Test Corratec Bow 20: The sporty manufacturer from the foothills of the Alps delivers a 20-inch bike that looks pretty simple on the surface, but which is convincing all round. In view of the price and especially the weight, the Bow 20 raises eyebrows.
Can you really do everything right? That probably doesn't happen very often, but when it comes to 20-inch bikes, you simply have to attest to the Corratec company from Raubling at the foot of the Alps. The only thing the Bow 20 shares in common with the company's legendary MTB frame shape is the name, but other than that marginal aspect, the little red runabout really pleases from front to back.
Corratec Bow 20 – Good sizing info
It starts with the manufacturer's homepage, which provides easy-to-find information on the age and size of the riders and even gives the lowest and highest saddle position in the geometry table - the measurement from the ground to the saddle surface. In this way, you can carry out a comparative measurement on any children's bikes that may be available. With 12 cm, the adjustment range of the saddle height is quite large; the kink in the top tube ensures that there is enough standover height, even for small children.
Simple optics, convincing equipment
The bike, which is available in three colors, looks good - at least if you like a rather simple exterior, which here consists of a single-colored frame and black components and attachments. The first thing that catches the eye with the latter is the smooth-surfaced stem with integrated clamping, which eliminates the protruding screw heads. The handlebars are cranked upwards and slightly curved back at the ends, which ensures a more relaxed arm position. Our test rider, who is actually a bit too small for the bike and too young, sits quite upright on the Bow 20 – so everything was done right here too.
At a glance: Corratec Bow 20
7,95 kg (with pedals) / 439 euros / for children between 110 and 130 cm
+ Very light
+ Very inexpensive
+ Solid, child-friendly equipment
+ Upright posture
Our test driver Alois is four years old and 107 cm tall.
The components are predictable, featuring V-brakes with child-friendly brake levers and an eight-speed derailleur with a twist shifter. An 11-34 cassette, combined with a 32-tooth chainring, provides a low overall gear range with easy climbing gears. Corratec uses Microshift components, which make a solid impression.
The tyres: not too wide and varied profile
The tires of the 20-incher are well chosen. The 1,5 inch / 38 mm wide tires have a versatile profile that promises easy running on asphalt and is quite grippy with the larger tread blocks on the outside. Many a modern gravel tire has a similar design. Children don't need more profile and volume on their bikes. If you want, you can retrofit mudguards and a luggage rack on the Corratec Bow 20. A side stand is not provided, although it would of course accommodate everyday suitability.
So far, the bike from the southern German sports brand can convince - but two important data are still missing. How much does the Corratec cost and how much does it weigh? At 439 euros, the recommended retail price is just as slim as the bike itself, including the pedals, the Bow 20 weighs less than eight kilos. It clearly beats comparable children's bikes in terms of weight and price. Here, too, everything has been done right with this all-round convincing children's bike...
