Well, Specialized have outdone themselves yet again with the release of an expensive, but incredible looking kids bike. Dubbed the Hotwalk Carbon it costs a whopping $1,000 USD, but to be fair – it only weighs a hair over four and a half pounds. Read on for the full details straight from Specialized…
HOTWALK CARBON
We created something two-year-olds had only dreamed of until now: The Ultimate First Bike. We took the same tech behind our world championship-winning bikes and pored over every single detail to achieve an unprecedented ride quality. We’re talking precision at every touchpoint to create the ultimate first ride.
MADE BY RIDERS, FOR LITTLE RIDERS
We applied 45 years of know-how at the highest levels of performance cycling. Leveraging class- leading innovation and technology, we developed a bike for the littlest riders. The result? For the first time ever, kids can experience the same technology developed for our world championship-winning bikes – on a carbon bike built for them.
IT STARTED AS A SKETCH
If road cyclists ride carbon bikes for speed and stamina, kids should too. If mountain bikers need low friction saddles for rough roads, kids do too. When designers saw the sketch come to life in a carbon mold, it was clear: This ridiculously small, totally unique project was just too fun to pass up.
FEATHERLIGHT FOR A REASON
It’s the only carbon kids bike we’ve ever made — and it makes sense. Kids deserve bikes that are light, responsive, and easy to maneuver. Since weight, stiffness, and shock absorption all play a factor in this unique ride quality, making a bike this light meant rethinking everything from materials
to function. That’s why we made the frame, fork, and handlebar all carbon. We even made sure the carbon wheels and Rhythm Lite tires were as light as possible, with a lightweight tire casing. 4.63 pounds of pure fun that will last a lifetime.
THE PERFECT KIDS PROPORTIONS
Most kids’ bikes come in standard sizes, scaled down from adult molds. But the best ride starts with the same standards we have as adults: a proportional fit, quality materials, and the same tech we use for pros. That’s why we paired the all-carbon frame with a perfect combination of components: a low friction zone on the Body Geometry saddle, 38% smaller diameter handlebars, and the list goes on.
A. Body Geometry Saddle B. Redesigned Handlebar and Grips C. Rhythm Lite Tires
KIDS DESERVE MORE
We respect kids, and—in order to set up the next generation of riders—we think they deserve the best that cycling can offer. We’ve created the ultimate first ride to kickstart a lifetime of riding. At the end of the day, we made this for them.
HOTWALK CARBON FAQ
WHEN WILL THE HOTWALK CARBON BE AVAILABLE?
December 3rd, 2020.
HOW MUCH DOES THE HOTWALK CARBON WEIGH?
A total of 4.63lbs / 2.1kg.
WHAT KIND OF CARBON IS THE HOTWALK CARBON MADE OF?
FACT 9r carbon—the same carbon material used on our road and mountain race bikes. FACT is short for Functional Advanced Composite Technology and embodies our approach to carbon composites.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE HANDLEBARS?
Handlebars and grips are two of the main touch points that our team focused on in their ground up redesign of the Hotwalk Carbon. The design of the handlebars affects the rider’s control and, in turn, their confidence. The handlebars are
made of all-carbon so they’re as light as possible for optimal maneuvering. The handlebars and grips are 38% smaller in diameter, creating a better grip for small hands. The grip ends are also designed to easily support the bike when resting on the ground between hot laps.
DOES THE HOTWALK CARBON COME IN DIFFERENT SIZES?
No. It only comes in one size that fits riders up to 35in / 88cm, and up to a weight limit of 40lbs / 18.1kg.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE CARBON WHEELS AND THE RHYTHM LITE TIRES?
The carbon wheels were developed in tandem with special, lightweight casing on the tires in order to achieve the lightest weight possible. Plus, the Rhythm Lite tires offer the perfect combination of quick rolling for pavement and the right amount of grip for dirt.
HOW CAN I PURCHASE THE HOTWALK CARBON?
At select Specialized retailers and online, wherever Specialized online shopping is available.
DOES THE HOTWALK CARBON HAVE BRAKES?
No. As a first ride, the Hotwalk Carbon helps kids focus on balance and steering before moving on to the next steps in riding. The streamlined design allows kids to easily put their feet down to control their speed and balance as they learn.
WHEN DO I KNOW MY CHILD IS READY FOR THE HOTWALK CARBON?
With no pedals or gears, it’s the perfect first bike. The Hotwalk Carbon helps your little one find their balance on a bike by making it as easy as possible to put their foot down. They’ll get their first feeling of riding, without much risk. If your kid can balance as they toddle around without a bike and have an inseam that’s between 15-18 inches, they’ll be able to comfortably ride the Hotwalk Carbon. (Don’t know your kids inseam? What parent does?! The Hotwalk Carbon is appropriate for kids 18mo to 4yrs, up to 35in.)
HOW DOES THE CREATION OF A BIKE LIKE THIS COMPARE TO SOMETHING LIKE THE TARMAC SL7?
We took the same know-how from our top performance road bikes and applied it to a kid’s first bike. When it came to engineering, we utilized the same team we’ve trusted to make bikes like the Tarmac SL7 and the All-New Stumpjumper. When it came to testing, we raised the bar as well. Since no one has ever made anything quite like this, there wasn’t a way to test the safety of a bike this size. So, we built an entirely new test to meet a 40-pound weight rating, ensuring your kid has a top quality, safe ride—just like the rest of us.
WHAT ARE THE PARENT BENEFITS OF OWNING THE HOTWALK CARBON?
First, confidence in their little rider. The details we pored over make all the difference in creating safer, more fun rides for your kid. The quality components will last your family generations of riding. And, when the day is done, the carrying handle under the saddle makes for an easy carry home.
WHY DOESN’T THE HOTWALK CARBON HAVE A FOOT REST?
The Hotwalk Carbon design is focused on weight, maneuverability, and efficiency. Foot rests are great for cruising, but can get in the way when a kid is kicking along. We created a streamlined design so kids won’t hit their heels or ankles on the bike. If a little rider is looking for more of a cruising ride, the standard Hotwalk fits the bill nicely.
