If the family wishlist this year has a theme, it probably involves wheels. REI's holiday gear roundup for biking families gathers eight products that follow a kid from first wobbly push to proper trail riding — and even throws in something for the parent who suddenly can't keep up.
For the smallest riders, it starts with balance. The REI Co-op WOW balance bike suits toddlers from around nine months to three years, using a self-stabilising wobble to keep beginners upright, with a plush toy companion riding shotgun. From there, the REV 14 (ages 3 to 5) bridges the gap to pedalling: it works like a balance bike but has functional pedals, optional training wheels, front and rear handbrakes, and an adjustable seat to survive growth spurts. The aluminium frame is built to be handed down to the next sibling. The REV 20 takes ages 6 to 9 onto a proper freewheel bike with kid-sized components, handbrakes and, importantly, a sticker pack.
Ages 4 to 6 get their own option in the Co-op GO 3, a 16-inch-wheeled bike with mini V-brakes and chunky tyres that allow some easy off-road exploring once confidence arrives.
Safety gear gets equal billing. Giro's Scamp child helmet combines a Mips liner to reduce rotational impact forces, a hard polycarbonate shell over EPS foam, 13 vents and the Roc Loc Jr. fit system — in colours parents may quietly envy. Smith's Sidekick Jr. brings the brand's mountain-bike helmet tech to kids, again with Mips, 12 vents, a visor, an integrated liner and a dial sized for small fingers, in two sizes.
For carrying duty, the Moki 3 kids' pack (ages 4 to 12) is essentially an adult daypack shrunk down: breathable mesh straps, a foam backpanel, a 1.5-litre hydration reservoir and enough room for snacks, spare layers and one treasured toy. And for the parent training to match their kid's new top speed, the Wahoo KICKR Core 2 indoor trainer fits most 8- to 13-speed bikes, offers adjustable resistance and connects over WiFi for structured indoor workouts when the weather says no.
Why does this matter to travellers? Family cycling trips — whether it's a rails-to-trails week, a campsite loop or just letting kids ride at a destination — live or die on gear that fits and works. Age-appropriate bikes and properly fitted helmets are the difference between a child who asks to ride again and one who doesn't. This list is essentially a progression path: balance bike at one, first pedals at three, a real geared bike by six, plus the packs and protection to take it all beyond the driveway. Anyone planning an active family break next year could do worse than ticking these off in December.
The full rundown of all eight picks, with prices and buying details, is in the original gift guide.
