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.
[blog specific=“145545″]Children's bike test 2019: Insight #1 Weight is important
Children often choose a bike based on looks, while adults are easily fooled by big names and "grown-up features." However, our nine test children were allowed to ride all the bikes and quickly learned to appreciate those that were easy to handle – ergonomics were important here… but so was weight. The Woom 4 stood out , although it was heavily weight-optimized. Bikes like the Bulls Tokee Lite , which weigh well under ten kilograms even with all the necessary equipment (including a kickstand), also distinguished themselves in this regard.
Children's bike test 2019: Finding #2 Equipment isn't everything
Some manufacturers go overboard, making the bike more difficult for children to use: KTM with a 2x6 drivetrain and front derailleur , or Specialized with 2.8" tires , which alone add a kilogram to the bike's weight. On the other hand, it's fantastic when components are designed with great attention to detail for children, as Early Rider does with all their models: custom pedals, custom saddle – meaning lightweight and individual – but unfortunately also expensive.
Children's bike test 2019: Insight #3 Don't let the parents decide
Parents often spontaneously choose bikes based on what they like and how they'd like to see their child riding around on a cool bike. They spontaneously like bikes like the Bergamonster or the Specialized Riprock – these bikes are great – the suspension fork on the Specialized even works – but only if the kids are already confident enough riders to tackle off-road trails with their parents; if they are able to safely manage short off-road descents. Only then do the fat tires and suspension fork 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.