Special Thanks : Photo & Movie : @9153date
My First Cycling Memory
Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike?
When I had training wheels, I could zip around without worrying about falling. But once they were off, I couldn't ride straight anymore—I remember crashing into a gutter, getting my helmet stuck, and staring up at the blue sky, unable to get out. That is my first cycling memory.
These days, however, with the availability of kick bikes and balance bikes, the time it takes for a child to move on to a pedal bike is getting shorter and shorter. A friend's child recently learned to ride in just about 15 minutes, which really surprised me.
But watching that, I realized that while the child was thrilled to ride their new bike, they were also clearly sad to part with their beloved, familiar kick bike—they kept touching it with such longing... I wanted to find a way to fix that heartache. That was the beginning of everything.
A Kids Bike You Can Grow With: From Kick Bike to Pedal Style!
The easiest solution would be to add pedals to a kick bike later on, but only one model offers this, and it has size limitations.
So, we tried thinking in reverse.
Instead of adding pedals to a bike that doesn't have them, why not remove the pedals from a bike that does?
At first, your child can use it as a kick bike to practice moving forward. Once they've mastered that, you attach the pedals so they can learn to pedal. This step-by-step approach should allow them to learn to ride without all the crashing.
This way, they don't have to part with their trusted companion, and it’s economical because you don’t need to buy an extra bike.
Removing the parts also makes the bike lighter and easier to handle. Plus, since it’s an actual bicycle, it includes brakes—a feature rarely found on kick bikes—so they can practice braking, too. It’s a win-win.
However, if you just remove the pedals, the exposed metal looks sharp and potentially dangerous, so I prepared something that acts as a cover. What I'm introducing today is that very cover.
【CIRCLES ORIGINAL】
Kick Changer for YOTSUBACYCLE
1 set / per bike: 3,000 yen (excluding tax)
(Includes installation and re-installation of pedals if purchased in-store.)
YOTSUBACYCLE Designed for these kids' bikes, this item might look like a mystery on its own, but you’ll get the idea once you see it installed. I’ve made a video to show you—please take a look.
To install, remove the crank and pedals, place the Kick Changer over the bottom bracket axle, and secure it with the bolt that held the crank in place.
This provides several benefits:
①: Easier foot clearance compared to just removing the pedals.
②: The bike becomes lighter without the crank and pedals, making it easier for both children and parents to manage.
③: Can be used as a kick bike that allows for braking practice.
What do you think?
They'll be riding around happily in no time.
Of course, once your child is ready, you can reinstall the crank and pedals, allowing you to use one bike for as long as possible as your child grows.
Please consult with us before purchasing a kick bike. We have chosen YOTSUBACYCLE as the base for this product. YOTSUBACYCLE offers bikes in 2-inch increments from 12 to 24 inches, so you can always find the perfect size for your child to start practicing.
If you request this in-store, we sell the set for 3,000 yen (excluding tax), which includes the labor for removing parts for the setup and re-installing the pedals later. *Note: If purchased via our web shop, the price is 3,000 yen (excluding tax) for the item only.
We also carry all sizes of YOTSUBACYCLE, so please feel free to reach out to us!
