How did families test the bikes?
Families incorporated their bikes into everyday outings, including park visits, trips to the shops and family rides. Their feedback covered a range of surfaces, from pavements and grass to gravel, mud and forest paths.
Parents considered how comfortable their children felt, how easily they could handle the bikes and what they thought of the quality. They also shared the details that make a difference in daily use, such as lifting a bike onto the car or carrying it when a younger rider has had enough.
What did Mumsnet testers love about Ridgeback bikes?
Comfortable riding from the start
Several testers described their children feeling comfortable on their new bikes straight away.
For Lotsofpots, whose child tested the Dimension 20, comfort and appearance made a strong first impression:
He’s really happy with it. Comfortable riding it straight away. We thought it looked fantastic – really modern colourway, different from anything else I’ve seen.
Other families reported growing confidence with each outing. ByNavyBear said their child got excited about using the balance bike and improved each time, while ThatBeachLyfe praised the combination of easy-to-use gearing and chunky tyres on the Dimension 24.
Controls that worked for smaller riders
When children are learning to ride, being able to reach and use the brakes can make a big difference. PirateGirlsMum particularly appreciated this on the bike her four-year-old tested:
The brakes are positioned perfectly for a child’s hands.
She reported that the brakes needed only light pressure, which was a welcome improvement on her daughter’s previous bike. The bike also handled outings over grass, mud, pebbles and even a short stretch of cobblestones.
Experiences differed between riders and models: on the feedback thread, one parent noted that their child found the Scoot XL balance bike’s brake a little stiff.
Sturdy bikes for everyday adventures
Build quality was a recurring theme in the survey, with parents describing the bikes as sturdy, smooth to ride and easy to manage.
Wimbledongirl123’s son used his bike on the pump track, around the garden and on family rides. JaniceBattersby, whose family had owned bikes from several brands, was impressed by how easily she could lift theirs onto the car after a day out.
It’s light, manoeuvrable and it looks great.
- JaniceBattersby, Mumsnet tester
Weight will depend on the model and who’s carrying it, though. While several families found their bikes manageable, the parent testing the Scoot XL would have preferred it to be lighter when carrying it for their child.
More reasons to get outside
For many parents, the most welcome result was how often their children wanted to ride.
PotatoNumber5 reported that her son was using his bike every day, while Radness75 was pleased to see her 12-year-old asking to go out more often.
The children had plenty to say about the designs, too. Bright paintwork, chunky wheels and compliments from friends all featured in the feedback. One young rider was so taken with her bike that teal replaced green as her favourite colour.