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!
Cycling is more than just a mode of transportation or exercise; learning to ride is a key milestone in every child’s life. The sense of freedom and adventure that comes with riding a bike makes it a crucial part of childhood. However, while kids enjoy the excitement of cycling, ensuring children's cycling safety is essential. In this blog, we explore the importance of bike safety for kids and offer tips to keep your child safe on their cycling adventures. Teaching children about bike safety while cycling instils lifelong habits that extend far beyond their childhood.
Cycling is an exciting activity for kids, providing them with fun, freedom, and fitness. Wherever their kids’ bikes take them, safety should always come first, especially making sure they’re easily seen! One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance their safety on the road is by wearing high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing.
A Frog bike isn't your typical children's bike! Not only are they specifically designed for kids based on scientific research, but we pride ourselves on the high-quality production of the entire bike that surpasses safety standards, from the wheels up to the handlebars. That’s why we think it is important to have our testing laboratory onsite in Wales, UK.
In our manufacturing facility in Pontypool, Wales, Frog Bikes has built a state-of-the-art testing suite where an array of meticulous tests are carried out on our bikes to ensure the utmost safety! The testing facilities situated right on our premises, allow us to maintain our commitment to safety, have greater quality control, and expedite changes that may need to be made. We proudly boast a flawless track record - Frog bikes have never once failed a single safety test!
Each Frog bike undergoes rigorous testing to adhere to a range of reputable standards, including:
These tests are agreed upon by experts from the industry - think of them as a formula that describes the best way of doing something. Our comprehensive assessments encompass dimensional and functional checks, static loads, fatigue and impact testing that all ensure our bikes meet the minimum safety requirements and beyond, and also exhibit robustness, durability and long-lasting performance.
We always test above and beyond industry standards, and even conduct more robust testing protocols to ensure increased durability and safety of our bikes. This not only enhances the reliability of our bikes but also aids us in the research and development of new frames, forks and bicycle components. You’ll thank us for not compromising on quality and safety!
The testing also enables us to make improvements to the design of our bikes to reduce the materials required to make them, whilst still keeping the same quality and robustness. For example, we’ve introduced novel spoke patterns to reduce the amount of stainless steel in each wheel, as well as lighter bottom brackets, lighter cranks, and shorter seat tubes, reducing the steel and aluminium in each bike. This work will roll out through our range and help contribute to our Sustainable Development goals.
We take a look at what’s involved in the testing process at Frog Bikes…
A fatigue test involves repeatedly applying loads for up to 100,000 cycles to meet the minimum level of safety, and beyond; for our own improved quality and owners' peace of mind. By undertaking this rigorous process on the frame, fork, saddle, seat post, handlebars, pedals and cranks, we simulate not only their minimum lifespan but also their extended lifespan, to reveal their true potential.
The loads are measured using load cells and are accurately applied through pneumatic air cylinders. An electro-pneumatic control box manages the duration of each load, monitors repetitions achieved and will automatically cease operations when the target cycle count is reached. Our advanced testing system ensures safety is never compromised!
Here are the loads and cycles we fatigue test:
Frog's hybrid bikes exemplify outstanding durability, successfully enduring approximately 350,000 cycles of horizontal fatigue during testing. This remarkable achievement far surpasses the ISO 4210 standard's requirement of 100,000 cycles at the City and trekking level, demonstrating the superior quality and resilience of Frog's products.
Frog's balance bikes undergo rigorous testing too, which is not a requirement. This includes horizontal fatigue assessment. An exceptional example is the Tadpole + balance bike, which impressively surpassed even adult standards by reaching an astounding 1,000,000 cycles in testing!
The purpose of impact testing is to simulate extreme events such as jumps and crashes by dropping weights onto components, or loading components with weights and dropping them through varying heights (depending on the application). This helps to ensure that our bikes are built to last and can endure the boundless adventures of children.
Here are the loads and cycles we impact test:
Static loads are where we subject our safety critical components to high loads, seeking out for any signs of cracks, fractures, deflection, deformation or slippage beyond safe limits. This ensures that our bikes offer unyielding strength and durability.
Here are the loads and cycles we static load test:
Dimension checks are made to every major component and the entire bike to ensure that components interact as they should. We meticulously evaluate safety clearances such as the precise reach distances in brake levers, finger traps, toe clearance, pedal ground clearance, angles of tilt, gaps between tyres and the frame and insertion depths. These minute details are crucial for both safety and performance.
With unwavering attention, we make a multitude of functional checks such as tightening torques, measuring the force to remove hand grips in differing environmental conditions from cold and wet to hot, measuring the force required to pull the brake levers and operate quick release mechanisms, ensuring seamless operation when it matters most. We detect any stiff spots and slackness in bearings and assemblies, sharp edges and dangerous protrusions.
We also examine the distribution of a rider’s weight through the bicycle, ensuring optimal balance and performance. To truly push the limits we put our bikes through braking performance tests, physically riding them in both wet and dry conditions. With precision and accuracy, we measure braking distances at varying speeds and rider weights, guaranteeing excellent braking performance.
| Bike Range | Bike Model | Standards met |
|---|---|---|
| Balance Bike | Tadpole Mini | EN71 (Toys) and ASTM F963-19 (Toys) |
| Balance Bike | Tadpole | EN71 (Toys) and ASTM F963-19 (Toys) |
| Balance Bike | Tadpole Plus | EN71 (Toys) and ASTM F963-19 (Toys) |
| First Pedal | Frog 40 | ISO 8098 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| First Pedal | Frog 44 | ISO 8098 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| First Pedal | Frog 47 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 53 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 61 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 67 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 73 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Hybrid Bike | Frog 78 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Road Bike | Frog Road 58 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Road Bike | Frog Road 67 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Road Bike | Frog Road 70 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Track Bike | Frog Track 58 | ISO 4210 Frame and fork only |
| Track Bike | Frog Track 67 | ISO 4210 Frame and fork only |
| Track Bike | Frog Track 70 | ISO 4210 Frame and fork only |
| Mountain Bike | Frog MTB 62 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Mountain Bike | Frog MTB 69 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| Mountain Bike | Frog MTB 72 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| City Bike | Frog City 53 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| City Bike | Frog City 61 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
| City Bike | Frog City 67 | ISO 4210 and CPSC 1512 (CFR 1512) |
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every meticulous test
conducted in our state-of-the-art facility in Wales, UK. With a flawless
track record and a steadfast commitment to safety and reliability, Frog
Bikes remains your trusted partner in providing premium quality for young
riders.
As a company, Frog Bikes is always looking for ways to improve its bikes, making them stronger, easier to maintain, and able to adapt as children grow, to make them last even longer.
So, we interviewed our R&D Manager, Kris Kulwicki to see what he had to say about how adaptable Frog bikes really are...
Whatever your age, learning to cycle opens up a world of opportunities! Cycling keeps us fit, reduces our carbon footprint and helps us look after our mental wellbeing. From cycling to school or work to avoid getting stuck in traffic, to replacing short car journeys with cycling to help save the planet. Learning to cycle is an essential life skill, and here’s a great way to get started!
In celebration of our 9th birthday (yes we turned 9 on 14 February - we can’t quite believe it either!), we take a look back over the years and share 9 stories, 9 fun facts and some great testimonials as to why others think Frog bikes are great.
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