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They dust through berms and sail over doubles as if they had been born with a mountain bike under their bum. The older generation can hardly stop marvelling. Whether more and more youngsters are discovering a love of biking and manufacturers are therefore increasingly developing children's and youth bikes that are perfectly tailored to the needs of the little ones in terms of geometry, weight and equipment, or whether it's the other way round, is completely irrelevant. The trend towards age-appropriate bikescomponents and accessories was long overdue.
It's nice to see that local authorities and tourist regions are also jumping on the bandwagon and Pump tracks, practice course and Flowtrails sprout from the ground, offering youngsters the perfect playgrounds to slowly familiarise themselves with the sport. In the end, we are also ensuring the continued existence of our favourite hobby. And who knows, maybe one or two die-hard bikers can learn a thing or two from the young guns.
Opinion of Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
Everyone knows how much more fun you have with light and suitable equipment. The manufacturers of children's bikes and accessories have finally recognised this too.
Play instinct: children's MTB from Scor
First high-end enduro bikes, now children's MTBs. The Swiss want to offer the next generation bikes with the same playfulness as the adult models. The 24-inch Scor 0024 costs 949 euros, comes with 2.4-inch wide tyres, Sram 1x8 drive and a steering angle of 68 degrees. For shredders aged five and over, there is also the Scor 0020 for 899 euros.
Children's helmet Abus YouDrop FF
With the new YouDrop FF, Abus is particularly focussed on the safety of the next generation of cyclists. Nine ventilation openings, a height-adjustable fitting system and a removable chin strap characterise the 430 gram lightweight helmet.
For kids on a balance bike: Met Hooray children's helmet
Cycling lays the foundation for a career on a bike. A helmet is also a must here. The Met Hooray for 75 euros has MIPS, a rear light and weighs just 260 grams in size XS. Insect mesh and a 360-degree headband for better adjustment are also included >> available here.
Rear derailleur for 20-inch bikes: Microshift Advent
Less chain means less lever. The Advent rear derailleur is therefore available with an extra short cage for 20-inch bikes. It should also be quieter, more durable and offer more ground clearance. Four different shifters with non-slip levers and nine gears are optimised to meet the needs of young riders. Price still open.
Children's pedals from Tatze
With the Contact Kids and Junior CNC pedal models, the Austrians produce high-quality children's pedals with ten non-slip pins, a concave base and double-sealed bearings. The pairs weigh 193 and 289 grams respectively and cost from 69 euros.
The new trend: 3D printing
Tangible prototypes or very specialised small parts have been produced using special 3D printing processes for some time now. However, manufacturers are now also discovering this technology for series products for end customers. The layer-by-layer production allows moulds to be produced that no other process allows so easily. The complex parts are created from elastomers that float in the form of a plastic solution in a container and are solidified under UV radiation. Fizik and Specialized already use the process to produce the padding for their saddles. This process allows the padding hardness to be programmed with pinpoint accuracy. In the near future, this should also enable products to be customised to the customer's anatomy. The technology is still too expensive and too slow for mass production. But that could change quickly.
Opinion of Stefan Frey, BIKE editor:
"A customised seat cushion or a saddle made to measure may soon be easily realised using computer software and 3D printing."
Comfort saddle for kids: Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D
The so-called DLS technology enables Selle Italia to manufacture the new SLR Boost without complex moulds. Different damping zones are designed to offer the rider the best possible comfort. The high-tech saddle will be available from September as a Superflow version with a hole and with carbon or titanium rails.
Backpack for youngsters: Jack Wolfskin Aerorise
Together with polymer specialist Oechsler, the outdoor experts have created a new type of carrying system. Four individual pads are designed to optimise weight distribution, act as shock absorbers and improve ventilation thanks to the open cell structure. The 40-litre version shown here will cost 449 euros >> available here.
Freshly padded: Endura Pro SL 3D Matrix Bibshorts
The Scots from Endura also use 3D printing to produce their new 3D matrix EGM pad. Ergo expert Phil Burt was involved in the development of the lightweight and breathable padding, which is designed to significantly improve seating comfort.
