Easy now, it's not a sign of the Apocalypse, and it's not that we've given up on the youth, it's merely another option, albeit an expensive, controversial option to get kids outside and on two wheels. Haibike's Sduro HardFour 4.0, along with its odd name, is an e-bike with 24in wheels and a top speed of 12mph with aspirations of allowing little riders to do bigger rides and keep up with mom and dad.
- Electric bikes explained: what they are and how they work
- The e-MTBs are coming: take your moral standpoint now
- Horse for the course: Haibike Sduro Trekking RC e-bike for Eurobike
Haibike Sduro HardFour 4.0 highlights
- 6061 aluminum hardtail frame
- Yamaha PW system, 500W
- Yamaha 400Wh lithium-ion battery
- SR Suntour XCR LO fork, 63mm travel
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes w/160mm rotors
- Shimano Acera 1x9 drivetrain
- Alex rims w/Schwalbe Table Top tires
A new option for kids
There's a bit of a movement towards higher performance kids' bikes within the cycling world. Big brands such as Specialized, Kona, and Commencal have embraced scaled down bikes, and even kid-only bike companies are now a thing, with Lil Shredder, Cleary, and others delivering mini bikes with big-time capability.
German company Haibike makes all kinds of e-bikes, from commuter bikes with panniers to full-on downhill sleds with 200mm travel. For 2017, they're introducing a kid's bike with 24in wheels to their formidable electric range.
The top speed for the Sduro HardFour 4.0 is 12mph, however the Yamaha powerplant is an instant power motor, meaning there's no cadence lag before the electric assistance kicks in, such as with Shimano's STEPS system. Will this be an issue? It's impossible to know, but kids are incredibly adaptable and quick to learn.
The aluminum hardtail frame looks nice, especially with its shapely main frame, tapered head tube, and internal cable routing. An SR Suntour fork luckily leads the way. I say luckily because while most kids' bikes are a high percentage of the child's actual weight, this e-bike could very well weigh as much as the rider. And with that in mind, lifting the front wheel over obstacles is even less likely than before, hence the need for front suspension.
Haibike Sduro HardFour 4.0 pricing and availability
Available now with pricing at £1,988, US$2,599, Australian pricing TBD.