Kids' gravel bike: The Vpace Michl28 on test - and the question: gravel or MTB?
Vpace has a name like thunder in the children's MTB scene. The models Fred, Max Danny... They are all widely used, at least in southern Germany, and not just for children's races. Vpace is probably even the leading provider, far ahead of well-known brands. There are good reasons for this. The men around Sören Zieher specialised early on in completing child-friendly geometries and add-on parts to create sporty bikes - as is so often the case, motivated by the desire to make sensible bikes accessible to their own children. Their success proves them right. Except Woom in the 16- to 20-inch children's bike range large manufacturers have hardly managed to take a comparably consistent approach in this segment.
The Vpace Michl28 model should now also make children happy as a gravel bike. Our test rider Leo, twelve years old, 147 centimetres tall and an experienced mountain biker, tried out whether this works. Vpace recommends the Michl28 for riders over 1.45 metres tall, making it a perfect fit for our test rider, who has little experience with road bikes. The test rides are mainly on forest roads and well-maintained forest tracks, but Leo also takes on roads and easy trails on his home turf. Basically his MTB routes without the really tricky bits.
Children's gravel bike Vpace Michl28: Rolls well - brakes poorly
He gets to grips with the bike straight away on this colourful mix of routes. "It's great how easily it rolls," is one of his first comments on a fast gravel section. However, the curved handlebars take some getting used to compared to an MTB. What's more, the shift brake levers are simply too big for a child's hands. Lesson number one: MTB handlebars are better suited to children's hands. Accordingly, Leo is also not very convinced by the braking performance: "It's weak compared to my bike," he judges.
Nevertheless, it gets up and down everywhere, shifting works, even a steep climb is feasible with the 32-42 gear ratio of the 1x11 Sram transmission. The 155 millimetre short cranks fit the legs. Leo also finds the weight of the bike (8.6 kilograms) pleasant: "Nice and light!", he comments on the difference to his mountain bike, which weighs more than ten kilos with a suspension fork. If you don't want racing handlebars, the Vpace bike is also available with straight MTB handlebars. The "Commuter" version also has a clever lighting system with battery integrated in the handlebars and a set of mudguards. This turns the gravel bike into a lightweight everyday bike. The smaller Michl275 model is also available for riders 135 centimetres and taller.
Our test bike rolls on Schwalbes G-One Allroad tyres in 40 millimetre width and with tubes. For sporty use, it would be a good idea to switch to tubeless tyres. This saves around 300 grams of weight, allows lower tyre pressure and reduces the risk of punctures.
The question: gravel bike or MTB? Which is the better start for sporty children?
The Vpace Michl28 costs 1,749 euros. The commuter version comes at the same price including lights and mudguards. A lot of money for a children's bike. But the resale prices of Vpace children's bikes are high, which has to be taken into account when making such purchases. In good condition, up to two thirds of the purchase price can be recouped when selling second-hand. Children can ride such a bike for about two years, or three if the growth spurt is delayed.
Now the crucial question: Do children have more fun on a gravel bike than on an MTB? Leo makes up his mind: "No, I wouldn't swap my bike for a gravel bike, because I ride just as fast on my MTB and can also manage more difficult sections that are particularly fun!" Of course, this is also due to Leo's background in mountain biking. The MTB hardtail is more versatile and offers more control and riding fun off-road. Children who previously only rode road bikes will probably see it the other way round: the gravel bike as a broadening of horizons.
Looking for an MTB alternative for the next generation?
Technical data of the Vpace Michl28
- Frame: Michl aluminium 6061 with 12 mm thru axle and flat-mount mount
- Fork/damper: Vpace CCX carbon fork
- Stem: Vpace SL, 60 mm
- Handlebars: Vpace Gravel SL, 38 cm wide, drop 120 mm, reach 70 mm, flare 18 degrees
- Circuit: Sram Apex1, 32/11-42
- Crank handle: Vpace children's crank, 155 mm, Q-factor 155 mm
- Brakes: Sram Apex, brake/shift lever with flatmount, adjustable reach
- Impellers: Vpace 28", tubeless ready
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround, 40 mm
- Price: 1,749 Euro
- Weight: 8.6 kg
Test conclusion
Off-road bikes make more sense in the hands of children than pure road bikes - if only to get out of the way of cars. Children who absolutely want to go out with racing handlebars will find a good offer in the Vpace Michl28. The gravel bike can be adjusted to the preferred routes via the choice of tyres. The Vpace racer is very well made, as light and as child-friendly as a racing handlebar bike can be. If all children's bikes were this good, more children would probably discover cycling as a sport for themselves.
Thomas Musch
Publisher
