We previewed these bikes in our Frostbike 2015 article last month but thought the line was worth a closer look.
U.K.-based Early Rider makes kid bikes touted by the company as the “very best” in the industry. They are not new but distribution is expanding in the U.S.
If nothing, they are unique. From a shrunken road racer (above) to a ladybug-like design for tiny kids, the Early Rider line goes beyond simple kid push-bikes.
I held the drop-bar model in hand, called the Road Runner 14 , and was impressed with its solid feel and great design. In addition to a cool look, the company boasts the drop bars give little ones a lower center of gravity for better control.
Like many of the bikes in the company’s line, the Road Runner has a light aluminum frame and fork. It includes a carbon seat post and a faux leather saddle. Its frame size and 14” pneumatic wheels are perfect for kids age 3 to 5.
The bug-like Spherovelo (above) was designed for tiny ones age 10 months to 2 years. It is a semi-stable scooter that teaches balance and gets kids comfortable on a bike.
Overall, the company has push-bikes for kids ages 1 – 4. The company also manufactures pedal-equipped bikes for slightly bigger kids (up to about 6 years old). They have belt drives (no greasy chain), hand brakes, and mountain bike frame types to cruise trails and hits small jumps.
Early Riders sells bikes mainly in the U.K., but the company is distributed through Quality Bicycle Products and available for order from dealers and shops around the U.S.
Prices are a bit more than what you pay for other kid push-bikes (over $200 for the Road Runner, for example, and about $100 for the Spherovelo) but worth the money for the unique and quality ride. Your kids will thank you.
