After introducing the new kids bike in the previous posts, here is a more detailed analysis of the Early Rider Seeker 14. As it is a kids-specific bike, there are some dimensions that are specially sized to fit smaller kids. Let's find out what they are!
Some kids bikes are using smaller diameter handlebars of 19 mm diameter, instead of the industry standard of 22.2 mm. With a smaller handlebar diameter, the rubber grip can be made smaller to suit smaller hands.
For this bike, a standard handlebar diameter of 22.2 mm was used. There is a tolerance of around +/- 0.2 mm for this dimension.
Within the tolerance of the standard flat handlebar diameter of 22.2 mm.
The grip size is slightly smaller than usual, at less than 30 mm diameter. Usually for adult bikes, the grip diameter is 30-34 mm.
In this case, I would say that the grip design is not really kids specific, as the only noticeable difference is a slightly smaller grip diameter.
On the other hand, the brake levers are special, as they have an extra short reach for small kids hands.
Special kids brake levers with a different shape for short reach. Does it work?
The pivot is located closer to the handlebar, while there is a grub screw to adjust the lever reach.
Testing with actual kids hand size shows that it works pretty well! My kid is able to reach and activate the brake lever properly.
This brake lever is by Tektro, and the model number is JL350. Hard to find it sold separately though.
The saddle does not have saddle rails for fore/aft or tilt adjustment, the angle is basically fixed.
The saddle size is suitable for kids, but the only adjustment is the seatpost height. Quick release lever is useful.
This Early Rider Seeker 14 kids bike also comes with flat pedals, but I did not install them as I was going to convert it to a balance bike first. I found that these pedals are of really good quality, as the bearings are very smooth, better than what I have seen on other pedals!
Smooth spinning bearings on the pedal axle, which also looks very premium.
Overall pedal width is about 72 mm, and it even has molded pins for grip!
Pedal size (front to back) is about 70 mm, also smaller for kids feet.
As the pedals are relatively small, they are also lightweight at just 200 grams a pair!
By converting it to a balance bike for now, I am able to measure the weight of the drivetrain components, since they have been removed from the bike.
The crank length is just 90 mm, which is good for kids bikes.
As shown in the previous post, the crankset spindle is not connected to either the drive or non-drive side, it is a standalone part. This aluminium spindle weighs 123 grams.
Left crank arm weighs just 85 grams.
Right crankarm with chain ring and chain guard weighs 294 grams.
Wave washer and two crank arm fixing bolts weigh 38 grams.
Full crankset weight is 542 grams.
The bottom bracket weighs 86 grams, and looks very much like a standard Hollowtech II BB.
The BB adapter width is measured to be 10 mm, which makes it a road type BB as previously discovered.
Bottom bracket shell width is 68 mm, which is the road spec. Standard specifications here.
The belt itself is lightweight, at just 58 grams.
No more drivetrain! You can do this with any bike to make it a balance bike.
Weight as a balance bike is just 4.9 kg.
Crankset: 542 grams
Bottom Bracket: 86 grams
Belt: 58 grams
4.9 kg + 542 g + 86 g + 58 g = About 5.6 kg, which is the claimed weight of the original full bike without pedals.
For now, it will be used as a balance bike first, to get used to the handling, geometry and brakes. Once my kid is ready, I will reinstall the drivetrain parts, to make it a proper pedal bike.
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