Available in a choice of several colours and with all the features you'd expect from adult mitts, the controllers might be just the thing for children looking to cycle longer distances. They offer excellent grip, insulation from road shock and protection in the event of a spill.The key ingredient is the Amara palm- a synthetic fabric constructed from layers of fine fibres locked together with polyurethane resin to mimic the characteristics of real leather. Its main advantage over natural fibres is low maintenance-it won't crack, weather or require proofing and it emerges from the wash looking new.Elsewhere a Lycra back adds comfort and a terry thumb takes care of runny noses. Sizing errs on the generous, which isn't too much of a problem given the rate at which children grow and the longer fingers offered better defence against early season chill on the tag-along.Feedback from the young apprentice suggest they give better grip on the bars, Velcro closures make getting them on and off effortless and the Lycra backs ensure a snug fit. The range of sizes and designs means there's something to suit most children up to twelve; my boy wasn't overly taken by the pink ones that came in for testing though...
Compared to others on the market, the keen pricing and generous sizing, coupled with the performance you'd expect from an adult mitt, means they're a great three season option for budding Bassos.
Meant primarily for mini mountain bikers, these gloves offer better dexterity and grip for any child cyclist than bulky non-cycling-specific alternatives.Insulation is only fair - think autumn or spring rather than winter. Otherwise they're great, with a decent pad to protect the heel of the hand, a towelling thumb and a neoprene cuff with a Velcro strap.The palms are Amara, a synthetic leather that's machine washable, and there are knuckle protectors on top of the full ï¬ngers to prevent scrapes in any tumbles. Sizes are from kids' S (roughly age five or six) to XL (age 11-12).
Well made off-road bike glove for little hands
Most kids prefer baggies to skin shorts given the choice. Baggies are fine for day rides or touring, and of course they're de rigueur for any off-road riding. These Polaris ones are essentially scaled down adult baggies. There's a stretchmesh inner short stitched to the outer at the waist only, which avoids the 'nappy' effect, and it has a CoolMax pad.The cotton/nylon outer is comfortable and abrasion resistant, and doesn't have seams running under the crotch. Compared to Scott's Junior Loose Fit shorts, the cut is a bit looser and longer. These have two hip pockets as well as a cargo pocket, and the elasticated waist is supplemented with a drawcord, which allows a better fit. On top of that, they're £10 cheaper. As a parent, it's good to see decent quality kids' cycling kit at a sensible price. And from a child's point of view, Polaris have clearly got it right: for riding, my 12-year-old picks these shorts first every time.
Decent quality kids baggy shorts at a decent price. Get some