Giant started taking pre-orders today for the Pre rCarbon (not sure how this is pronounced?), a pedal-less scoot bike designed for toddlers. Priced at $500 it’s expensive, though it’s only half the cost of the other carbon-fiber balance bike, the Specialized Hotwalk Carbon. Plus it offers some pretty cool features the Hotwalk doesn’t.
It’s made with recycled carbon fiber
Companies are slowly starting to recycle carbon fiber and composite materials, but there still aren’t a lot of uses for the recycled material beyond token items like tire levers. Giant says the bike is made with “eco-friendly recycled carbon fiber, thermoplastics, nylon and ocean waste,” which “marks a major step in Giant’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”
The bike comes 90% assembled thanks to single-piece seat/saddle and handlebar/stem units. (We see you Syncros.) Not only does this speed assembly, it also eliminates many small parts like screws and bolts. Built-in padding in key spots is designed to reduce the chance of injury.
Even the wheels are carbon
In a move that’s sure to make the other toddlers jealous, the Giant Pre rCarbon features three-spoke carbon wheels. The carbon hoops are wrapped in 12×1.75″ CST tires that appear to be pneumatic, rather than solid, with low-resistance hubs for fast and smooth rolling.
All told, the complete bike is said to weigh just 2.5Kg (about 5.5lb). That’s more than a pound lighter than the $140 Strider Sport Balance Bike, but almost a pound heavier than the claimed weight for the $1,000 Specialized Hotwalk.
Get more info here, where you can also pre-order online for delivery beginning in late April.
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