Bicycles

Grow bikes get bigger as your child does

View 10 Images
Grow bikes feature an adjustable frame to allow them to grow along with the child
Grow bikes feature an adjustable frame to allow them to grow along with the child
The Grow O designed to teach dynamic balancing to children aged 1.5 to 4 years
The Grow O is designed for children up to 100 cm (39 in)
The Grow bikes feature adjustable handlebars, seat and frame
The Grow bikes' linger life is also better for the environment
The Grow 1 (left) and Grow 2 1V (right)
The pedal-less Grow O
The Grow 1
The Grow 2 1V
The Grow 2 7V
View gallery - 10 images

Ahh kids. They grow up so fast - much to the consternation of parents faced with continually having to buy larger shoes and clothes. As much as any kid loves their first bike, they quickly outgrow these as well. But what if there was a way to save the hip-pocket nerve for a couple more birthdays without having the little dears look like they should be riding around with the clowns on miniature bikes at the circus? Well, there is and it comes from Spanish bike manufacturer Orbea, which has come up with its line of Grow bikes that - as the name suggests - grow along with your child and will supposedly last youngsters twice as long as regular bikes.

While adjustable seats and handlebars are standard on most bikes, the Grow line adds an adjustable length aluminum frame to the mix to extend the life of the bike. Not only does this mean a slight readjustment to the bike instead of outlaying some cash that would be much better sent on a babysitter for a night, it also reduces the ecological costs of the bike over its lifetime. Given that many children ride bikes that are too big or small for them, the Grow bike designer, Alex Fernandez Camps, says his design also makes it easier to provide a more ergonomic ride for a child.

The Grow bikes feature adjustable handlebars, seat and frame

The Grow range starts with the pedal-free Grow 0 intended for teaching dynamic balancing to children measuring 78 to 100 cm (31 - 39 in) in height, or roughly from 1.5 to 4 years old. The kids can then graduate to the Grow 1, which is designed for children from 90 to 110 cm (35 - 43 in), or 2.5 to 5 years of age. Finally there's the Grow 2, which is intended for children from 100 to 135 cm (39 - 53 in) in height, or 4 to 9 years. It is available in a two versions (1V and 7V), with the latter having additional Shimano components.

The Grow 0 is available for EUR179 (approx. US$237), the Grow 1 is priced at EUR239 (US$316), while the Grow 2 models are EUR249 (US$330) and EUR259 (US$343) respectively.

Source: Orbea via Treehugger

View gallery - 10 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
9 comments
mommus
If my childhood was anything to go by, my bikes broke, wore out or went out of fashion long before I\'d outgrown them.
Is the designer suggesting a 12 year old will want to be seen riding around on the same bike he had when he was 6?
Chi Sup
You\'d be limited to the same wheel size since you can\'t grow the forks necessitating a very low sitting frame therefore. The sit post\'s length is very limited in a small bike, suggesting a difficulty later on and the need for replacing it altogether, possibility with a too small and uncomfortable saddle. Of course, lacking a longer fork will lead to a downward facing posture. Brilliant design and optimal for small parking spaces though LOL
Robert Guimont
For that price, I can buy my son 3 different bikes of the same time period and spread the cost over several years.
GadgetGeek
Maybe I am overly critical of today's children's sense of entitlement, but for the love of Pete - $240-$350??? Are you nuts? I have never owned a bike in that price range, even today! now I am no Armstrong either but for crying out loud, let the little ones beat the HE** out of their $50 Huffy. When they get a job they can look into a bicycle that costs as much as my first motorcycle. Sheesh
Gary Ares
I say, good on you! There are ALWAYS going to be those who\'d be happy with something cheaper than dirt.
Being a cyclist, and having thought about this same topic 10 years ago, I applaud this persons efforts! I would expect the price can come down DRAMATICALLY as the number produced goes up.
The next concept is to eliminate to stupid chain with a simple drive shaft, and internal hub gearing (3 spds are fine).
Rustin Lee Haase
This product is neat in concept but is totally impractical. The flexibility adds unnecessary weight and flex to the structure. The $330 price tag is just nuts. I can go to Walmart and get a $60 kids bike, go to a thrift store and pay $15, or get one for free from a family member or friend whose kid is growing out of theirs. The best solution is to buy high value (not price) and spread the gift around among loved ones. Its a profound concept called RECYCLING (sorry about the pun)
Gregg Eshelman
Find your local Freecycle e-mail group and post on it that you\'re looking for bikes for your kids.
MyToy King
The concept that bikes could be height adjusted along with the child\'s growth is novel but the price is too expensive. Maybe if the same concept is developed with an affordable price tag, it has the potential to be the best product on the market.
Justin Schetrompf
As a designer and life long cyclist I applaud the concept. I think that the idea is great right up to the price tag. I realize that these aren't your Walmart $99 beater as one commented. With proper maintenance, it could work...