Road bikes for children - is that even sensible? There are enough trainers and educationalists who advise against putting children and young people on racing bikes before they are 15 or 16 years old. For eleven and twelve-year-olds, on the other hand, the focus should be on enjoying sport and developing general athleticism. This also includes cycling - but in a playful way, with which children develop their sense of movement. And twelve-year-old racing dwarves training on public roads with their speedsters? Not an entirely pleasant idea either. On the other hand, racing in the clubs of the German Cycling Federation starts in the U11 class - and a competition without proper competition equipment is only half the fun. There is the market, there are the bikes, so it is only logical to take a critical look at what is on offer.
SHORT AND SHORT
In terms of geometry and dimensions, racing bikes for children should actually be correctly scaled down adult bikes. It is also important that they are well equipped with child-friendly add-on parts and are well made. However, none of the test bikes were able to fulfil all of these criteria at once. The best impression was left by the Bianchi and the Fort, whose weaknesses can be remedied by the rider at little cost and time. Stiffness values of the frames are less important due to the lower weight and lower forces of children and are therefore not taken into account in the test.
You can find these children's bikes in the PDF download:
Bianchi Professional Cycling Team, Felt F24, Fort RO.7005.24, Specialised Allez Junior, Trek KDR 1000 24
Downloads:
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