Bikes

Bicycles and running bikes for children from 12 months to 11 years old

Early Rider, a British brand of children's bicycles and cross-country bikes, was founded in 2005 by Andy Loveland, a father who was disappointed with the quality and design of children's bicycles on the market. His goal was to create a lightweight and functional bike that would help his son learn to ride, enjoy outdoor adventures, and avoid attachment to screens.

The turning point in the company's history came when Andy Loveland, who was working in software sales at the time, realized he couldn't find the right bike for his young son. He wanted his child to learn how to ride a light and high-quality bike, develop coordination and self-confidence.

The first bike he made for his son was made of wood and soon became very popular among his friends. Loveland realized that his concept was in demand, and in 2005 he founded the Early Rider company in a barn in Henley-on-Thames. The brand's name is an allusion to the 1969 cult film Easy Rider. Loveland wanted the name to reflect his ideals: freedom, adventure, and the pursuit of discovery.

Belt drive

The Early Rider brand is best known for its line of Belter children's bicycles, which use a belt drive instead of a traditional chain. These bikes, such as the Early Rider Belter 16 and Early Rider Belter 20, use a high-quality Gates Carbon Drive belt.

The belt drive allows you to create a more minimalistic and lightweight bike, which is especially important for children. The weight of the Early Rider Belter 16 is only 5.9 kg, and the Early Rider Belter 20 (without pedals) is about 8 kg.

The belt does not need to be lubricated, so the bike's transmission always remains clean, free of dirt and oil that can stain a child's clothes. In addition, it is more durable than a chain and does not stretch over time. It does not require frequent cleaning and lubrication.

The 3-CO system

The company has set itself the goal of promoting the development of three basic qualities in children: coordination, cognitive abilities and confidence. This is the basis of the so-called "3-CO system".

The philosophy of Early Rider is to create high—quality bicycles that help children develop. The company uses lightweight materials such as aluminum and birch plywood to make it easier for children to control the bike.

Early Rider abandoned the "sickly colors, wacky stickers, and baskets" that Loveland believed were flooding the market, instead creating premium, adult-designed bikes scaled down to a child's size.