The Fastest LikeaBike: The RACER

WHERE TO BUY: WeeBikeShop- Quality bicycles and equipment for growing families, since 2007.
The LikeaBike Racer model is especially appealing to parents (like me) who compete on road bikes because of it's large diameter solid disk wheels and hard rubber tires, which make it the most aerodynamic LikeaBike, and give it the lowest amount of rolling resistance of any model. The fit and finish are impeccable, and it comes right out of the box almost ready to ride. We simply applied the boomerang shaped handlebar to the fork using the two connectors provided (tools are included), and it was ready to roll. No tire inflation necessary! Although we must admit, applying the rubber grips to the handlebar ends takes some horsepower. Moistening the inside of the grip and the ends of the handlebar is the only way to get them in place. This only works if you rotate it while gripping tight, similar to the way you would throttle a motorcycle. Next time, we'll try gently heating the grips with a blow dryer and see if that helps. The Racer was the original LikeaBike first introduced in 1997, and is still very popular today. It's also the fastest looking one!

The features of the LikeaBike Racer are as follows:

• Frame built from two CNC machined bullet shaped pieces of 10mm thick baltic birch veneer core plywood (9 plies)
• Fork built from a solid piece of CNC shaped 19mm baltic birch veneer core plywood (15 plies)
• Hard rubber 12" tires do not require inflation. PLus they're narrow just like a time trial bike!
• Wheels built from solid disks of 15mm baltic birch veneer core plywood (11 plies)
• Removable and washable padded cloth seat cover (red or blue standard, other colors, including leather are offered separately)
• Seat height adjustable to four different positions (12" to 16") for fast growing toddlers
• Limited steering range for extra safety (what happens when front wheel turns too far? Bad things! Ouch.)
• Impact proof rubber hand grips (is Junior dropping the bike onto it's side? No worries!)
• Suitable for use indoors and outdoors (tires will not mark your floors)
• Handcrafted in Germany using wood grown in sustainable forests (FTSE certified?)
• Shipped fully assembled except for handlebar, which is applied with two simple screws
• Compatible with the optional LikeaBike Hopper handlebar basket and the LikeaBike trailer wagon
• Overall dimensions: 14" wide x 21" high x 33" long

Now for the close up photos which you'll find no where else:

We love the bullet shaped frame of the Racer, common to some of the other models.

Seat height adjust to four different positions, using an allen key which is provided with the Racer.

Peering down in the racer gives you an idea of just how narrow the wheels and tires are.

This rear wheel looks as slick as Lance Armstrong's time trial wheels in the Tour de France. What a great place to apply some of your own cool graphics or stickers..

Those pesky rubber grips are necessary, don't let junior ride without installing them properly. Besides.. they protect your investment in the bike (and your wood floors).Above, the frame and fork are pinned together permanently at the factory. Matching blue strips of felt protect fingers from being pinched.

Below, the seat cover has a comfy foam insert and is secured using velcro, both on top and underneath with flaps.
Below, this must be what it looks like to our little racers as they line up on the starting line..These views shows you the ingenious wishbone construction of the Racer's bullet shaped frame. The two pieces of plywood are joined where they meet the front fork, but they taper open into a fork of their own, for the rear wheel.