How small can a racing bike with modern components be built? Giant attempts to answer this question with the new Seek children's road bike. The children's bike, which can be used with different tyres as a road racer or gravel bike for light dirt tracks, is designed to fit children from 130 to 150 centimetres tall and is state-of-the-art with electronic gears and hydraulic disc brakes. In the top version, which costs more than 3,000 euros - the paint finish alone costs 300 euros extra - it even rolls on carbon aero rims.
With the Seek, Giant relies on a one-size-fits-all aluminium frame built on 27.5-inch wheels (650B). It stands out with its steeply sloping top tube, which merges into the chainstays in an almost straight line to minimise standover height. In addition to the frame and wheels, Giant has also minimised a number of other critical components on the Seek. The specially developed handlebar is 32 centimetres narrow and has a reach that is hardly worth mentioning. The crank arms are only 130 millimetres short, and even the control levers of the electronic shifting Vistar groupset from TRP are a miniature version specially developed for the Seek: the grip bodies are significantly shorter and have less circumference, and the grip width of the brake levers has been reduced by more than a third.
In the video: BIKE & TOUR check out the Giant Seek
The Giant Seek 1 children's road bike on test
The first test for the Mini-Giant is a rider who, at 1.23 metres tall, is actually still far too small for the bike, but is keen to try it out. Of course, at that age, a racing handlebar is completely new territory, but where to brake and change gear is child's play in the literal sense of the word thanks to the "little buttons" - and quickly internalised. Getting on the bike is still the biggest hurdle at first because the wheels alone make it unusually high. But after a few attempts, it's amazing how quickly and playfully children who are completely inexperienced with road bikes get to grips with the Seek. Even the six-year-old sits comfortably and can reach the brake levers without contortions; there is no sign of insecurity despite the narrow tyres. The low gear ratio is perhaps even a little too well-intentioned, as the second highest gear is usually used on flat terrain. Children of this age should not be put on such steep hills that would require the lowest gear. A slightly larger chainring would make sense at the latest when the children get bigger and more powerful.
The ride on the unusually light and, above all, easy-rolling speedster certainly puts a permanent grin on your face. All adults who can remember their first ride on a lightweight, high-quality racing bike will be able to understand what that must feel like. The geometric compromises that the frame construction with the still relatively large wheels requires should not be overlooked. In addition to the sheer height, it can also happen that the tip of your foot hits the front tyre when riding tight corners despite the short cranks. This is particularly critical with the 35 millimetre wide gravel tyres supplied, but they are extremely useful for beginners. Experience has shown that these are minor problems for kids: you can get used to them and practise. But not frames that are too long, handlebars that are too big or levers that are too powerful, because they are no fun to ride.
After testing with three children around 130 centimetres tall, we can conclude that Giant has done a lot of things right with the Seek. The tailoring to small body sizes is extremely well done and currently unrivalled. And we have to admit that although hydraulic disc brakes, electric gears and lightweight carbon rims were developed for adult racers, they are ultimately an even greater blessing for children - the Seek definitely makes them want to ride more kilometres.
More than 3,000 euros for a children's bike is the downside; only the offspring of really rich parents are likely to be able to enjoy this bike. The bike will also rarely be available second-hand. The entry-level version Seek 2, which comes with aluminium rims, Microshift ten-speed gears and around a kilo more weight, is still expensive at 1,799 euros. Nevertheless, thanks to sufficient seat post extension, it is realistic that the bike will actually fit up to 1.50 metres and thus for several years. A longer stem may have to be fitted later, but this is easy to change.
Giant Seek 1: Price, geometry, equipment, advantages and disadvantages
- Price: 3,299 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.3 kilos
- Info: www.giant-bicycles.com
GEOMETRY
- Seat/top/head tube: 350/427/88 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 477/325 millimetres/1.46
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 511/447 millimetres/1.14
- Wheelbase/caster: 920/60 millimetres
EQUIPMENT
- Drive/gear shift: TRP Vistar (1x12, 30, 11-36 t.)
- Brakes: Tektro TR-35 (140/140 mm)
- Tyres: Giant Crosscut Grip 1 35 mm
- Impellers: Giant SLR 1 Carbon 650B
Advantages
- Convincing geometry concept
- High-quality and child-friendly components
Disadvantages
- Very expensive
Jens Klötzer
Editor
