2.0”-wide Rhythm Light tires hold air, for superior bump absorption. A tester described them as “really supple” and great for off-road use at lower pressures.

This Hotwalk uses carbon handlebars with narrow 15 mm grips, made to fit toddlers’ smaller hands.

Beefy grip-ends protect the Hotwalk, your child and your floor, when it gets dropped on the ground.

Contrary to toddler bike standards, the Hotwalk Carbon’s components are replaceable & repairable.

The Hotwalk Carbon’s wheels are larger (and therefore more comfy over bumps) than those of other standard 12” balance bikes.

The Hotwalk is fitted with an integrated carbon saddle and 22.2 mm seatpost that incorporates a carry handle.

Moderate tire tread allows kids to switch easily between pavement and dirt.

Unlike most balance bikes, this rig sports a real threadless headset and 25.4 mm alloy stem.

Kids are spoiled with a choice of iridescent ‘Chameleon Oil’ & ‘Gloss Red Tint’ colorways.

A tester notes that the Hotwalk Carbon comes with a torque wrench, for stress-free, precision assembly of carbon components.

Rounded hub bolt-heads ensure that kids won’t get their clothes or limbs snagged. Reviewers approve.

1 reasons not to buy

The Specialized Hotwalk Carbon costs a fortune.

Bottom line

Who is the Hotwalk Carbon really for…? Well, kids will find it easy to ride and carry, but bike-nerd parents will be the ones to rip the box open. Most toddlers’ bikes weigh a lot more - in proportion to their riders’ weight - than do adult bikes. With its carbon frame, fork, rims, handlebar and integrated seatpost/saddle combo, the Hotwalk Carbon bucks this trend. It weighs in at only 4.63 pounds. It sports comfortable, pneumatic tires – not the bouncy, solid-foam found elsewhere. A luxury toddlers’ bike isn’t for everyone, but grok this: most balance bikes are made with a limited product life in mind. The Hotwalk Carbon’s components are all repairable and replaceable, just like on big bikes. So maybe the temptation looms ever closer, to buy an incomparably sick 12” bike that can be passed through your extended family for generations? Add to that the recent 50% price-drop… and maybe this doesn’t seem so insane‽

Expert Reviews

94/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews

Apply to become an expert

Berm Peak

Level 3 expert

The Hotwalk Carbon Is a Balance Bike for Toddlers. Yes, I Tested It.

Level 3 expert

This is the sickest balance bike that you can buy. I could see why it p***es people off, but is this bike actually better? Yeah. It’s got carbon wheels with proprietary hubs, actual spokes and air-filled rubber tires. The diameter of the grips is perfect. I’ve messed around on more balance bikes than I care to admit and this is really good.

Visit full review

nanobike

Level 1 expert

Specialized Hotwalk Carbon 12 Inch – Kids Balance Bike 2021 | Review [German]

Level 1 expert

This, dear friends, is probably the most controversial children’s bike on the market right now. Maybe it’s a bit over the top but it is great. The carbon wheelset is a blatant highlight. It’s really very cool looking. If you have to have it, then yes, you have to have it…

Visit full review

93.4

GC Performance

Level 3 expert

Lightest Bike Ever Made Specialized Hotwalk Carbon Unboxing

Level 3 expert

When you know you’re setting your kid up for greatness why not start them off with a full-carbon push bike? I absolutely love it, my daughter loves it.

Visit full review

Velo

expert

The Best Balance Bikes for 2022: Seven Bikes Reviewed
Specialized Hotwalk Carbon

expert

By far my daughter’s favourite of all bikes on test. Time and time again, she chose the Hotwalk Carbon. All that attention-to-detail makes for a damn good balance bike. It’s light, nimble, and easy to push. If only it wasn’t a thousand pounds and had a little colour.

Visit full review

tin power channel

Level 1 expert