Children grow into people, but somewhere along the way there is a gap, bike-wise. Puky has now closed that: The children's bike specialist now also offers 26-inch models. The three new bikes are based on the Skyride, Cyke and LS-Pro models, which are already available in sizes up to 24 inches.
Are people getting taller? Today's elementary school kids are about 15mm longer than their parents of the same age were in the 1970s, science tells us; on the other hand, it cannot be assumed that in a few decades two meters will be the new normal - after all, more favorable living conditions and better nutrition seem to be the main reasons for the growth plus. Of course, one thing is certain: children of the same age can be very different in size – and some girls and some boys have outgrown the 24-inch bike long before they are teenagers.
Size revolution at Puky
And that led to a step that could almost be called revolutionary for the children's bike expert Puky. From 2022, the traditional manufacturer will be offering three bikes with 26-inch wheels for the first time: the stylish - well - girls' bike Skyride with the classic gooseneck frame, the extra-light LS-Pro and the sporty Cyke with dynamo lighting system and plug-in mudguards. This closes a gap that worries many families when buying a bike: What to do when the child has outgrown the size range of classic children's bikes, but is not big enough for an adult bike with 28-inch wheels? Simply choosing the smallest frame height in this segment is also not a solution, not least because bicycles for adults (even very simple models) are usually significantly more expensive and not necessarily equipped for children - keyword heavy suspension forks, which are hardly possible with a rather low body weight speak to.
Fully equipped
Puky, on the other hand, does everything right when it comes to equipment. Let's start with the Skyride: already available as a 20 and 24-inch model, the beautifully designed bike could now be ridden in this look for a full ten years (subject to any model changes). The large Skyride, available in light blue and light green, is solidly equipped with a seven-speed hub gear and two rim brakes; the additional coaster brake of the smaller models is omitted with the 26er. The aluminum frame and fork ensure a relatively low weight of around 13,5 kilos. The tension belt on the luggage carrier, which is now a little more filigree, is already known from the smaller models, and of course beauty has its price - that of the Skyride 26-7 is (proud for Puky) 639,99 euros.
A fairly young model in the Puky range is the LS-Pro, which, with an extra-light frame-fork set, also breaks the ten-kilo mark as a 26 model. With slightly more coarsely profiled tires and a patent seat post instead of a seat candle with clamps, it is the sportiest bike in the Puky range; Lights and mudguards are of course not included - although a complete set of equipment could also be fitted to this bike. As a fast, light bike for the way to school and leisure, the LS-Pro builds a bridge to the children's mountain bikes from Puky's second brand, Eightshot; it also fits in very well with a time when sports bikes with rechargeable battery lights are used in everyday life. Seen in this way, the LS-Pro is also an expression of how much Puky has modernized in recent years.
Lightweight all-rounder for every purpose
Calling the Cyke a boy's bike would probably no longer be appropriate these days. As with mountain bikes or racing bikes, a distinction based on gender is obsolete; On the other hand, it is interesting that the smallest Cyke with 16-inch wheels can already be ridden by four-year-olds - since it is already equipped with a freewheel and rim brakes. As a 26er, the model looks slim and sporty; It is completed with a contemporary eight-speed derailleur and rim brakes. Like all Cykes, it is equipped with a stiff, light Ahead stem instead of the classic quill stem - any height adjustment here has to be done by using a stem with a different angle or length. Furthermore, Puky mounts an LED lighting system with hub dynamo and plug-in mudguards. Thankfully, the taillight isn't attached to the fender but to the seatstay; This makes it very easy to retrofit full-fledged mudguards and a luggage rack. Based on the manufacturer's information, the Cyke 26-8 with stand and pedals should weigh a good twelve kilos - again quite light for a bike that is definitely suitable for everyday use.
Almost grown up
Of course, the answer to the most important question is still pending: how big are the new Puky models? As usual with children's bikes, the 26-inchers are offered in one size; The short seat tube and flat seat angle provide plenty of scope for height adjustment, including the distance between the saddle and the handlebars. Puky assumes that all three models are 140 to 170 cm tall; the 24-inch models are between 155 and 160 cm. This means that both boys and girls can get on the new, big bikes from the age of about ten. And while average tall boys have to switch to a 14-inch bike at some point between the ages of 15 and 28, three quarters of all girls could stay true to their Puky in terms of size forever - but Puky riders also want to grow up at some point.
