TECHNOLOGY STORIES BIKE INFO, GEOMETRY ... - Vintage Trek

Kids’
114
For 2002
These frames remain unchanged from 2000.
Geometry
Our Kids’ bikes are designed to satisfy both kids and
their parents. By carefully designing the frame and
components, we make the bikes easier for kids to get on
and ride. At the same time, we make the bikes provide a
wide range of fit so kids can get on a model early, and
enjoy it longer as they grow.
Ride
Within the normal limits of parts availability, we’ve
looked at keeping the pedals close together. We use size
specific crank lengths, bar widths, and saddle sizing. We
keep the bottom brackets as low as possible for easy
on and off, as well as a low center of gravity. When we
spec a hand brake, we also make sure that fits. With
our attention to these details, Trek kids bikes are bikes
easier to learn on, and more fun to ride.
Frame details
Our frame details will likely be lost on the kids. But
the parents will be concerned with durability and cost.
These bikes aren’t really about a technical dissertation,
so we don’t even include frame geometry here.
The important difference here is that our Kids’ bikes
go through the full Trek testing regimen. Passing this
rigorous evaluation means they’re designed and built to
last.
For the rest of the bike, we’ve focused on providing
the best ride for the cost. By carefully designing the
frame geometry and tubing, and carefully selecting the
components, we’ve managed to get a lot of ride from a
bike that will still pass our testing requirements. This
allows riders a viable high quality alternative to chain
store bikes which don’t ride or last nearly as well. These
are bikes that can be handed down from kid to kid as
a family grows, and which will promote cycling because
they make riding more fun.
Extra attention to specs on kids’ bikes.
To an experienced cyclist, many of the details of our
Kids’ bikes may seem humdrum or at best ‘normal’.
There-in lies a key to our Trek kids’ bikes; they use
parts you’d expect on other Trek bikes. While other
brands may use plastic bushings, we use real, round
steel ball bearings because the parts will run smoother
and last longer. Even on our 12” wheeled models. On
bikes where we spec training wheels, they are massively
overbuilt, because we know your toddler is depending
on them. We use 4 bolt stems, for extra handlebar security
(parents, just how often do you thoroughly check
your kids’ bikes?). Our saddles use adjustable seatpost
clamps, offering both fore/aft adjustment and tilt. Just
like on an adult bike, this allows proper positioning
and comfort for your child. Many of our competitors
forego these simple details. We use size specific cranks,
handlebars, pedals, and even saddles. For bikes with
hand brakes, we’ve found better fitting levers, so your
child can comfortably apply all the stopping power they
need. All this attention costs a bit more, but we think
your child will be more comfortable, safer, and learn
faster on a Trek bike.
2002 Trek Technical Manual