All About the Forme Calver Junior 700c
Meet the Forme Calver Junior 700c: A Big-Wheeled Bike Built for Young Riders
If your child has caught the cycling bug and is ready for something a little more adventurous, the Forme Calver Junior 700c might just be the bike for them. It's a bit different from most kids' bikes, so in this post we'll explain what makes it special, who it's best suited to, and why it's the perfect companion for one of the most fun (and muddiest!) forms of racing around: cyclocross.
Adult-Sized Wheels, Child-Sized Frame
The first thing you'll notice about the Calver Junior is its wheels. Most children aged 7 to 11 ride bikes with 20 or 24 inch wheels, but the Calver Junior uses 700c wheels, the same size you'd normally find on an adult road bike.
So why put big wheels on a kids' bike? Larger wheels roll over bumps, roots and rough ground more easily, and once they're up to speed they hold their momentum well. That makes them brilliant for riding on mixed terrain and for going fast.
Crucially, though, the frame itself is designed specifically for children. The geometry has been scaled to suit younger riders, so the Calver Junior fits children of roughly 7 to 11 years old with an inner leg measurement of 58 to 65cm. As always, inner leg is a much better guide than age, so it's worth measuring your child before choosing a bike. Our bike size guide explains how.
Is It the Right Bike for My Child?
Because of its larger wheels and drop handlebars, the Calver Junior handles differently from a typical kids' bike, and it can take a little time to get used to. The steering feels different at first, the riding position is more stretched out than on a flat-bar bike, and your child will need to get comfortable reaching the brakes from the drop bars.
For this reason, we'd recommend the Calver Junior for children who are already confident riders. If your child is happy riding a bike, can brake and steer with confidence, and is keen to go faster or try something new, they'll likely love it. If they're still building their confidence, a flat-bar hybrid might be a better choice for now, and they can always exchange for a Calver Junior later on.
Whichever bike you choose, we'd suggest giving your child some time to get familiar with it somewhere quiet and traffic-free, like a park or empty car park, before heading out on longer rides.
Built for Cyclocross
The Calver Junior was designed first and foremost for cyclocross racing. It comes with 700x33c tyres, which is the classic cyclocross tyre width: wide enough to grip on grass and mud, but still quick and nimble.
What Is Cyclocross?
Cyclocross (often shortened to "CX" or "cross") is a type of bike race held on a short, looped course that usually includes a mix of grass, mud, gravel, woodland trails and sometimes a bit of tarmac. Courses often feature small obstacles, like low barriers or steep banks, where riders hop off, carry their bike for a few steps and then jump back on.
Races are based on time rather than distance, so riders complete as many laps as they can in a set period. The racing season runs through the autumn and winter, which means cold, wet and muddy conditions are all part of the fun!
Why Kids Love Cyclocross
Cyclocross is one of the most accessible and welcoming forms of bike racing for children. Here's why:
It's short and action-packed. Youth races are kept short, so children get an exciting burst of racing without it feeling like a slog.
It's safe. Races take place on closed courses in parks and fields, well away from traffic.
Mud is encouraged! There aren't many sports where getting absolutely covered in mud is part of the point. Kids tend to love it.
It builds real skills. Riding on changing surfaces, cornering on grass and getting on and off the bike quickly all help children become more confident, capable riders.
It's great for spectators. Because the course is a short loop, families can cheer riders on every lap, and the atmosphere at local events is usually friendly and supportive.
Everyone can take part. Many local leagues run races for different age groups, and the focus at youth level is on having fun and giving it a go, whatever your child's ability.
If your child fancies trying it, look out for local cyclocross leagues in your area. Many run events most weekends during the season, and some offer coaching sessions for beginners too.
Not Just for Racing
While cyclocross is what the Calver Junior was built for, it's certainly not the only thing it can do. Its big wheels and efficient riding position make it great for road riding, and it's just as at home on family bike rides, gravel paths or a spin around the local park. Think of it as a versatile, go-anywhere bike for young riders who love to ride.
Get Your Child Riding with Bike Club
Children grow quickly, and a specialist bike like the Calver Junior won't fit them forever. With a Bike Club subscription, you can exchange to the next size up whenever your child needs it, so they're always riding a bike that fits. Once they've outgrown it, their bike will be refurbished and passed on to the next young rider, ready for its next adventure (and its next muddy race!).