(Photos © J. Maus)
My seven-year old daughter Eleni is the proud owner of her first city bike; meaning it came with fenders, a rack, integrated light, and more.
It wasn’t easy to find a well built kids city bike in local bike shops. Most kids bikes are just mini versions of adult bikes that aren’t really functional for getting around, riding in traffic, carrying stuff, and so on. When I saw this gorgeous, 24-inch wheeled, three-speed Batavus, I was immediately impressed. Eleni likes it too. Here are a few highlights:
The rear rack has a large platform, is very sturdy, and came with a high-quality strap:
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The front light is integrated into the steerer tube and it’s turned on-off via a twist shifter (it also has an integrated rear light):
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As a security measure, the bike comes with its unique serial number cut directly into the downtube (it also has a rear wheel “cafe lock”):
The pedals have six little LEDs (three on each side) that light up when they move:
The chain is fully enclosed:
The fenders are metal and painted to match:
And here it is in action!
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This bike retails for $700 and we found it at Clever Cycles in Southeast Portland. Hopefully, someday bikes like this won’t be so hard to find.
For more on kid’s bikes, read The best kid’s bike might be one you build yourself and a full rundown of options from our Family Biking columnist Marion Rice.