2.8 tires, which alone make the bike a kilo heavier than necessary. On the other hand, it's great when equipment is really designed with great attention to detail for children, like it is early rider with all models: own pedals, own saddle - ergo light and individual - but unfortunately also expensive.
Children's bike test 2019: Insight #3 Don't let the parents decide
The parents like to spontaneously look at what they like and how they like to see their child riding around on a cool bike. Parents spontaneously like bikes like this bergamot or Specialized Riprock – these bikes are great – even the suspension fork works on the Spezi – but only if the kids are really so confident drivers that they can tackle off-road routes with their parents; if they are able to master short off-road descents safely. Only then do fat tires and suspension forks make sense.
The difference between a six-year-old who has been cycling safely for two years and a five-year-old who has just learned is huge. As with adults, the first motto is "you have to feel comfortable on your new bike".
Children's bikes test 2019: Finding #4 There are big price differences even for the little ones
As you can spend 2.000 but also 8.000 euros for a good MTB, the spread in our test field also ranges from 300 to 700 euros. This is enormous and a great bike like that eight shot for 299 euros is very positive. But also the 700 euros for that early rider are not outrageous, because the bike is very high quality.
In general, one can say that investing in a good children's bike is never wrong, because the resale values for a well-maintained children's bike are enormous - the loss in value is significantly lower than with adult bikes.
To sell a children's bike quickly and easily, the Velomotion bike market at. Here you will also find attractive offers for new and used children's bikes from private individuals or specialist dealers.
Children's bikes test 2019: The test winner
woom 4
The Woom 4 primarily draws attention to itself with its record-breaking weight. At 7,7kg, it is over 4kg (!) lighter than the heaviest bike in the test and weighs a good 700g less than the next lightest bike in our test field. The visually appealing bike can be accelerated quickly and is a lot of fun for the children. The ergonomically interesting handlebar-stem combination and the overall sensible equipment are also convincing. There are slight point deductions for the missing side stand and the cheap-looking brake levers.
Children's bikes test 2019: The price/performance winner
Eightshot X-Coady 20
The children's bike experts from Puky have been bringing youth bikes onto the market under the name Eightshot for some time. The X-Coady 20 shows that the experience from the children's bike business has also rubbed off on the larger bikes. The cheapest bike in our test pleases with a solid equipment, a quite respectable weight under 10kg and a full equipment suitable for everyday use including side stand. With the slightly wider, but not too wide tyres, the first off-road excursions are also possible.
Children's bikes test 2019: The all-rounders
Bull's Tokee Lite 20
A successful look, low weight, everyday features: The Bulls Tokee hardly allowed itself any weaknesses in the test and is an excellent everyday all-rounder with a sporty touch. Also positive: Thanks to the Monkey Link attachment, the battery light can be retrofitted quickly and easily.
Frog bike 55
With slim tubes and numerous frame designs, the Frogbike 55 stands out visually from the crowd. The other ingredients are also right: It is the second lightest bike in the test, the equipment has virtually no weaknesses and the tires are also fun off-road. Unfortunately, as with many other bikes, there is no side stand.
Children's bikes test 2019: The off-road specialists
Bergamot Bergamot Monster 20
The boys among the testers especially liked the Bergamonster with its beefy looks. Sure, the tires don't run as easily on asphalt as narrower tires, but off-road there's plenty of grip and comfort. The rest of the equipment is also quite pleasing.
Specialized Riprock
Yes, the Specialized Riprock is the heaviest bike in our test field at over 12kg. The suspension fork is mainly to blame for this – but in contrast to many other off-road forks for kids, the Specialized works brilliantly – as does the rest of the equipment. A hot tip for experienced little off-road bikers.
Our list of the best: children's bikes 2019 with 20 inches in the test
Best list of 20 inch children's bikes: Better light and reduced
Children's bikes test: Parents of five to eight year olds take note: here are eleven 20-inch children's bikes whose sporty, reduced design hides a great deal of utility - at least in most cases. You can also get high-quality material at low prices, which is good for a lot of driving fun. Designing a good children's bike is either very easy or almost impossible - depending on […]