Ridgeback launch completely re-designed range of premium kids’ bikes

Ridgeback is excited to release its latest range of premium kids’ bikes. Using data supported by the Dept of Health and Royal College of Paediatrics to ensure accurate sizing, the new Ridgeback Kids range of bikes are designed to give a better ride experience and inspiring greater confidence. The launch sees all-new frames, colourways and a brand-new range of accessories.

Ridgeback already has an excellent reputation in the kid’s bike market, and this new range is big step up for the already popular brand. This new range is built around four key product principles: Optimised fitting, ease of ride, accessories and future proofing your purchase. All of which is incorporated across the new models in the Scoot, MX and Dimension bikes.

The naming structure of Ridgeback’s three main kids ranges stays the same: Scoot for the balance bikes with MX being at one price point and Dimension at the higher, more premium end of the scale. Both the MX and Dimension share the same design fundamentals in terms of fit and ergonomics. Another notable introduction for 2026 is the 27.5” wheel model that has been added to the MX and Dimension range bikes which fills the gap between children and adults bikes perfectly.

James Olsen, Creative Lead at Sportline said “Kids’ bikes deserve the same level of thought and investment as our adult range. Just like an adult bike might be offered across three or four spec levels, we’ve focused on creating one carefully developed kids’ bike design that maintains the same fit and ergonomics across two price points. That approach allows us to deliver great‑fitting, easy‑to‑ride bikes while making these updated models accessible to a wider range of families.”

First and foremost is the fit. The Ridgeback design and engineering team have spent a lot of time reviewing data published by the Department of Health to identify the average height and inside leg length ranges by age. Inside leg length is a key driver when it comes to frame design with the goal to get the optimum standover height and minimum saddle height for the target age range. This means that the bikes fit right, for longer.

 

Next is ensuring that the new range of bikes are easy to ride. 19mm OD bars are fitted to all models, not just the smallest wheel sizes. Lever models have been chosen to reduce the bar to lever distance. The bars are 17% slimmer for better grip, comfort and control with 19mm grips fitted to suit the average hand size. An effort has also been made when it comes to fitting correct crank lengths, scaling them in the same way a correctly-sizes adult bike’s cranks would be. When the cranks are shorter, the BB can be lower. Lower BB’s are key to kid’s bikes that feel more stable when starting out. Saddle height is often based on being able to touch the ground, too low for effective pedalling – a shorter crank helps reduce knee bend when the saddle is lower than the ergonomic ideal.

Ridgeback’s new kids bikes come fitted with the following crank lengths.

·       14” – 76mm

·       16” – 89mm

·       20” – 114mm

·       24” 127mm

·       27.5” – 140mm

With the launch, comes a new range of Ridgeback Kids cycling accessories. Collaborating with Lazer and Elite, there are bespoke KinetiCore Helmets, bottles, cages, baskets and all new ergonomically designed bells.  There will also be a range of guards for 20”, 24” and 27.5” bikes featuring a fast-fit extendable design with no stay trimming needed for 90% of bikes. A range of Ridgeback Kids gloves and safety clothing will also be available, designed by Madison’s in-house apparel team.

Ridgeback Kids bikes are also guaranteed for the future, with a lifetime frame and fork warranty. Bikes fit for the future need back up, so Ridgeback offer an unmatched guarantee. When bikes that aren’t passed between siblings are sold on, we'll continue our support to the new Ridgeback owners. Re-use via hand-me-down and re-sale value is important so Ridgeback is offering a transferable warranty - lifetime on frames and forks and 5 years on wheels and brake mechanisms. Plus, spares availability and leading retailer support to keep the bikes in A1 safe running order over the years, all supported by our bikes being specified for serviceability and fully tested for durability.

Ridgeback has placed a huge emphasis on premium aftercare. Ridgeback bikes use quality parts and are sold through authorised retailers who support their customers, in turn we support them. Prioritising service shapes the specifications of our bikes too, for example using Shimano Freehubs on Dimension models.