The shifters on higher-end bikes are typically significantly easier for a child to use and usually wear better with time. The components that make up the gears of bikes vary greatly in quality and performance. Higher-end bikes typically have more robust systems that can better handle the wear and tear from kids, and also allow for smoother shifting. Quality hand brakes, like those shown on the Pello below, add significant costs to a bike. With more parts and even more time required to install and tune the brakes, reliable handbrakes are simply not available on low-cost bikes.
Pello’s smaller bikes are ideal for timid to average riders working to build and grow their skills. Providing a unique, semi-upright body position that works for both timid and confident riders, Pello’s smaller bikes excel at transforming new and timid kent bayside cruiser riders into playful and adventurous riders. Young kids typically have difficulty learning the difference between braking with their right and left hands, but SureStop removes any confusion, while offering the superior braking power of dual brakes.
However, the top speed of the 3.2 bike is going to be much slower than the bike with the 4.5 gain ratio. A major factor in creating an ample-sized cockpit is the bike’s wheelbase (the distance between the wheels’ axles). With kids bikes, a smaller wheelbase almost always means a smaller cockpit.
Mass-marketed kids bike brands, such as Huffy, RoyalBaby and Dynacraft (found in big-box stores or online), are built with a cheap price tag as the end goal, NOT with the child’s experience on the bike. Sunglasses do more than just protect your eyes from the sun—they also showcase your style. After testing 29 models over the past several years, we’ve found 11 great pairs of shades—all of which are nicely priced, block UV rays, and are available with polarized lenses. All of our panelists found the Kent Wang Keyhole sunglasses comfortable, and they were the ones I kept reaching for even after testing finished.
Shimano’s higher-end Altus and Acera lines as well as Microshift components (used on Prevelo and Guardian) are much better lines that offer smooth and more reliable shifting. SRAM components (used by woom and Pello) do not make a budget line, so any of their systems are better than the Shimano Tourney line. As you can see above, the bottom bracket on the Cleary Owl is considerable lower than that on a Specialized Riprock. Priority Bicycles are uniquely suited for parents who are looking for a top-quality bike with modern, clean styling, but also easy to maintain and easy to use.