CUBE Kids' Bikes

Height provides an initial guide. You can narrow down the selection by also measuring the child's inseam and letting them test the bike. Age, on the other hand, is only a rough guide. A tall five-year-old child may already need the same bike size as a smaller primary school-aged child.

Smaller Cube children's bikes are usually categorized by wheel diameter. The 16, 20, or 24-inch designation indicates the approximate wheel diameter, not the frame height. Larger Rookie Bikes also come in classic frame sizes such as XXS, XS, or S. The selection process here is already similar to the sizing guide for adult bikes.

The following table provides conservative guidance for initial selection. The right size may vary depending on geometry, saddle height, and the child's experience. Therefore, the size specifications of the specific Cube model and a practical fit test are always the deciding factors.

The child stands with their back against a wall without shoes. Their feet should be approximately one hand’s width apart. Slide a firm book vertically between their legs until it rests lightly against the crotch. Then measure from the floor to the top edge of the book. This measurement corresponds to the inseam length.

1. The child should not wear shoes during the measurement.
2. Both heels must remain on the floor.
3. The book should be held horizontally and rest lightly against the crotch.
4. Measure straight up from the floor to the top edge of the book.
5. The measurement should be repeated once to avoid discrepancies.

The lowest saddle position must match the measured inseam length. If the saddle itself is too high even at its lowest setting, it will be difficult to stop safely. A saddle set too low is also disadvantageous, as the knees will remain sharply bent while pedaling and tire more quickly.

For beginners, both soles of the feet should be able to reach the ground flat while seated. This allows the child to stop themselves and gain confidence when starting off and braking. This rule is particularly helpful when they are just switching from a balance bike to a pedal bike.

An experienced child does not need to be able to place both full soles on the ground at all times. With an efficient saddle height, secure contact with the toes or the front of the feet is often sufficient. The key is that the child can stop, dismount, and ride off again in a controlled manner.

The Numove series is designed for children who need a bike that is as light as possible and easy to control. Cube sizes the frame, cranks, pedals, handlebars and grips to suit smaller body proportions. A narrow pedal spacing supports a natural leg position. Short cranks prevent the knees from being lifted unnecessarily high when pedalling.

For the smaller Numove sizes, an easy start is the main focus. Depending on the model year and equipment, the Numove 160 weighs approximately six kilograms. A child can more easily accelerate such a bike from a standstill, pick it up after a fall or push it over a curb. Larger Numove variants are available with gears and, in some cases, disc brakes.

A Numove is right if your child still has little strength, is often meant to get on by themselves or only reluctantly moves a heavier bike. For the daily school run, it can be checked whether mudguards, lights and a stand are present or can be retrofitted.

The Acid series is suitable for children who use their bikes for everyday riding and leisure. The smaller models focus on ease of use. From 20 and 24 inches, gears, wider tires, and different braking systems are added. Standard models can be equipped with V-brakes, while Disc variants use hydraulic disc brakes.

For the school run, the FE models are interesting. The abbreviation stands for Fully Equipped. Such bicycles come with practical everyday equipment from the factory, such as lights, mudguards, and a kickstand. Depending on the model, a luggage rack may also be mounted. This saves having to assemble individual accessories later.

The additional equipment increases the weight. An Acid 240 with a suspension fork, disc brakes, and everyday components can be significantly heavier than a Numove of the same wheel size. In return, it offers different reserves in wet conditions, on unpaved paths, and in daily traffic. If the bike is mainly used on short, flat routes, a simpler and lighter version is often sufficient.

Reaction kids' bikes are designed for more athletic riding. The range includes hardtails, which feature suspension only at the front or use a lightweight rigid fork. A rigid fork saves weight and requires little maintenance. A suspension fork improves control on roots, rocks, and rough trails, provided it is tuned to the child's low weight.

The Reaction Pro is aimed at young riders looking for a lightweight, responsive mountain bike. Trail-Motion models offer greater suspension travel, grippy tires, and durable disc brakes. They are suitable for children who ride off-road regularly and have good braking and cornering technique. For simply riding to school, this setup would usually be more than necessary.

The Stereo Rookie is a full-suspension mountain bike for older children and teenagers. The suspension fork and rear shock keep both wheels better in contact with the ground on rough terrain. This can provide more control on technical trails. At the same time, weight, maintenance requirements, and price are higher compared to a hardtail.

A Stereo Rookie makes sense if the child regularly rides on suitable trails and actually uses the additional suspension. For occasional forest paths, a Reaction or Acid is usually sufficient. The full-suspension bike's suspension must be set to the rider's weight. Too high air pressure prevents the suspension from working. If the pressure is too low, the bike sags deep into the suspension travel and loses stability.

Current Stereo Rookie models are based on sporty adult bikes in terms of gearing, suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes. The contact points and frame proportions are tailored to younger riders. Before purchasing, it should be checked whether the frame size, standover height, and reach are suitable for the child.

A children's bike must be manageable. This means it should be the right size, have easily accessible brakes and weigh an amount that suits the child's strength. High-quality components are of little help if the brake lever is too far from the handlebars or if the child cannot lift the bike after a fall.

• Child-friendly brake levers have a short or adjustable reach.
• Narrow handlebars and grips can be securely grasped by small hands.
• Short crank arms and suitable pedals support a natural pedaling motion.
• Aluminum frames combine a sturdy construction with limited weight.

• On small wheels, a chain guard protects clothing and fingers from the drive system.
• Reflectors increase visibility but do not replace required lighting in road traffic.
• Wide tires provide grip on loose ground but can increase weight and rolling resistance depending on the design.
• Hydraulic disc brakes require little hand force and brake reliably even in wet conditions.

The weight of the bicycle should always be considered in relation to the child's body weight. A twelve-kilogram bicycle does not feel heavy to an adult. However, if the child weighs only 24 kilograms, the bike is equivalent to half their body weight. A comparable ratio for a 75-kilogram person would mean a 37.5-kilogram bicycle.

A lightweight bike is easier to get moving, steer, and ride uphill. Pushing, parking, and carrying up stairs also becomes easier. That is why Cube omits components on small Numove models whose benefits do not justify the additional weight. A suspension fork, for example, is only worthwhile if it responds to the low rider weight and is needed on the routes ridden.

Nevertheless, the lightest bicycle is not automatically the right choice. For a longer school commute, lights, mudguards, and a luggage rack may be more important than saving the last kilogram. Off-road, grippy tires and disc brakes provide additional control. The equipment should therefore be as comprehensive as necessary and as lightweight as possible.

V-brakes are lightweight, simple in design and well suited for dry everyday riding. Wear and adjustment can be easily checked. In wet conditions, braking performance at the rim decreases. Hydraulic disc brakes brake more reliably regardless of the weather and require little hand force. They are suitable for sporty mountain bikes, fast youth bikes and everyday bikes that are often ridden in changing weather.

The ease of use is initially more important than the type of brake. The child must be able to reach both levers without taking their hand off the handlebar grip. During a test ride, they should be able to apply the front and rear brakes gradually and come to a controlled stop from an appropriate speed.