Gocycle unveils carbon balance bike that weighs only 2.6kg

Gocycle has departed from its usual line-up of e-bikes to unveil its first ever balance bike, which tips the scales at only 2.6kg.

The British company has built a reputation over recent years for its high-quality e-bikes, designed around a philosophy of complete integration and lightweight frames or, as the company calls it, the OneDesignDNA. This has all filtered down to the Gocycle Mini, which is a small superbike as much as it is an average balance bike.

It closely mimics the appearance of Gocycle’s premium e-bikes while also benefiting from the same carbon materials that are key to keeping weight to a minimum. At a claimed 2.6kg, Gocycle says that the Mini is “one of the lightest balance bikes on the market”. We’re used to hearing weight claims for road bikes, where manufacturers are always on the hunt for marginal gains, but it’s more of a rarity for balance bikes. In this instance, Gocycle says that it has focussed on weight to make the bike as convenient as possible for parents, who will inevitably end up carrying it at some point.

This convenience is mirrored in the one-sided fork and single-side-mounted wheels, another key feature of its e-bike range, which makes fixing punctures easier, according to Gocycle.

Completing the convenience package, the bike is adjustable through a ‘Vgonomic’ design, allowing the saddle height to be adjusted over what appears to be a considerable range. This is enough, according to the specifications, to make the bike suitable for any child between 85cm to 100cm in height.

© Gocycle

The new Gocycle Mini

“We’ve taken our no-compromises approach with the Gocycle Mini design and engineering, focusing on lightweight and living with the product as much as inspiring little ones to get moving, learn new skills, and feel the thrill of two wheels,” Gocycle founder Richard Thorpe said in a press release. “Parents will appreciate how easy it is to carry, but aspiring little Gocyclers will take pride in having what mum or dad have! Above all, this little thing makes people smile!”

Thorpe founded Gocycle after a stint working in Formula 1 as an engineer for McLaren, so it’s not too surprising that the company has taken many of its design cues from the popular motorsport. It is this inspiration that has led to the carbon monocoque chassis used across its range, including for the new Gocycle Mini.

Read more: Formula 1 Halo inspires Gocycle’s new child safety system for e-cargo bikes

It has also led to some other unique products too, most recently the ‘HaloCX’ protection system for cargo bikes that is designed to protect children in the rear passenger seat.

Gocycle hasn’t confirmed the official release date for the Mini just yet, but anyone interested can register their interest on its website. The bike will cost £399/€399/$399.

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