My 2nd oldest daughter received a bike to check out, from Islabikes this season. It is the Creig 24″ (also available in the 26″). She has had a chance to ride it a ton and even rode it in a mountain bike race of her own. I wanted to share with you all.about.it. so you too can make an educated decision on getting, quite possibly, the best bike we’ve tested, for YOUR kids!
First, a little background on Islabikes ::
The Islabike Story:
Islabikes was founded in 2006 by renowned, British bicycle designer, Isla Rowntree, one of the few female designers in the industry. Isla’s reputation is built on a thorough understanding of ergonomics. The company has single-handedly redefined the notion of a child’s bicycle with a product unparalleled in its depth of design detail. An Islabike gives a child a head start in cycling from learning balance to full on racing performance.
Isla Rowntree is well-known and respected within the cycling industry as an accomplished cyclist, frame builder, and designer. She combines a wealth of experience from competing nationally and internationally with mechanical and engineering expertise, and she now leads the world in children’s bicycle design. Islabikes has grown annually and now headquarters in purpose-built premises near Ludlow, England. US operations are based in Portland, Oregon. Islabikes supports cycling in all its forms. The company believes the bicycle is an essential part of society – from a child’s first independent means of transport to a profound role in the sustainability of our planet.
Pretty cool, yah? The history shows that this isn’t just ANY bike company!
My husband’s input may be what you need to know…
Almost every part of the Craig 24 is aluminum which is why is comes in at a very light weight 23 lbs. It really hard for kids to maneuver other “kids bikes” when they weigh 35-40+ lbs. It might not seem like a big deal to you but it’s the #1 reason we are recommending Islabikes. In my opinion weight is so important it’s the #1 thing that drives up the cost of bikes and parts in the bike industry. 
Aside from it’s light weight, the Craig 24 is stacked with quality components. When I talk about things like the SRAM GX shifters/derailleurs, 10 speed rear cassette, hydraulic disc brakes, RST front suspension and 1×10 gearing my wife thinks I am speaking in a different language, {Shannon piping in…and he TOTALLY IS speaking a different language!!} and most people would. These are things that separate the Craig 24 from anyone else in the market. They didn’t cut any corners with any bikes in their line to be honest. Quality components not only allow a bike to perform that much better but they also will last much longer.
When purchasing a bicycle you truly do get what you pay for. We are already looking at our next Islabike we need to bring into our bike family.
I hope I have convinced you to look further into Islabikes, after reading this information based post. There is such a range of bikes offered from Islabikes, I’m SURE you can find one for your little rider. Which one are you most likely interested in? What questions do you have? Have you heard of this brand before now? Talk to me!
hannah
August 26, 2016 at 12:49 amWhat a gorgeous bike! Your daughter looks like she’s having a blast too! A quality bike does make all the difference.
Shannon
September 12, 2016 at 2:09 pmIsn’t that the truth!! Thank you!! 🙂
Janet W.
August 23, 2016 at 8:31 amThat is a fantastic bike! I think Santa needs to bring one of these for my grandson this Christmas!
Shannon
August 31, 2016 at 10:03 pmHey, there you go!! ;)-
shelly peterson
August 22, 2016 at 2:04 pmShe looks like she is loving that bike! 🙂 It looks nice and sounds like a really nice bike.
Shannon
August 22, 2016 at 2:06 pmYes, it’s such a quality bike. We were blown away at how amazing it was!! Love it!
Sara Zielinski
August 22, 2016 at 1:05 pmThis looks like an awesome bike.
Shannon
August 22, 2016 at 2:05 pmIt really, really is!!