Specialized today unveiled an all-new carbon fiber lightweight bike. This bicycle manufacturing giant has taken its premium FACT carbon fiber frame technology and shrunk it Significantly. The result is the new Specialized Hot Walk.
That's right, this is a carbon fiber balance bike that weighs just 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs). Could this be the best first bike for a young rider to feel like Peter Sagan?
Most balance bikes are made of metal, often steel, sometimes alloy, with rudimentary components. While this may not be much weight for an adult, Specialized believes that even smaller riders can benefit from lighter frames and wheels.
To demonstrate the scalability of its best technology, Specialized set out to build the ultimate balance bike.
From a distance, this new version may not look much different from the aluminum Hot Walk, but once you begin to appreciate the frame, you will notice the organic lines and unique composite layup.
Using the same FACT 9R carbon fiber used in many of Specialized's carbon fiber bikes, the Hot Walk is also equipped with small carbon wheels. The result, according to Specialized, is a 2.1 kg bike that will give miniature shredders immense riding confidence due to the low weight and increased agility of a lightweight bike.
Another impressive design achievement of the project is the composite cockpit of the new Hot Walk. It features carbon fiber handlebars and special grips that are 38% thinner in diameter than conventional flat bars. As experienced riders know, the hands are an important control touch point. The slimmer handlebar allows smaller hands to get a more secure grip, giving them more confidence and control over steering while rolling. And with lightweight Specialized Rhythm Lite tires and carbon rims, this new Hot Walk rolls faster than any balance bike you can imagine.
Like all balance bikes, the Hot Walk has no brakes, but the frame platform is shaped for easy leg extension and has a very low standover height. This allows young riders to lower their riding shoes and create enough friction for deceleration.
While the Hot Walk may look cool enough for adults to ride, Specialized certifies a maximum rider weight of 18 kg and recommends it for riders ages 2 to 4.
Even Specialized describes it as "kind of ridiculous," but nonetheless, it is now in production and can be ordered starting today. The price is £999/$999.
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