With the Vpace Michl, Ravensburger is entering the world of children's gravel bikes. The new model is intended as an introduction to the adventurous world of gravel for young bikers. Vpace attaches particular importance to high-quality equipment that is orientated towards adult gravel bikes.
Frame and geometry for little adventurers
At the heart of the Vpace Michl is the aluminium frame, which is available in two sizes. The model with 27.5-inch wheels is used for children from 1.35 metres tall, while taller children up to 1.50 metres can ride on 28-inch wheels. We already had the Vpace Michl28 in our BIKE test.
The geometry has been specially adapted to the needs of young riders. After all, young riders should also be able to progress comfortably and efficiently on longer tours. A shorter rear triangle should ensure agility and manoeuvrability, while the steep seat angle in combination with adapted crank length and shortened top tube and head tube lengths ensure an ergonomic riding position for pedalling.
Vpace Michl: Adult components for young gravel fans
When equipping the Michl, Vpace relies on high-quality components that are otherwise more familiar from adult bikes. A Shimano GRX 600 groupset is used as the centrepiece of the gear system. This modern 1x11 drivetrain is designed to enable precise gear changes and at the same time save weight thanks to the single crank.
Hydraulic disc brakes, also from Shimano's GRX-600 series, ensure reliable deceleration even on demanding descents. This combination of gears and brakes promises handling on a par with adult gravel bikes.
More bikes for the kids from Vpace:
Wheels and tyres for road, gravel & trail
According to the manufacturer, the wheels of the Vpace Michl have been specially adapted to the lower rider weight. They should not only be light, but also offer the necessary stability for trips off the beaten track.
The tyres used are Schwalbe G-One tyres for use. These all-rounder tyres are designed to provide good grip and low rolling resistance on asphalt as well as gravel and light trails. The combination of adapted wheels and versatile tyres is designed to enable young riders to have fun on a wide variety of surfaces.
Handlebars and ergonomics for long tours
A special feature of the Vpace Michl is the genuine gravel handlebar with an 18-degree flare. This handlebar shape, in which the lower link is bent outwards, should be particularly advantageous for long tours and first bikepacking adventures.
The flare enables a wider grip position in the lower handlebar, which promises more control in technical passages. At the same time, the ergonomic shape is designed to take the strain off wrists and shoulders. In combination with the adapted frame geometry, VPACE also aims to enable young riders to enjoy rides lasting several hours without sacrificing comfort.
Nice and wide: Application range of the Vpace Michl
According to the manufacturer, the Vpace Michl is assigned to category 2, which allows it to be used off-road and on difficult routes. This means that the bike is not only suitable for the daily commute to school, where asphalt and gravel alternate, but also for tours with parents or initial training sessions.
Particularly interesting for ambitious young riders: the Michl can also be converted into a racing bike or UCI-compliant cyclocross bike. This versatility should enable young bikers to explore different disciplines of cycling on one bike.
With a weight of around 8 kilograms, the Vpace Michl is positioned in the lightweight segment of children's gravel bikes. A low bike weight is particularly advantageous when accelerating and on inclines.
Vpace Michl: Technical specifications
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Carbon
- Wheel sizes: 27.5" (from 1.35 m tall), 28" (up to 1.50 m tall)
- Circuit: Shimano GRX 600, 1x11-speed
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 600, hydraulic disc brakes
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One
- Handlebars: Gravel handlebars with 18° flare
- Weight: approx. 8 kg
- Field of application: Category II (trails, gravel, tarmac, difficult terrain)
- Price: from 1799 Euro
Price & availability
The price for the Vpace Michl children's gravel bike starts at 1799 euros. Although this puts the Michl in the higher price segment, it also offers a particularly child-friendly geometry and high-quality equipment that is orientated towards adult gravel bikes. The Vpace Michl is now available in stores.
Maik Schröder
Editor
