Torker Interurban 24

In the recent past Torker has emerged as a solid brand for a number of new cyclists, from students moving into town for the first time to adults purchasing their first real city bicycle. I’ve repeatedly pointed friends and family towards their line of commuter bikes and have watched as some have rediscovered cycling for both pleasure and transportation. The Torker Interurban 24 is meant for cyclist parents looking for a “real” bike for their child—I wish bikes like this were around when I was 10 years old.

With a 6061 aluminum frame and straight blade chromoly fork, riser bars, a 2x7 Gripshift drivetrain, dual pivot brakes and multi-surface tires the Interurban 24 could be mistaken for a new-school adult city commuter if it wasn’t for the 24” wheels and kid-sized cranks, grips and seat. The Interurban 24 has a standover of 24”, and is recommended for children with an inseam length of 25-32”. For city trail riding this may be the bike that allows Junior to keep up with the parents. The Interurban 24 is a serious step up from the department store offerings that most kids are riding, as is the $430 price, though assuming your kid doesn’t totally thrash the bike it should retain its resale value better than a comparable adult bike.

Elias Krahel (see Urban Velo #31, I Love Riding in the City) reports, “The bike is light and has nice gears. I can ride up hills fast! Shifting is easy and the bike’s brakes work well.” The flat bars are more comfortable than drops, and the bike itself matches the style of what the older bike kids are riding. The gear range is reasonably wide, though admittedly could have even lower bailout gears for still growing kids to make it up steep hills. Even adventurous kids are covered with fender and rack mounts. Also available with 20” wheels for younger kids.

Check out www.torkerusa.com