New kids’ bike brand launched

There’s a brand new kid’s bike brand out there in the shape of Frog Bikes who produce a range of colourful, lightweight models. The brand will launch officially at the Bike & Triathlon Show in Manchester on 16-17 February

The range includes nine bikes with each available in four colours, the most eye-catching of them being the spotty bike which comes covered in coloured polka dots. With aluminium frames and forks, each of the models is designed to be lightweight and robust.

The Tadpole weighs in at just 4kg (8.8lb) and the Frog 73 – the largest model – at 10kg (22lb). The idea is that the bikes are easy to handle for children who want to explore on two wheels. Frog Bikes say that their bikes are made with high-quality, branded and child-specific components. The company will sell predominantly through independent bike stores, although online too.

The nine bikes are aimed at a wide range of ages and sizes, from the Tadpole, which is a first “balance bike”, right through to a 16in frame to suit 12-14 year olds. There’s also a mountain bike with front suspension forks in the range.

High-quality components designed specifically for smaller hands include Tektro slim-grip brakes with adjustable levers and Shimano easy-twist gears.

Each of the bikes is named according to the minimum inside leg length of the child riding it. So, a Frog 52 is for riders with a minimum inside leg of 52cm. Simple!

You get a standard two-year warranty on the frame, forks, components and paintwork of all Frog Bikes – as well as on the lightweight frames for lifting onto roof racks. You can also upgrade to a free five-year warranty on frame and forks.

Frog Bikes have developed an interactive website, www.frogbikes.com, where you can browse the range and check out accessories from brands such as Bell, Knog and Handlebar Heroes.

One of the most interesting features is the Gift List service, where customers can select a bike for a birthday or Christmas present, for example, then ask friends and family to visit the site and make a contribution towards the bike fund.