The bike is so darn light that speedy riding is, in fact, almost a given-this was the case even among our more timid testers. The handlebars encourage a more upright riding position than do the more mountain bike-inspired and comparably priced Cleary Hedgehog and Prevelo Alpha 2-the Woom’s main competition in our tests-but our kids found it more comfortable, and yet it still allowed them to stand in the pedals and ride aggressively when the need arose. Everything on the bike, from the saddle to the powerful linear-pull brakes to the Woom-specific cranks and headset, is kid-proportioned and butter-smooth. The lithe, aluminum Woom 3 is remarkably lightweight (13.6 pounds) thanks in part to its wheels, which incorporate proprietary alloy rims and just 16 spokes each (most of the other bikes we tested had 28). If we had one complaint, it’s that the 17-inch-wide handlebars are a bit narrow, which in our testing meant that the bike responded sometimes too quickly for first-timers. The paint job, welds, and componentry-from headset to alloy wheelset-are top-notch, as are REI’s customer support, warranties, and return policies. We also liked the bike’s gearing, which performed well on moderate hills and allowed for good acceleration. The 1.75-inch, semi-knobby tires perform well on dirt or pavement, and the 1.5-plus inches of adjustability on the handlebar stem and a seatpost that ranges between 20.5 and 25 inches means this bike will fit a wide array of kids. The REV 16 comes nearly completely assembled and ready to ride within a few minutes-unlike two-thirds of the other bikes we tested, which required more wrenching (or possibly a bike shop visit). (Kids who learned on balance bikes and are accustomed to putting their feet down to stop will have a small adjustment period in learning to use coaster brakes.) It is light (16.9 pounds), has kid-friendly geometry, and was a favorite of our testers because of its versatility-it comes with removable training wheels and is highly adjustable, and its old-school coaster brakes make it easy for kids to get going without much fuss. The REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike is a nicely designed, mid-price bike from REI, a nationwide retailer run by actual outdoor enthusiasts.
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