When it’s time to get your little one their first “big kid” bike, Trek and Woom are two of the top brands to consider.
But which is better for helping young children successfully learn to ride? We’ll compare these popular bike companies across the key factors to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Woom Bikes | Trek Bikes |
| Frames | Ultra lightweight aluminum | Durable aluminum or steel |
| Geometry | Designed for kids’ bodies | Scaled down from adult Treks |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional for small riders | Better for older kids |
| Safety | Stable and confidence inspiring | Reliable but heavy |
| Quality | Durable yet precise components | Very rugged and durable |
| Style | Fun, colorful, customizable | More classic unisex styling |
| Best For | Younger beginners, balance biking | Confident pedal riders, handing down |
Overview of Woom Bikes
Woom bikes are designed specifically for kids ages 1.5-14 years old. This Austrian-based company burst onto the kids’ bike scene in 2013 and has quickly gained acclaim.
Some things to know about Woom bikes:
- Exceptionally lightweight yet durable aluminum frames built for smaller bodies.
- Geometry focused on stability and security – low center of gravity, shorter wheelbase, hand brakes easily in reach.
- Options for balance bikes, pedal bikes, and mountain bikes to suit all ages and levels.
- Clever design details like grippy tires, narrow pedals, adjustable components. Make learning easier.
- Range from $199 for the balance bike up to $549 for the largest pedal model. Mid-tier pricing.
Now let’s see how iconic bike brand Trek compares for little riders.
Overview of Trek Kids’ Bikes
Trek is a leading American bicycle company founded in 1976. Though best known for adult bikes, they manufacture several lines for children as well.
Details on Trek kids’ bikes:
- Aluminum or steel frames depending on model. More heavy-duty but less lightweight than Woom’s.
- Wide range of models including pedal bikes, push bikes, trail bikes. Many styles and price points.
- Rugged construction made for handed-down use by multiple kids. Highly durable.
- Rides similar to adult Treks with consistent geometry across youth and adult lines.
- Pricing ranges from $209 to $829. Tend to be higher than average.
Comparison Between Trek and Woom
Ease of Use Comparison
The whole point of getting a great kids’ bike is to make learning to ride easy and successful.
So how do Woom and Trek stack up for usability?
- Woom bikes are designed purely for kids’ bodies and abilities. The lightweight frames, short wheelbase, grippy tires and perfect brake lever positioning allow even the littlest riders to feel in control.
- Trek kids’ bikes are high quality but can be tougher for the smallest riders to handle given the heavier frames and components sized up from adult Treks. There are some kids’ specific models but other lines ride like scaled-up adult bikes.
- Balance bikes – Woom’s balance bike provides the ideal way to master balance and steering before tackling pedals. Trek’s wooden push bikes teach similar skills.
For the easiest progression from balance bike to pedal bike, Woom has the edge. The consistent geometry and components across all their models help kids transition seamlessly as they grow.
Trek offers quality but some bikes can be too heavy or large.
Also Read: Comparison Between Sixthreezero And Retrospec.
Safety Features Comparison
Safety is paramount when kids start venturing out on two wheels. Here’s how Woom and Trek bikes stack up:
- Brakes – Both feature quality hand brakes in child-friendly positions. Woom uses smaller levers perfectly sized for little hands.
- Tires – Woom’s wider, grippier tires prevent slips. Treks may come with slimmer tires lacking traction.
- Weight – Woom’s extraordinary lightness makes handling easier and fall impacts less jolting. Heavier Treks can be harder to maneuver.
- Fit – Woom bikes are made to fit kids precisely through the handlebars, seat height and hand brake positioning. Some Trek models simply scale down adult bikes without adjustments tailored to kids.
While both meet general safety standards, Woom’s detailed design considerations give children confidence, stability and control. Trek tends to rely on sturdy but heavy construction.
Quality and Durability Comparison
How well do these bikes hold up through years of childhood use and outdoor play?
- Woom bikes – Durable aluminum frames can withstand kid and outdoor use. High-end components like smooth shifters, grips, and derailleurs.
- Trek kids’ bikes – Often heavier steel used which is tougher but adds weight. Burlier construction made to be passed between siblings over time.
- Warranty – Woom offers 6 years on frames and forks, 1 year on parts. Trek provides a lifetime frame warranty with 1 year on components.
- Resale value – Woom bikes have extremely high resale value due to reputation. Treks also retain value well and sell easily on the secondhand market.
Both brands are known for quality and longevity. Woom’s lightweight precision comes at the cost of some ruggedness compared to Trek, but still lasts through multiple kids.
Excellent warranties provide peace of mind.
Also Read: Comparison Between Sixthreezero And Retrospec.
Style and Design Comparison
Kids do care about how cool their bike looks! Here’s how Woom and Trek compare aesthetically:
- Woom bikes come in vibrant color schemes like pink, lime green, blue, red, and yellow. Fun, playful look kids love.
- Trek offers a range of colors from bold hues to more muted shades. Most models have standard bike look versus extreme “kiddie” colors.
- Customization – Woom has a wide selection of accessories like bags, bells, helmets and stickers for personalization. Less range of add-ons for Treks.
- Gender neutrality – Woom doesn’t designate models for boys or girls. All can be boyish, girlish or neutral. Some Trek lines still gender bikes by color.
Woom pulls ahead for fun loving kids thanks to the whimsical colors and ability to fully customize the bikes. Trek offers quality styling but not as uniquely tailored to kids’ tastes.
Also watch this video about Woom bike!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For the youngest riders, a high-quality balance bike like the Woom 1 provides the ideal start. When they’re ready for pedals, the best learn-to-ride bike will be lightweight, easy to mount and dismount, have adjustable components, an approachable seat height, grippy tires, and short reach brakes.
Woom bikes are designed in Austria and manufactured in Asia. Each bike is hand assembled at Woom’s headquarters in Austria before shipping.
For pure beginners, balance bikes allow kids as young as 1.5 years old to learn balance, steering and stopping. When moving to pedals, the easiest models have short wheelbases, low minimum seat heights, and narrow pedal stances like the Woom 2.
Most 3 year olds do best starting on a sturdy balance bike like the Woom 1. This allows them to gain confidence on two wheels without having to also focus on pedaling. Once balance skills are mastered, they can upgrade to a pedal bike like the Woom 2 or 3.
Also Read: Comparison Between Aventon And Pedego Ebikes.
The Verdict
When weighing all the factors, Woom emerges as the superior kids’ bike brand, especially for the youngest beginner riders.
No bike matches Woom’s ease of use straight out of the box. The lightweight and perfectly adjusted frames combined with the intuitive brakes, tires and geometry allow children as young as 18 months old to start balancing and pedaling with confidence.
Trek does produce some excellent kids’ models, but many ride too much like scaled-down adult Treks. Woom’s consistent dedication to designing purely for developing bodies and abilities gives them the advantage.
For the magic combination of usability, cool looks, safety, durability, and ingeniously thoughtful design, Woom bikes help set kids up for a lifetime of cycling enjoyment.
Your little one will be zipping around the neighborhood in no time on these masterfully engineered bikes.