Cleary offers a complete wheel size range of kids bikes, all cutely named – Starfish (12″ balance bike), Gecko (12″), Hedgehog (16″), and Owl (20″). The newest is the Meerkat, which is now also their largest bike with 24″ wheels.
It launched last fall, but this was our first look at it. The frame uses thin wall HiTen steel for a complete bike weight of 24 lbs. Not bad for a 9-speed bike that retails for just $645 and comes with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Check out more spec, plus their Project X youth bike with a Sturmey Archer rear hub, below…
Up front is a 1×9 friction shifter that moves the Microshift rear derailleur across the 11-34 gear spread. Up front is a 26-tooth chainring with integrated chain guard/guide. Tires a Kenda Small Block Eight, and they filled with Presta valve tubes so you won’t have to switch your pump head back and forth between your bike and junior’s.
Project X is an Owl with 3-speed internally geared Sturmey Archer hub with Microshift friction shifter.
This one’s a work in progress, hence the loose external cable routing, but it’s a cool concept for young kids that aren’t inclined to do any maintenance.
