Raymon Kids

For beginners, the Yanga is a sensible choice if you are looking for a well-controllable bicycle for paved paths. The Yanga 20 Pure has seven gears with a twist shifter and V-brakes. The Yanga 20 Pro is the better-equipped 20-inch model with 8-speed Shimano Altus and hydraulic disc brakes. The Street versions are more geared towards everyday use and feature a lighting system with a hub dynamo, a luggage rack and a kickstand.

If the child is already a confident rider and regularly uses forest or gravel paths, a Raymon children's MTB from the Nayta range is the more suitable choice. The 24-inch models are suitable for younger riders. The Raymon Nayta 26 is designed for older children and teenagers.

Pro models feature an 8-speed Shimano Acera derailleur, while Comp models feature a 7-speed Shimano Tourney TY200 derailleur.

The Zorq Pure is the motorized alternative. It is available in 24 and 26-inch sizes and combines the Oli Pico mid-drive motor with 70 Nm of torque with a 400 Wh battery. Both sizes feature an 8-speed Shimano Alivio derailleur and a suspension fork with 80 mm of travel.

The right size cannot be determined by age alone. Children of the same age can differ significantly in height and leg length. Therefore, height, inseam length, and the distance between the seat and the top tube are more reliable indicators. The child should be able to mount the bike safely and dismount in a controlled manner while standing.

A bike should not be bought with room to grow if the child can only reach the ground on tiptoe or has to hold the handlebars with outstretched arms. Such a riding position impairs balance and increases reaction time when braking. The child must be able to quickly catch the bike, especially on uneven ground.

On a suitable Raymon bike, there is plenty of room above the top tube. The seat can be adjusted so that the child stands securely when starting off and pedals efficiently during the ride. The knee should still be slightly bent at the lowest point of the pedal stroke. For beginners, the seat may initially be set a little lower so that both feet can quickly reach the ground.

For children's bicycles, inseam length is more important than a general age recommendation. It shows how much space there is between the floor and the crotch. This measurement can be taken at home with a book and a tape measure.

1. The child stands barefoot with their back against a straight wall.
2. Their feet should be about a hand's width apart, and both legs should remain straight.
3. A firm book is placed horizontally between the legs. It should mimic the pressure of a bicycle seat without pressing uncomfortably.
4. The distance from the top edge of the book to the floor is then measured. This measurement is the inseam length.
5. The inseam length is compared with the minimum seat height of the desired bicycle. For a beginner, the seat height should be adjustable low enough to ensure secure contact with the ground.

The commonly cited factor of 0.57 is used to calculate the frame height for adult mountain bikes. For children's bikes, the appropriate wheel size is used instead, in combination with the minimum seat height, to ensure secure contact with the ground. Top tube height, crank length, and seat adjustment also influence whether the bike is suitable.

For a Raymon children's bike, it should also be checked whether the child can safely reach the brake levers. If the fingers are too far from the lever in a normal grip, the bike is not optimally adjusted despite the appropriate wheel size. The handlebars must also not be so high or far away that the arms have to be fully extended.

A lightweight children's bike is easier to start, steer, and brake. The child can more easily push it over a curb or reposition it after stopping. This difference is significant because a bicycle is considerably heavier relative to a child's body weight than an adult bike is relative to an adult.

As a guideline, a non-motorized children's bike should ideally weigh no more than 30 to 40 percent of the child's body weight. If a child weighs 25 kg, a reasonable range would be around 7.5 to 10 kg. For a 35 kg child, 30 to 40 percent corresponds to approximately 10.5 to 14 kg. The rule of thumb is not a strict safety limit, but it helps when comparing similarly equipped models.

Excessive weight is particularly noticeable when riding slowly. The child needs more strength to accelerate the bike from a standstill and keep it upright in tight turns. If the bike loses its balance, it is harder to catch. Carrying it up stairs or loading it into a vehicle also becomes more difficult.

Raymon uses aluminum frames for the Yanga and Nayta. Aluminum allows for sturdy frames at a lower weight than many simple steel constructions. However, the actual total weight also depends on the fork, tires, gears, and the equipment of the street variants. According to the manufacturer, for example, the Yanga 20 Pure weighs 9.1 kg, the Yanga 20 Pro 9.4 kg, the Nayta 24 Comp 11.4 kg, the Nayta 26 Pro 13.1 kg, the Zorq Pure 24 18.8 kg, and the Zorq Pure 26 19.5 kg.

As low a weight as possible should not be the only purchasing criterion. Wide tires, a suspension fork, or a full set of everyday equipment increase the weight, but can make sense for the intended use. If the bike is used daily on the way to school, permanently mounted components can be more practical than a lighter sports model that has to be retrofitted.

Different standards apply to a children's e-MTB. The motor and battery significantly increase the weight. The child must still be able to maneuver the bike without motor assistance, stop it, and control it after it has tipped over. Therefore, before purchasing a Zorq Pure, a test ride should not be the only thing that takes place. The child should also be able to push, turn, and upright the bike from a tilted position.

A children's e-bike makes sense if large differences in fitness levels within the family make group rides difficult. The assistance can prevent the child from becoming exhausted early on long climbs. It is also helpful when longer distances are covered regularly and the child has the necessary riding experience for the heavier bike weight.

For short distances in flat terrain, an unpowered Yanga or Nayta is usually easier to handle. The lower weight makes it easier to learn balance and riding technique. An e-bike should not be purchased to compensate for a lack of riding experience. The child must already be able to brake safely, ride around corners, and adjust their speed to the path and traffic.

The Zorq Pure 24 is designed for younger children for whom a 26-inch bike is still too large. The Zorq Pure 26 is aimed at older young riders. Both models are available in one size. This is why a test ride is particularly important. The suspension fork offers 80 mm of travel in both sizes, and braking is provided by Tektro disc brakes. According to the manufacturer, the Zorq Pure 24 weighs 18.8 kg, while the Zorq Pure 26 weighs 19.5 kg.

The equipment must suit the child's riding ability and intended use. A child does not need as many gears as possible, but rather a gear system that they can operate without distraction. The brake levers must also be within reach of small hands. A powerful brake is of little use if the child cannot pull the lever in a controlled manner.

• For the brakes, an appropriate lever reach and a clear engagement point are crucial. The child should be able to modulate both the front and rear brakes. For sporty riding and a heavier e-bike, a reliably controllable braking system is particularly important. Raymon Yanga Pure and Nayta Comp models use V-brakes. The Yanga 20 Pro, Nayta Pro, Nayta Pro Street and Zorq Pure are equipped with Tektro disc brakes.
• The Yanga 20 Pure, Yanga 20 Pure Street, Yanga 24 and Yanga 26 use a 7-speed Shimano Tourney TY200 gear system with a twist shifter, while the Yanga 20 Pro has an 8-speed Shimano Altus. The Nayta models offer a choice between 7-speed Tourney and 8-speed Acera gear systems. The Zorq Pure children's e-MTBs are equipped with an 8-speed Shimano Essa gear system.
• Wider, treaded tyres improve grip on gravel and forest paths. On asphalt, they usually roll with more resistance than narrower tyres. For a Raymon children's MTB, a coarser tread is advisable if the child regularly rides off paved paths.

• Street models are designed for everyday use. On the Yanga Pure Street and Nayta Pro Street, a hub dynamo powers the 40-lux Spanninga Neos headlight and Spanninga Solo taillight, and they also come with a luggage rack and kickstand. Before riding on public roads, you should check that the specific bicycle has all the required components.
• The saddle and brake levers should be adjusted regularly. Children grow quickly, so an adjustment that is right at the start of the season may be too low or too small just a few months later.

If the bicycle is mainly used for the school run, a practical Street model is a sensible starting point. However, before purchasing, you should check which components are actually fitted. The addition of "Street" to the model name alone is no substitute for checking the equipment.

For forest paths and more demanding rides, the Nayta Comp or Nayta Pro are the obvious choices. The Pro models feature an 8-speed Acera gear system, while the Comp models have seven gears. For beginners, the simpler gear system may be sufficient. More experienced children benefit from finer gear ratios when riding on varied terrain.