Specialized took the same tech behind its world championship-winning bikes and pored over every single detail to achieve a ride quality that’s unprecedented in a kid’s bike. From small diameter grips to a solid carbon layup, all aligned to create the ultimate first ride.
If road cyclists ride carbon bikes for speed and stamina, so should kids. If mountain bikers need low-friction saddles for rough roads, kids do too. This ridiculously small, totally unique project was just too fun to pass up.
And when it came to engineering, the answer was easy: Utilize the same team Specialized has trusted to make its top performance bikes, like the Tarmac SL7 and the All-New Stumpjumper. Weight, stiffness, and shock absorption all play a factor in ride quality, even at this scale. Hence, Specialized made the frame, fork, and handlebar all carbon.
The carbon wheels and Rhythm Lite tires were lightweight at 4.63 pounds / 2.1 kilograms of pure fun that will last a lifetime. An entirely new test was built on to meet a 40-pound weight rating. In addition to testing, the proportional design creates a ride quality that is safer, 38% smaller diameter grips and a ground up design in the geometry ensures every kid can control their ride.
Plus, it’s equipped with tires that offer the perfect combination of quick rolling for pavement and the right amount of grip for dirt. All details that make a difference in building confidence for little riders.
Created as the ultimate first ride for the 18 months old to 4 years old, the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon is an ultralight carbon pushbike made for them.
Retail price: US$999 / RM4,300
Specifications
Frame: Hotwalk Fact 9r Carbon, 95mm Spacing
Fork: Hotwalk Fact 9r Carbon, 95mm Spacing
Seat Binder: Bolt-type, 27.4mm
Cockpit Stem: 3D Forged Aluminum, 35mm length, 6 degree, 25.4mm clamp diameter
Handlebars: Carbon, 400mm width, 0mm rise, 5 degree backsweep, 15mm grip diameter
Grips: Specialized, slip-on, 19mm OD, 105mm length
Saddle: Hotwalk Carbon
Seatpost: Alloy, 22.2mm
Front Tire: Rhythm Lite, Hotwalk Carbon lightweight casing, 12×2.0″
Rear Tire: Rhythm Lite, Hotwalk Carbon lightweight casing, 12×2.0″
