Peugeot Cycles Hits the Streets With Walking Bikes and a Growing Junior Line

Did you guys thought Peugeot only made cars? Pfff. They've been making bikes since 1885, and chances are that if your great grandparents lived over in Europe, they’ve probably owned one. I know mine did, and we’re from what some might call ‘the edge of civilization.’ Enough about me. Let’s get back to Saint Peugeot.

This year, Saint Peugeot takes care of children from ages ‘walk’ to 12. The first on the list for this winter is the new J12 walking bike. What we have here is nothing more than a frame and a set of handlebars meant to teach your night-crawlers how to simply stay upright. Fit with 12-inch tires, hence the name, it comes in with a weight of just 7.71 lbs (3.5 kg). This weight is achieved through a magnesium fork and frame construction.

Speaking of frames, that seems to be one of the main attractions for this trainer. From the headset to the seat stay, a slanted frame is perfect for keeping the little buggers (ages 2-4) from tripping on anything or hurting themselves in a fall. The seat, too, looks really comfy even if it was strapped to a full-size adult frame. And that’s it. Oh, and it only starts out at $120 at the time of publishing this article (€99).

The next group up (Legend Junior) includes three different models that range in dimensions and weight depending on the age of your child. All three include aluminum frames, front and rear v-brakes, and single-speed drivetrains. Right, explain to your 2-year-old what a drivetrain is. Training wheels and pedals join the fun too.

The LJ-12 is destined for children ages 2-4 and comes in with a weight of 19.84 lbs (9 kg) and is only going to run you $218 (€179). LJ-14 raises the frame size a bit more and works best with children ages 3-5. Not 35, dads. Coming in at $242 (€199) it still brings the best value for money for your carbon copy. Finally, the LJ-16 comes in with the 16-inch frame and weighs 23 lbs (10.5 kg). For $279 (€229), this bike is best suited for kids ages 4-6.

Now, for your pre-teen problem-makers, Peugeot offers the Junior Mountain bikes, meant to introduce your child to the joys of bombing down some hills of dropping of some ledges. Although, I personally wouldn’t do that just yet.

Both the JM-20 and JM-24 include aluminum frames, Shimano shifters, and V-brakes. This time, a suspension on the front fork is also found. The ‘20’ is for children ages 6-9 and gives them the possibility to play around with six gears. For $303 (€249) it’s not too much to spend just to know your kid will make it home.

But the ‘24’ is almost a real kid. Here we find a full 18-speed setup meant to teach your 9-12-year-olds how to control a rise, a descent, and maybe a few bumps; by the end of the day you can be sure they’ll be out in the backyard with a ramp. Being the most capable and most expensive of the lineup, it’s currently listed for $365 (€299).

Now this entire lineup is just perfect for any of your kids, but my advice is to hold off a purchase until spring because the last thing you want is a bike parked in your living room.