Racing handlebars for little people: Three gravel bikes for kids at a glance

Giant Seek 1 - the benchmark, but at a price

With the Seek, Giant relies on a one-size-fits-all aluminium frame on 27.5-inch wheels and consistently reduces the size of almost all components: The handlebars are only 32 centimetres wide, the crank arms 130 millimetres short, and the brake levers of the electronically shifting TRP groupset are a specially developed miniature version. The result is a bike that also works for very small children - a 123-centimetre-tall tester got on very well with it.

The catch: just under 3000 euros for a children's bike - only the offspring of really rich parents are likely to enjoy this bike. For those who can afford it, it is currently unrivalled. If you want to spend less, the Seek 2 is a cheaper option - and the Liv Seek is an identical counterpart from the Giant women's brand. However, both Seek 2 versions come without the extra gravel tyres.

Vpace Michl 275 - the all-rounder from Ravensburg

At under nine kilos, the Michl is significantly lighter than typical mountain bikes that children of this size usually find. The range of use can be adjusted via the choice of tyres. Vpace is well known in MTB races in the south of Germany - the Michl brings this DNA to the gravel segment.

Restriction: The shift levers of the mechanical GRX from Shimano look downright huge for children's hands. From 140 centimetres upwards, kids sit on the little Michl good - Underneath, it still feels too big for many.

Canyon Endurace Young Hero - get in at a favourable price

Canyon offers the Endurace for 1,299 euros - making it unrivalled value for money for a fully-fledged junior road bike. With wide tyres and comfortable geometry, it is well suited for tours with parents and first longer rides.

There is a reason for the price: at more than nine kilograms, the bike is comparatively heavy. There are hardly any specially designed lightweight parts for the lower weight of children. Canyon also recommends a height of at least 150 centimetres - i.e. from around eleven to 13 years of age.

Which one for whom?

The Giant Seek is the most technically convincing solution - and the most expensive. The Vpace Michl hits the middle ground: solid, versatile, suitable from 140 cm. The Canyon is the cheapest entry-level bike, but only works for older kids. What all three bikes have in common is that what children really miss when riding is not the gears or tyre width - but levers and handlebars that fit their hands.

All three individual tests are available on tour-magazin.de.