This thread can be a general discussion about kids bikes; however, I chose the Norco Coaster as the starting point based off popularity and availability (at least in my area).
Kids are all shapes and sizes and abilities and the Coaster bike while a decent "off-road" option still struggle to work for everyone. I spent over $300 on each coaster 12" and 16" which is much more than the Walmart brands yet far less than boutique kids bike offerings. I'm willing to assume most MTB parents will at least splurge for something like the Norco Coaster.
Here is an outline of my journey to make these rideable:
Stem: Can swap any stem length to adjust reach and comfort, there are finally some zero (0mm) lengths available.
Handlebar: Generally come with a riser bar that puts their body position upright a rearward, low seat, high knees and hard to crank. You can replace with any flat MTB bar and reduce the width as needed
Rear hand brake: The lever-pull can be adjusted closer to the bars - it's easy and helps them learn how to properly hand brake DO IT! also frequently adjust the cable/pad contact on the rear rim
Tires: the stock tires are awful and hard to find upgrades (VeeRubber has some good options like the "Crown Gem")
Coaster brake: remove the coaster brake, the limitations to your child's development are well outlined here: Revealed: The must-change component on your kid’s pedal bike and here is a YouTube video that outlines the process:
Chainring: Difficult for kids to spin the crank while combined with a low seat and high knees on a 30T -no smaller chainring options that I'm aware of
Crank Length: you can swap a shorter size crank to a larger size frame for fitment -I did this with a the 14" from a bike at the dump to 16"
Remove Cranks: before my kids could pedal I removed the cranks and bottom bracket so they could use it as run bike. That way they are comfortable with their own bike when you put the pedals and training wheels back on.
Training wheels: These are good for a while to learn the pedal rotation and upright feel, but quickly become a problem to development similar to the coaster brake above.
Little Helpers: Involve your kids with all their bike decisions and modifications, let them use the tools and pick the new parts, let them put the "clinkers" on the spokes and stickers on the frame. They love it and the bond strengthens their memories of learning to ride!
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Kids are all shapes and sizes and abilities and the Coaster bike while a decent "off-road" option still struggle to work for everyone. I spent over $300 on each coaster 12" and 16" which is much more than the Walmart brands yet far less than boutique kids bike offerings. I'm willing to assume most MTB parents will at least splurge for something like the Norco Coaster.
Here is an outline of my journey to make these rideable:
Stem: Can swap any stem length to adjust reach and comfort, there are finally some zero (0mm) lengths available.
Handlebar: Generally come with a riser bar that puts their body position upright a rearward, low seat, high knees and hard to crank. You can replace with any flat MTB bar and reduce the width as needed
Rear hand brake: The lever-pull can be adjusted closer to the bars - it's easy and helps them learn how to properly hand brake DO IT! also frequently adjust the cable/pad contact on the rear rim
Tires: the stock tires are awful and hard to find upgrades (VeeRubber has some good options like the "Crown Gem")
Coaster brake: remove the coaster brake, the limitations to your child's development are well outlined here: Revealed: The must-change component on your kid’s pedal bike and here is a YouTube video that outlines the process:
Chainring: Difficult for kids to spin the crank while combined with a low seat and high knees on a 30T -no smaller chainring options that I'm aware of
Crank Length: you can swap a shorter size crank to a larger size frame for fitment -I did this with a the 14" from a bike at the dump to 16"
Remove Cranks: before my kids could pedal I removed the cranks and bottom bracket so they could use it as run bike. That way they are comfortable with their own bike when you put the pedals and training wheels back on.
Training wheels: These are good for a while to learn the pedal rotation and upright feel, but quickly become a problem to development similar to the coaster brake above.
Little Helpers: Involve your kids with all their bike decisions and modifications, let them use the tools and pick the new parts, let them put the "clinkers" on the spokes and stickers on the frame. They love it and the bond strengthens their memories of learning to ride!
