Reader Question: Spawn, Isla, Woom oh my!

With more and more manufacturers of quality kids bikes coming to market, it can be hard now to choose.  Nuances do exist so it's worth your time to look at the details.

This Question comes to us from Jaime

Hello. Wondering if you could give me some help! Can't decide on the Beinn 20, Woom 4 supra, or the Spawn Savage 1.0. I have a 6 yr old, 18.5" inseam, and 45" tall. Been riding a CNOC 14 for a few years now. Live on a Gravel road but will also ride on paved bike trails which I hope he can ride at least 5 miles with us. Hope to do a little single track. He will probably ride around our yard as well. I imagine he will like to try some tricks as we do have a big mound of dirt in yard. Do have a 4 yr daughter who started riding the CNOC last year. Thanks so much. Oh, do you think the Carbon on the Supra could cause problems with kids throwing their, bikes down etc? So I guess I want one that is perfect for everything!:) I think the Savage is a little heavier and more aggressive than the other 2, but would it be good on long bike path rides? Thanks for your help!- Jaime

Hi Jaime, all great bikes! The spawn is definitely the most capable off road machine/jumper in terms of geometry and build. Also, if you like to tinker, the spawn uses adult size headsets and rear wheel spacing so you can make mods. The mechanical disc brakes are a nice touch but for all this you give a bit in weight (20 lbs) compared to woom4 and Beinn (approx 17.5 lbs) and woom4supra (16.5 lbs). For the riding terrain you mentioned I would look at the woom 4 or Beinn. Your little guy's in-seam may be a deciding factor as the small Beinn will fit now (min in-seam 18.5). The spawn has a minimum seat height of 19 inches. That said, my just five year old fits the Woom 4 supra and he is 44 inches tall. I will measure his in-seam tonight and let you know. I would not worry about the durability of carbon bars and seat post of woom4 supra as I don't think abuse of kids will matter. The supra is lighter but it does come at a $100 premium, more a luxury than a necessity. He would probably manage on all three now-its just a question if you want a better fit now or 1/2 years from now. Any other questions, let us know.

Should mention that the steeper seat tube angles, weight and upright riding position of the woom and isla will make those long rides easier. Cheers- Colin

Thank you so much for your time! Such a hard decision when it comes to spending this much on something they outgrow so fast, but definitely worth it. If you could measure his in-seam, that would be great. I would rather get the bigger bike as he is so close and he has to have a growth spurt sometime:), if he is close enough to manage safely. So which would you choose if it were you, not figuring size? And I am not a bike mechanic by any means. Do you think they all are about the same quality as far as build and parts and will last through 3 kids? Again, thanks so much!- Jaime

Hi Jaime, my 5 year old has a 19 inch in-seam. The woom 4 has a low stand over because of the bend in the top tube. This may be the way to go for your little guy. Components wise all the bikes are comparable in quality and, like I mentioned, don't think you can go wrong with any of the bikes you listed. If I were in your shoes I would probably go with the woom 4 or the Isla. Maybe lean towards the woom 4 because of the low stand over and 18.5 in-seam of your little guy. It also may have an edge in off road capability and jumping (Isla states on its website their bikes are not for jumping).  I have also had my 9 year old niece on our test woom 4 supra and it fit her great although she is on the small size. Hope that helps. Side note- all 3 should have great resale value as they are such good bikes and in demand...- Colin

Thanks so much for measuring. That makes me more comfortable going for the Woom 4. Thanks again for all the input in helping me make a decision! Have a good evening.- Jaime

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