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Last edited by NiHuiShan (talk | contribs) 4 seconds ago. (Update) |
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycles |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | |
| Headquarters | Schwerzfelder Str.3, , Germany |
Area served | |
| Products | |
| Brands | |
| Website | www.kokua.de |
KOKUA Bikes is a German bicycle manufacturer specializing in children bikes. In 1997 they released the first commercial balance bike - Laufrad (also known as push bike) pioneering a more effective way for children to learn cycling.[1] Since then, KOKUA Bikes has released the Like a Bike brand focusing on balance bikes and the Like to Bike series focusing on pedal bikes. As of 2024, KOKUA Bikes is distributed in 16 countries.
History
editKOKUA Bikes GmbH was established in 1997 as a family business in Roetgen, a small village in Germany by Beate, Rolf, and Alfred Mertens. As of 2024, it is solely operated by Beate and Rolf Mertens.
KOKUA Bikes started when Beate and Rolf Mertens recognized the need for a suitable bike for their two-year-old son, Niklas, who was very active. They decided to build a simple wooden bike for him to support his need for outdoor activities.
After a couple of iterations, Niklas was able to ride his custom-made bike and balance very quickly with confidence and joy. Beate and Rolf were then approached by many parents in the street asking about Niklas’s bike and where they could get one.
Encouraged by constant requests, Beate and Rolf decided to produce and market what would become the KOKUA Bikes flagship model, the “LIKEaBIKE” Race balance bike with hard rubber tires.
Following this, in 2000, they introduced the LIKEaBIKE Mountain (12”, 14”) with pneumatic tires, an evolution of the LIKEaBIKE Race. In 2005, the LIKEaBIKE Jumper series (12”, 14”) was created and released to the market: more than an upgrade, the Jumper series was a new balance bike made of high-grade aluminum and best-in-class parts from Schwalbe (tires) and Velo (saddle, grips), and could be fitted with an optional mudguard from SKS and front brake from Saccon.
In 2008, KOKUA Bikes introduced their first pedal bike under the brand “LIKEtoBIKE,” based on the Jumper series, with the LIKEtoBIKE16 (16”) single speed at first, then fitted with a SRAM Automatix 2-gear system. In 2010, they released the first version of the LIKEtoBIKE20 (20”), and finally, in 2012, the initial version of the LIKEtoBIKE24 (24”).
According to Beate Mertens, “At that time, there were only very heavy and ergonomically unsatisfactory bikes on the market. We also developed the LIKEtoBIKEs because many clients asked for them as their children had outgrown the Jumpers.”
KOKUA Bikes’ designs are regularly improved by its founders. In 2024, the LIKEtoBIKE20 SR and LIKEtoBIKE24 SR are examples of the latest evolution of these bikes.
Like a Bike
editThe original Like a Bike
editMade of wood, the LIKEaBIKE is declined in a couple of models: the Race (not produced anymore), the Mountain (seat height 33-42 cm, 12.5" wheels, 3.5 Kg), the Forest (seat height 33-42 cm, sustainability forested Beech plywood, green colored mudguard and saddle cover, 12.5" knobby tires), the Spoky (seat height 33-42 cm, 12" spoked aluminium alloy wheels, 3.4 Kg), the Mini (12" wheels, seat height 29-39 cm), Midi (12.5" wheels, seat height 41-55 cm, 4.2 Kg), Wing with a foot rest (12" wheels, seat height 39-41 cm, 3.9 Kg) and the Maxi (16" wheels, seat height 47-64 cm, 6.2 Kg).
The saddle cover options comes with various materials (cotton, leather) and designs (classic, "Klara") and colors (red, blue, green, pink, forest, orange, OR, mocha, buff).
The LIKEaBIKE Mini has a specific feature allowing it to be coupled to the ROCKaBIKE station, becoming a "rocking horse". The ROCKaBIKE is made of sustainability forested birch plywood.
The LIKEaBIKE series has some unique accessories available: a trailer, a hopper, a side stand.
The Jumper Series
editJumper 12
editThe Jumper 12 comes with a 7005 aluminium frame, front and rear fork; 12" wheels with aluminium rims and hubs, sealed cartridge bearings. Tires are either Schwalbe Big Apple or Schwalbe Black Jack, both with K guard puncture resistance. The Jumper 12 has a steering damper (also known as steering limiter), a key feature that prevents the handlebars from over-rotating. This reduces the risk of sudden falls by ensuring that the steering remains within a safe range. The Jumper also comes with an elastomer suspension fork. This feature absorbs shocks from bumps and uneven surfaces, providing a smoother ride and protecting young riders from jolts and vibrations. The handledbar has an ahead headset design.
The saddle is custom made by Velo for KOKUA Bikes as we as the toxic free material grips and stem cover. The Jumper seat height ranges from 34-47 cm and can be replaced with a longer seat post. The Jumper 12 weights 3.4 Kg. Many colors are available and a few add-on can be fitted: an optional aluminium brake from Saccon and a mudguard from SKS.