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The Kimu 16 starts out as a balance bike and can later be converted into a pedal bike - pretty clever, in our opinion. After all, the development from the first roll to real cycling is sometimes so fast that children haven't even outgrown the balance bike yet. Children from the age of three use the Kimu 16 initially without pedals to learn balance and braking. As soon as these skills are in place, pedals and cranks are fitted. The short cranks should enable a natural pedalling movement without having to bend the knees too much.
Two variants for different growth phases
Orbea supplies the Kimu 16 with two seat posts. The first covers the initial phase, the second extended version is used when the child is a little taller and is already travelling with the Kimu in the pedal set-up. This system is designed to extend the service life and ensure the right saddle height at every stage. The geometry is designed for body heights between 94 and 115 cm.
Closed chain guard and personalisation
A fully enclosed chain guard completely covers the chain so that children's legs do not come into contact with the oily chain. This is intended to reduce dirt and wear. Clothes and fingers remain clean and protected. Frame protection, name plate and colour-coordinated stickers are included in the scope of delivery. Children can use them to personalise their bike.
Equipment and availability
The Kimu 16 comes in two colour variants, Slate Blue and Acid Gum, and is already equipped with disc brakes. The equipment also includes a small mudguard on the rigid fork and a stabiliser, which prevents excessively fast steering movements and should ensure a safe riding experience >> available here.
Orbea Kimu 16: Technical data
- Wheel size: 16 inch
- Height: 94-115 cm
- Concept: balance bike with conversion option to pedal bike
- Chain guard: Completely closed
- Seat posts: Two pieces (standard and extended)
- Cranks: Short design for natural pedalling motion
- Brakes: Clarks M2 Hydraulic Disc w/Kids Lever
- Tyres: Schwalbe Billy Bonkers Perf, 16x2.00
- Personalisation: nameplate, frame protection, sticker
- Colours: Slate Blue, Acid Gum
- Price: 499 Euro >> available here
The opinion of the editorial team
If you put children on their first balance bike as early as possible, the success curve points steeply upwards. Often you could switch to the first children's bike long ago, but the toddlers are not yet the right size. I have experienced this myself. The fact that you can convert the Kimu 16 from a balance bike to a children's bike is a pretty clever move. The disc brakes are way too big for the expected range of use, but in my opinion, kids can't learn how to use the brakes early enough. Thumbs up for this concept.
Stefan Frey
Editor
