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SOC16: Cleary shows Meerkat 24″ disc brake kids bike, plus Project X internally geared prototype

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Cleary offers a complete wheel size range of kids bikes, all cutely named – Starfish (12″ balance bike), Gecko (12″), Hedgehog (16″), and Owl (20″). The newest is the Meerkat, which is now also their largest bike with 24″ wheels.

It launched last fall, but this was our first look at it. The frame uses thin wall HiTen steel for a complete bike weight of 24 lbs. Not bad for a 9-speed bike that retails for just $645 and comes with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Check out more spec, plus their Project X youth bike with a Sturmey Archer rear hub, below…

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Up front is a 1×9 friction shifter that moves the Microshift rear derailleur across the 11-34 gear spread. Up front is a 26-tooth chainring with integrated chain guard/guide. Tires a Kenda Small Block Eight, and they filled with Presta valve tubes so you won’t have to switch your pump head back and forth between your bike and junior’s.

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Project X is an Owl with 3-speed internally geared Sturmey Archer hub with Microshift friction shifter.

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This one’s a work in progress, hence the loose external cable routing, but it’s a cool concept for young kids that aren’t inclined to do any maintenance.

ClearyBikes.com

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PFS
PFS
7 years ago

A friction shifter on a kids IGH bike seems like a recipe for disaster.

JasonK
JasonK
7 years ago

I have a hard time believing that this is actually a friction shifter. Is it possible that Tyler is using “friction shifter” to mean “thumb shifter?”

Seraph
Seraph
7 years ago
Reply to  JasonK

It could be a friction shifter, assuming that SA makes one with that functionality.

boom
boom
7 years ago

Am I the only one who read “Cleary Bikes” and said “Who?”

Cleary Bikes
7 years ago

We do offer the Cleary Meerkat 24″ (and soon the Cleary Owl 20″) with an indexed thumb shifter. Nine speeds on the Meerkat and 3 speeds on the Owl. Enjoy the Ride!

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