Why are Frog bikes expensive?
- 21 Oct 2024
Frog Bikes price comparison
When you’re in the market for a kid’s bike, it’s natural to consider factors like price, quality, and safety. At Frog Bikes, we sometimes hear the question, "Why are Frog bikes more expensive?" It’s a fair question, we're here to explain the factors contributing to Frog bikes' cost and why these premium children’s bikes are worth every penny!
Are Frog bikes worth the money?
Designed specifically for children
Frog bikes are not just scaled-down versions of adult bikes. Every detail, from the frame geometry to the choice of components, is designed with kids in mind. We understand that children have different needs and body proportions than adults, so our children’s bikes are engineered to provide the best possible fit and riding experience. Surprisingly, not many kids’ bike brands use the same methodology!
We revolutionised children's bike design through cutting-edge research conducted by sports scientists at Brunel University and renowned bicycle engineer Dimitris Katsanis. This research-driven approach makes us among the few bike manufacturers to base our designs on scientific findings.
“My child suffers from Hypermobility and the fact the bike is extremely light and the brakes are made for children's hands and easy to pull means my child has more control over the bike and feels more confident riding it. He's a different child on his Frog bike and keeping up with him now is difficult, to say the least.”
Martin, Parent
Easy to learn on
Frog bikes are incredibly easy to learn to ride on, making them ideal for both beginners and more experienced young riders. The lightweight frame ensures that children can handle the bike with ease, while the carefully adjusted geometry promotes balance and control, allowing kids to gain confidence quickly. Additionally, the bikes feature child-friendly components like easy-reach brake levers and adjustable saddles, which are specifically designed to support a natural, comfortable riding position. This attention to detail not only enhances the riding experience but also shortens the learning curve, making the transition to cycling smoother and more enjoyable.
"I can’t rate the Frog 44 first pedal bike highly enough! My five-year-old had been struggling for ages to ditch the stabilisers on her old bicycle and wasn’t having any success. When we gave her the Frog 44, she rode without stabilisers on her first attempt! We couldn’t believe it! The bicycle is so light and easy for young children to manoeuvre. I also love that the handlebars lock and can’t swivel around fully…which has prevented her from having accidents while cycling. The bike is so well made and she loves the bright red colour too!"
Sheila, Parent
Key kids’ bike features
Frog bikes offer features that are specifically designed for children which makes them some of the best children’s bikes on the market, including:
- Lightweight frames: Our lightweight kids’ bikes are made with high-quality aluminium (as of September 2024, some of our bikes are now even made from 25% recycled aluminium), which is both lightweight and strong, making it easier for kids to handle and ride and is robust enough to withstand many many years of use
- Custom geometry: Our bike frame design is based on scientific research and specifically tailored to fit a child’s anatomy, providing a comfortable and efficient riding position that accommodates shorter arms, torsos, and legs, this helps prevent strain or discomfort, especially on longer rides
- Child-specific components: From small brake levers that are easy for little hands to reach and activate, to cranks that cater for a greater leg-length range to be accommodated, every element is chosen to maximise safety and performance
- Premium components: For our high-quality kids’ bikes, we don’t just choose any ordinary parts, we carefully select and design top-quality components from trusted manufacturers that are lightweight, durable, and built to withstand the demands of kids riding the bike - we don’t use cheap plastic here!
A well-built, long-lasting Frog bike prevents the need for frequent repairs or replacements, unlike cheaper alternatives.
“We needed premium kids' bikes that could be easily repaired in the event of wear and tear and last for many years! We learned our lesson if you buy cheap you buy twice and the investment into higher quality bikes (like Frog bikes) is much better in the long run.”
Steve Miller, Newport Live Velodrome
What makes Frog Bikes different from other kids' bike brands?
Rigorous safety standards
Safety is our top priority. Frog bikes are kids’ bikes engineered for safety and are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet and EXCEED international safety standards - making them a very safe kids' bikes! We don't cut corners because we know that nothing is more important than your child’s safety, making them one of the safest and best bikes for kids!
We proudly boast a flawless track record - Frog kids' bikes have NEVER once failed a single safety test or had any recalls!
What this means:
- Stringent testing: Each kids’ bike undergoes extensive testing (in our testing facility in Pontypool, Wales) for durability, stability, and safety, often exceeding the minimum requirements set by safety regulations
- Attention to detail: We meticulously inspect every aspect of the child’s bike, from the strength of the welds to the durability of the paint, to ensure that your child is riding the safest bike possible
Our hybrid, city, road, track, and mountain bikes are all tested to ADULT safety standards just to go that extra mile!
Read the full blog to find out how Frog bikes are quality tested >>
Engineering excellence
Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Our dedication to research and development ensures that we consistently bring you innovative children’s bike designs resulting in high-quality kids’ bikes that meet the needs of young riders, including:
- Child-specific geometry: Frog Bikes' frame geometry is uniquely tailored to children's proportions based on scientific research
- Crank design: Frog Bikes has developed a patent-pending crank design with a narrower Q-factor (the distance between the pedals). This innovation aligns the pedals with the child’s hips, which allows for more efficient and comfortable pedalling
- Easy adaptability: We’ve designed our kids’ bikes to be easy to assemble and adjust as children grow, reducing the need to replace the bike frequently.
- 10-year warranty: The durability of our bikes sets us apart, as they are built to last several owners and endure the demands of active children
Read the blog to find out about our adjustable kids’ bikes >>
“The old saying, ‘you get what you pay for’, stands very firm here. The Frog bikes have transformed my boys’ cycling abilities, both with confidence and the distances they can cover. Plus, the bikes have long seat posts, so the saddle can be raised a long way as the rider grows.”
Travelynn Family
How to choose a kids' bike that lasts?
Frog bikes resale value
While the initial cost of a Frog bike may be higher than some other brands, the long-term value is undeniable. Kids’ bike durability is key - Our children’s bikes are built to last, which means they can be passed down to younger siblings or sold second-hand for a good price.
On average a second-hand Frog bike can be sold for around 60% of the original price after two years.
- Durability is key: High-quality materials and craftsmanship ensure that our kids’ bikes withstand the wear and tear of active children
- Adjustable kids’ bike: Our children’s bikes are growth spurt friendly with adjustable features like saddles and handlebars, meaning they can grow with your child for several years
- High resale value: Frog bikes hold their value exceptionally well, so when it’s time to move on to the next size, you can recover a good portion of your investment
Frog bikes hold a high resale value, which means parents can recover a significant portion of their investment. Frog bikes typically retain around 60% of their value after two years, making them a better financial choice compared to cheaper, mass-market brands that may retain a lot less.
Commitment to sustainability
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Our kids’ bikes are designed to last, which means fewer bikes end up in landfills. Additionally, we use recyclable materials wherever possible, and we’re constantly looking for ways to make our production processes more sustainable. Half of our bikes already have pedals that are made of 50% rice husks - discover what else we are doing here >>.
Choosing Frog Bikes contributes to a lower carbon footprint compared to brands that use non-recycled materials or import mass-produced bikes.
Frog Bikes factory outlet
We believe in giving every bike a chance to shine, even those with minor imperfections like paint defects and scratches. Through our factory outlet, we offer these perfectly functional bikes at a discount of up to 40% off the original price. This makes our premium bikes more affordable, and more accessible and helps reduce waste by saving these bikes from being scrapped.
25% recycled aluminium is here!
Our first batch of bicycle frames and forks made with 25% post-consumer recycled aluminium is here! This means a quarter of the metal had a previous life - perhaps a window frame, maybe even a plane! This material is estimated to significantly lower our total emissions by up to 15% compared to virgin aluminium.
Our latest Annual Emissions Report showcases the steps we’re taking to reduce our impact on the planet while continuing to deliver the quality and joy your kids deserve.
Supporting a British brand
When you purchase a Frog bike, you’re supporting a British kids’ bike brand that cares deeply about its customers, employees, and the environment. We’re proud to manufacture our range of children’s bikes in the UK, from 14” first pedal bikes for little riders to 26” mountain bikes for teenagers, ensuring that each kid’s bike meets our exacting standards.
Read the blog to discover all the benefits of being designed and built in Great Britain >>
Is it better to invest in an expensive kids' bike?
A worthwhile investment
In the end, the higher cost of a Frog bike reflects the meticulous design, superior materials, rigorous safety testing, and long-term value that each kids’ bike offers. We believe that when it comes to your child’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment, cutting corners isn’t an option. A Frog bike is more than just a bike, it’s an investment in your child’s health, happiness, and a lifelong love of cycling.
Thank you for considering Frog Bikes. We are confident that once your child experiences the difference our kids' bikes can make, you'll understand why so many parents choose us.
Happy riding!
