Is this full-carbon pushbike really just the ultimate parental indulgence?
Specialized just made its lightest bike ever. The carbon-frame, carbon-wheel pushbike is for riders who are 18 months to 4 years old, under 40 pounds and 35 inches tall, and have a lot saved up in their piggy bank!
And while it’s not the first full-carbon kids’ bike — Strider did that years ago — this one looks at least as high-tech. And it certainly carries some clout with the Specialized name.
Specialized Hotwalk Carbon
The 4.34-pound bike is made of FACT 9r carbon, the same used in Specialized highest-end S-Works carbon road and mountain race bikes, and engineered by the team that brought the Specialized Tarmac SL7 and the new Stumpjumper to life.
Its carbon handlebars and grips are 38% smaller to fit toddlers’ hands.
Grip ends are designed to support the bike when it gets dropped on the ground (repeatedly), while carbon wheels and tires were developed with ultralight casing to support low weight and low miles. And the low-friction Body Geometry saddle has an integrated carrying handle.
Specialized didn’t confirm if it tested this bike in its “Win Tunnel” wind tunnel, but we’re guessing it did. Why not?
For the orthodontist whose child has it all or the parent who hopes for a 4-and-under Strava segment, this bike will be a big hit. I mean, who wouldn’t drop $1,000 to brag to their friends that their kid’s first bike is carbon?