A Beginner’s Guide to the Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike
Whether your kid is gearing up for a trail ride or just getting back in the swing of biking, the Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike is an excellent choice.
It has a lightweight alloy frame, a single-speed drive train, and a rear coaster and hand brake for ease of use.
- Fat tire mountain bicycle perfect for all-terrain adventures, 24-inch wheels that fit to riders 4’8″ to 5’6″ tall, perfect for ages 8 and up
- 12-Inch aluminum fat tire hardtail frame and alloy fork with 135 mm spacing for a strong, stable ride
- 16-speed, 2 x 8 drivetrain with Rapid Fire shifters provide smooth gear changes
- Mechanical disc brakes supply quick, effective braking even in slippery conditions
- 24 x 4 inch knobby mountain fat tires provide excellent stopping power and tons of traction in sand and snow
Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It Has A Lightweight Alloy Frame
Lightweight alloy frames are increasingly popular for entry-level bikes. Aluminum often provides an impressive balance of strength, stiffness, and low weight.
Compared to carbon fiber frames, alloys are robust and can be around a fifth of the price.
Aluminium is a versatile material that can be manipulated to give each tube section varying properties. These properties can influence how the frame feels and responds to pedaling.
Steel is another popular frame material. It is strong and durable, and it can be welded and brazed.
Steel is slightly more prone to failure than aluminum, but it can still be repaired if something goes wrong.
Titanium has a similar balancing act to steel, as it’s both stiff and lightweight. However, while it’s a great option for performance, it also needs bigger diameter tubes than steel to maintain a suitable stiffness level.
Here is a chart of the specs for the Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame | SmartForm C3 Alloy |
| Fork | Rigid, SmartForm C3 Alloy |
| Rims | Cannondale, lightweight alloy |
| Tires | 20″ x 1.75″ |
| Brakes | Promax V-Brake |
| Brake Levers | Alloy, adjustable reach |
| Crankset | One-piece, 120mm length, 30T chainring |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge, square taper |
| Chain | KMC S1 |
| Pedals | Wellgo Composite, platform |
| Handlebar | Lightweight alloy, 580mm width |
| Stem | Alloy, 30mm length |
| Headset | FSA, semi-integrated |
| Seatpost | Lightweight alloy, 25.4mm |
| Saddle | Cannondale Kids Ergo |
| Grips | Cannondale Kid’s Comfort |
| Weight | Approximately 20 lbs (9.1 kg) |
Let me know if you need more details or have questions about specific features!
Easy-to-Operate Brakes
The easy-to-operate hand brakes on the Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike are a great way to ensure your child doesn’t crash during their first pedaling experience.
They are also a bit smaller than the brakes on most adult bikes, making them easier for small hands to grasp and operate.
The most impressive of all the bike’s braking systems is the one that uses only one brake lever to sequentially engage the front and rear brakes, resulting in safer, more controlled braking.
Using only the rear brake when accelerating can tilt the bike forward, bucking your child off their feet and over the handlebars.
Easy-Pedaling 20-Inch Wheels
The Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike features easy-pedaling 20-inch wheels, making it easy for even small children to ride.
It’s also designed to be durable, ensuring that your child will have years of fun on the bike.
Choosing the right bike is key to your child’s success with cycling. Consider your child’s height and legs to determine what size will be best.
You can measure their inseam using a large hardcover book or notebook and a tape measure. This will help you determine the height of the bike’s seat.
The seat should be set about 2 to 3 inches above the inseam. This allows them to ride more upright and easily see what’s around them.
Here are some pros and cons of the Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike:
Pros
- Lightweight Frame: The SmartForm C3 Alloy frame and fork make the bike lightweight and easy for kids to handle.
- Durability: Using high-quality materials ensures durability, essential for kids’ bikes that often endure rough handling.
- Simple Maintenance: The single-speed drivetrain means fewer components to maintain, making it simpler for parents.
- Effective Braking: The Promax V-brakes provide reliable stopping power, which is crucial for safety.
- Adjustable: The brake levers’ reach is adjustable, and the lightweight alloy seatpost allows for customization as the child grows.
- Comfort: The Cannondale Kids Ergo saddle and Comfort grips improve overall comfort, making longer rides more enjoyable.
- Stable Ride: The 20″ wheels with 1.75″ tires offer a stable and smooth ride, suitable for various terrains.
- Aesthetics: Cannondale bikes are known for their appealing designs, which can be a big hit with kids.
Cons
- Single Speed Limitation: The lack of gears makes riding on hilly or varied terrain harder for kids.
- Price: Cannondale bikes tend to be more expensive, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious families.
- No Suspension: The rigid fork lacks suspension, which can make riding on rougher paths less comfortable.
- Pedals: While composite platform pedals are durable, they might not offer the same grip and comfort as higher-end alternatives.
- Weight: At approximately 20 lbs, it might still be a bit heavy for young children to lift or maneuver easily.
- Limited Features: Some kids might outgrow the simplicity of a single-speed bike quickly and desire more advanced features like multiple gears or suspension.
Tool-Free Training Wheels
Training wheels are a great way to help kids learn to ride. They’re easy to install and remove and can be adjusted based on the kid’s skill level.
When your little one ages, they can switch out the training wheels for a fully geared bike. That way, they’ll never have to worry about losing their balance.
The Cannondale Kids Trail Single Speed Bike is a great option for transitioning from training wheels to a fully geared bike. It’s lightweight and easy to pedal, with single-speed gearing and a rear coaster brake for safety.
