woom EXPLORE Review

The new woom EXPLORE has arrived and our test riders give it ALL THE THUMBS UP! It’s a pretty daunting task to take an already exceptional kid’s bike and make it even more exceptional. But if anyone is up for that task, it’s woom Bikes!

Created to deliver a more sophisticated visual style and more aggressive riding style, the woom EXPLORE is tailored to growing kids’ maturing preferences and physical abilities. Have a child who loves to ride like the wind or go off the beaten path? Check. Looking for a kid’s bike that will still look cool in 2 or 3 years, and will also still be a good fit? Check, check!

The woom EXPLORE has so many advantage for growing kids, and we’ll cover them all in this review. (For this review, we tested the 20″ and 24″ woom EXPLORE 4 and 5.)

woom EXPLORE Overview

RATING: Exceptional

BEST FOR: Adventurous kids who want an exceptionally lightweight and quality bike that will transition seamlessly from the pavement to hard packed trails, while offering a ton of room for growth.

BRAKES: Promax hydraulic disc
GEARS/SHIFTERS: 7-speed/Shimano grip (woom 4), 8-speed/Microshift Acolyte Trigger (woom 5 and 6)
TIRES: Schwalbe Billy Bonkers all-terrain (1.5″ on woom 4, 2.0″ on woom 5 and 6)

NOTE: Because the woom EXPLORE 4, 5, and 6 are so similar, most of what we cover in this review will generally apply to all sizes. The exception to this will be the EXPLORE 4, which has a different drivetrain and shifting system than the 5 and 6, as we’ll explain below. Sizing of the bikes will also differ, but the general commentary on how the EXPLORE bike sizing works would apply to the entire EXPLORE line.

What we love about the woom EXPLORE line

The high price tag of the woom EXPLORE line might be a bit of a shock, but the love our testers have for this bike certainly isn’t. If you’re looking for the best all-around kids’ bike on the market, you’ve found it. So, what makes the EXPLORE superior and worth the investment?

Here are 10 reasons why the woom EXPLORE is truly the full package:

1. Natural and Effortless Ride – The EXPLORE is built for performance, offering a smooth and effortless riding experience that encourages kids to truly explore their surroundings. With a design meticulously tailored for children’s small frames, it works with their bodies to make riding feel natural and easy.

2. Cushioning All-Terrain Tires – The wider, all-terrain tires can run at lower psi’s than those on the ORIGINAL line, providing extra cushioning when rolling over gravel, dirt trails, curbs, and small jumps, making for a more comfortable and versatile ride.

3. Versatility – Whether it’s cruising around the neighborhood, hitting the pump track, or tackling beginner dirt trails, the EXPLORE’s components come together to handle a wide range of riding scenarios. Kids who are more adventurous than casual neighborhood riders will fully benefit from what this bike has to offer.

4. Great Fit Over Time – The proprietary stem design allows the handlebars to adjust upwards and away from the rider as they grow, ensuring a comfortable fit for a longer period than most bikes.

5. High Resale Value – Built with premium materials, woom bikes are incredibly durable, often lasting through several kids in a family. When the time comes to move on, their quality ensures great resale value.

6. Hydraulic Disc Brakes – Offering exceptional stopping power, even in wet conditions, the hydraulic disc brakes are among the best you can get, providing peace of mind for both riders and parents.

7. Kid-Friendly Shifters – The Microshift Acolyte trigger shifters on the 24″ and 26″ models are specifically designed for small hands, making them easy to reach and operate. The 20″ model features a Shimano grip shifter, which is notably easier to use than the standard Microshift grip shifter.

8. Wide Gearing Range – The EXPLORE offers a wide gearing range, with low gears for easier climbing and high gears for maintaining speed on flat terrain, making it versatile for both neighborhood adventures and longer rides.

9. Ergonomic Grips – Soft, grippy locking grips with a wider base reduce wrist strain and include end bumpers for added finger protection in case of a crash.

10. Stem and Seat Post Markings – Thoughtfully designed, the stem and seat post have matching markings, making it easy to know when it’s time to adjust the handlebars as your child grows. woom’s commitment to ease-of-use shines through here, making adjustments a breeze.

The woom EXPLORE line is a true all-rounder that offers an exceptional riding experience with features built for both comfort and adventure. It’s an investment that will serve your child well and maintain its value long after they’ve outgrown it.

woom EXPLORE vs. woom ORIGINAL

The woom EXPLORE line is available in 20″, 24″, and 26″ wheel sizes. The EXPLORE line replaces the ORIGINAL line in the 24″ and 26″ sizes, but the 20″ will be available in both EXPLORE and ORIGINAL.

As the slightly edgier cousin of the woom ORIGINAL, the woom EXPLORE has several significant upgrades, which also make it more expensive. We’ll cover all of these in detail in this review, but here’s a quick summary of the most signifiant differences.

• TRIGGER SHIFTERS: While less intuitive than a traditional grip shifter, once mastered, trigger shifters allow kids to shift through gears more quickly and smoothly. (NOTE: This is for the 24″ and 26″ only. The 20″ has an upgraded grip shifter.)
• HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES: Offering superb stopping power this feature makes the EXPLORE particularly suited for kids who might want to try their hand at trail riding. This is an upgrade from v-brakes featured on the ORIGINAL line.
• FRAME SHAPE AND COLORWAYS: With boxier top and bottom tubes, matte paint, and more black (and no white) components, the EXPLORE has a more mature feel to it.
• WIDER TIRES: Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tires are wider for extra cushioning for use in various terrains

woom EXPLORE Review – Results of our Test Rides

We tested the 20″ and 24″ woom EXPLORE models with 9 different kids. They ranged in age from 6 to 11, and in height from 43″ to 60″. Experience levels included a brand new rider, timid riders, casual neighborhood riders, and aggressive dare devils.

Performance

Commuting to first grade, having bike parties in the cul-de-sac, and meeting baby goats on a farm are just a few of the adventures we took on our woom EXPLORE. Like the dozens of woom bikes we’ve tested over a dozen years, the woom EXPLORE tackled every task with aplomb and finesse. Watching kids ride a woom bike is always a joy because it just looks so effortless, which then results in so. much. fun.

Testing a new bike with as many kids as possible helps us understand when a bike really shines, and when it might have some drawbacks. While the woom EXPLORE pretty much shines all the time, we did discover that it shines brighter for adventurous and athletic riders, as well as kids who live in hilly areas. It is these riders who will be able to appreciate and take full advantage of the bike’s versatility and high-end components.

For example, our aggressive 6-year-old school bike commuter literally has to ride uphill both ways to and from school. She normally complains on these hills, but on the EXPLORE, she just powered through like a goat. The EXPLORE is about 5 pounds lighter than other bikes she’s been riding lately, and the difference was obvious as she blasted past her mama (me) on the climb! (It was kind of embarrassing.)

On the flip side, our more timid 7-year-old tester lives on the other side of the school that has no hills, so her bike commute is completely flat, and also much shorter. While she certainly loved riding the EXPLORE, on her short, flat commute, she didn’t find the experience much different than on her Guardian Bikes 24, so they higher price tag of the EXPLORE would be harder to justify.

For kids who intentionally ride aggressively – always trying to race mom, riding on the grass just because it’s there, flying down hills, dropping off the curb just for fun – we saw the braking power of the EXPLORE, its ease of shifting, and its responsive maneuverability quickly result in grins and thrills for our test riders.

What size child fits on the woom EXPLORE?

One of the standout advantages of the woom EXPLORE series is its ability to provide a great fit for kids over an extended period of time. After testing the EXPLORE 4 and 5 with nine children, ranging in height from 43″ to 50″ on the woom 4, and from 51″ to 60″ on the woom 5, we can confirm that this bike accommodates a wide range of sizes. Given how quickly kids grow at this stage and the bike’s price tag, this versatility is a major plus.

The excellent fit is largely due to the bike’s excellent frame geometry and the unique Vario stem, which allows the handlebars to be adjusted upward as your child grows. We’ll dive into the technical details of this feature in the next section, but for now, take a look at how children of different sizes fit on the woom EXPLORE 5, the 24″ model.

You’ll notice how kids from ages 6 to 11 can all comfortably ride the same bike!

woom 5 EXPLORE Size Range

Small Riders

On the small end of things, we have our very tall 6-year-old rider who has a 24.25″ inseam and is 51.25″ tall with no shoes on. Below you can see her on the 24″ woom EXPLORE 5 compared to the 20″ woom 4 she has been riding before sizing up. The saddle is set to 26.8″ (so a tad above the minimum seat height of 26″).

51.25″ Tall Rider on woom EXPLORE 5 and woom ORIGINAL 4

Mid-Range Riders

More in the middle of the pack, we have our 11-year-old rider, who is 56.75″ with shoes on, and has the seat set to 30.75″. (Maximum seat height is 32.1″.)

56.75″ Tall Rider on woom EXPLORE 5

Older, Taller Riders

And at the very tallest end of the sizing range, we have our 11-year-old, 60″ rider with the saddle set to its maximum height of 32″.

60″ Tall Rider on woom EXPLORE 5

While you clearly wouldn’t buy the woom EXPLORE 5 for a child this tall, the bike still fits impressively well when it’s completely maxed out on sizing. With a 9″ spread from our shortest to our tallest test rider, you’re getting a ton of bang for your buck over the long life of the EXPLORE.

Adjustable Handlebar Stem – Better Fit as Kids Grow

So how is the woom EXPLORE able to fit such a wide range of kids so well? The primary answer is the Vario stem design, which is unique to woom’s 20″, 24″, and 26″ neighborhood bikes. This stem has adjustable height and reach, so that as it rotates up and out, the handlebars become both taller and move farther away from the child.

Vario Stem at Lowest and Highest Settings

While the Vario stem has been around for a few years on woom’s ORIGINAL 4, 5, and 6 models, the EXPLORE comes with new ABC labeling on the stem and seat post that really simplifies the process for parents. (Image below.)

1. Adjust the saddle to a safe and comfortable height for your child. (When sitting on the saddle, they should be able to touch the ground with their tip toes.)
2. Check the seat post to see if your chid is the A, B, or C range.
3. Rotate the handlebars so that they are in the same ABC range as the seat post.

Here’s how it plays out in real life, with the handlebars set to their lowest point for our 6-year-old tester, and to their highest point for our 11-year-old tester.

Versatile and Kid-friendly Geometry of woom EXPLORE

The woom EXPLORE is designed with the most versatile type of bike geometry. With riders in a slightly leaned forward position, they are upright enough to feel natural and comfortable, but also bent forward enough to easily lean their bodies to move with the bike as they navigate turning, climbing, racing, and all types of exploring.

Here you can see the body position of a child on the woom EXPLORE compared to the more aggressive Prevelo Alpha Four. Confident and athletic kids often prefer the more leaned forward body positioning of the Prevelo because it increases their ability to maneuver the bike as they ride aggressively.

That said, aggressive bikes generally have lower handlebars that are not height-adjustable. This limits the bike’s ability to “grow with” a child, so its great fit range is shorter than with a bike like the woom EXPLORE.

For most kids, the woom EXPLORE will allow them to be plenty aggressive while also offering a ton of room for growth.

woom’s Lower Bottom Bracket

To further prove the point of how exceptional the woom EXPLORE is for growing kids, here’s a comparison of another 11-year-old test rider on the woom EXPLORE 5 ($799) and the Early Rider Belter 24 ($999). She is in the higher-mid range of sizing for both bikes.

57.25″ Tall Rider on 24″ woom and 24″ Early Rider

Even compared to other high-end kids’ bikes, the woom EXPLORE impresses in its ability to get all of the small details right. While the Belter 24 is exquisitely built, its handlebars are much lower and cannot be adjusted as a child grows. As a result, the handlebars are below her waist line at this point, she’s reaching more straight down to reach the bars, and she feels hunched over.

You can also see how high her knees come at the high stroke, which our rider didn’t find comfortable. The woom EXPLORE has a lower bottom bracket and shorter crank arms which create more distance between the seat and the pedals, providing a looser knee position at the high stroke and more space for kids to properly extend their legs and to get more power out of every pedal stroke.

woom EXPLORE’s Components

As with all woom bikes, the woom EXPLORE is specced with exceptional components that make riding as natural and carefree as possible. Several of the EXPLORE line’s components are what really distinguish it from woom’s ORIGINAL bikes, and make it more suited for kids who also might want to do some basic trail riding – particularly the trigger shifters (24″ and 26″ models only), disc brakes, and tires.

Gearing and Shifting

To accommodate smaller riders, the 20″ woom EXPLORE model features an upgraded Shimano grip shifter, while the larger 24″ and 26″ models are equipped with trigger shifters. Trigger shifters are ideal for more aggressive riding because they allow kids to shift gears without loosening their grip on the handlebars.

For younger kids on 20″ bikes, trigger shifters can be more confusing, as they require more thought in deciding which lever to push or pull. To keep shifting simpler for younger riders, the 20″ EXPLORE uses a Shimano grip shifter, which is easier to use than the MicroShift shifter found on the woom ORIGINAL line.

Shimano Tourney Drivetrain w/Grip Shifter – 20″ Model

Having struggled with the MicroShift grip shifter on the ORIGINAL line, we were pleasantly surprised by how easily our testers used the Shimano Revoshift grip shifter. Our four testers, ranging in age from 6 to 8, were able to shift through all 7 gears smoothly. While downshifting into the lowest gears was a bit harder, they all managed to get into 1st gear without any complaints.

The gear indicator window was especially appreciated, particularly by our testers who had never used gears before!

MicroShift Drivetrain w/ Trigger Shifters – 24″ and 26″ Models

With the EXPLORE line, woom is transitioning from the standard beginner grip shifter to a trigger shifter, which is better suited for more skilled riders. Offering faster and smoother gear changes, this upgrade enhances the overall riding experience, especially for kids who need to shift quickly. This makes the EXPLORE bike an excellent choice for multi-purpose use, ideal for kids who alternate between neighborhood cruising and light trail riding.

Trigger shifters consist of two levers – one for shifting up and one for shifting down. The woom EXPLORE line uses the Microshift Acolyte system, one of the few trigger shifter systems specifically designed for kids’ smaller, weaker hands.

The forefinger pulls the smaller lever to shift into a harder (higher) gear, while the thumb pushes the larger lever to shift into an easier (lower) gear. On many other trigger systems, the thumb lever requires significant pressure and a larger reach, making them tough for kids to operate since these systems are generally designed for adults.

The Microshift Acolyte, on the other hand, is perfectly tailored for kids. Its buttons are easier to engage and require minimal reach and pressure to shift gears, making it a kid-friendly and efficient system.

One feature the EXPLORE 5 and 6 models lack is a gear indicator window near the shifters. This is common with trigger shifters, as riders typically shift based on “feel” rather than checking a number.

Once a child gets used to this, it really isn’t an issue. But if a child is learning to shift for the first time, it’s more difficult to teach them. Telling a child, “Shift until you’re in gear 8!” is easier for them to understand than telling them, “Push the little trigger button until it feels right!”

If your child is transitioning from a grip shifter to a trigger shifter, not having the visual cue of a gear indicator might feel confusing at first. Our 7-year-old tester, for example, was so used to relying on the numbers that they felt a bit lost initially. However, once kids get the hang of shifting by feel, it becomes second nature, and they’ll no longer need the numbers to guide them.

8-speed Microshift Acolyte Derailleur

The Microshift Acolyte trigger shifters pair perfectly with the high-quality Acolyte derailleur, which offers smooth and reliable shifting. Our test riders experienced no grinding, skipping, or clunky gear changes, which can often be a problem on standard kids’ bikes.

While we had to make a minor derailleur adjustment out of the box, it was a quick and simple fix to get the drivetrain running smoothly.

Additionally, the EXPLORE comes equipped with a narrow-wide chainring, a feature typically found on higher-end bikes. This design helps prevent chain drops, enhancing reliability during rides and is another premium detail that sets the EXPLORE line apart (and contributes to the higher price tag!).

Gearing Range

Across all wheel sizes, the woom EXPLORE line maintains the same gearing as the ORIGINAL line. While the shifters and drivetrains differ, the crank arms, chainring, and rear cassettes are identical across both series.

With 7 speeds on the 20″ model and 8 speeds on the 24″ and 26″ models, the EXPLORE line offers a wide gear range that surpasses many other brands. This broader range provides extra assistance when climbing hills and allows for greater speed on descents.

The gain ratio comparison chart below illustrates the differences in gain ratios between the Guardian line, designed for basic city riding, and the woom EXPLORE, which is optimized for more adventurous riding. A lower gain ratio indicates lower gearing (e.g., an easier granny gear), while a higher gain ratio signifies higher gearing, allowing for greater speed when descending hills.

If you have a speed demon that craves the wind rushing through their hair (or past their helmet), you should also consider the Prevelo Alpha line. The Alpha line features an even wider gearing range (the 24″ model boasts a gain ratio of 1.97 to 6.8), and all sizes come equipped with Microshift Acolyte trigger shifters. However, for most kids, the gearing range of the EXPLORE is more than sufficient to meet their needs.

Disc Brakes for Better Stopping Power

Hydraulic disc brakes are standard on high-end mountain bikes (for kids and adults), but are not common on neighborhood or multi-use kids’ bikes. woom’s ORIGINAL line uses the more common v-pull brakes, and the Promax hydraulic disc brakes are a big upgrade on the woom EXPLORE.

Hydraulic disc brakes can stop a bike more quickly, especially at high speeds and in wet conditions. If you’re bike commuting in the city or in a wet climate, these brakes will come in clutch for safety. If you decide to trail ride, where stopping consistently or quickly when encountering an unexpected obstacle is important, disc brakes are also preferred.

For average neighborhood riding, hydraulic disc brakes aren’t necessary, but their superior stopping power does make for another reason why this bike is so exceptional.

Introducing Disc Brakes to New Riders!

Due to their exceptional stopping power, it is crucial to teach kids who are new to disc brakes how to brake properly before they get on the bike. Many riders inexperienced with disc brakes tend to pull the brake lever too hard, which can lead to crashes. If a rider mistakenly relies solely on the front brake, there’s a significant risk of an “endo,” where they can be thrown over the handlebars.

To ensure safety, have the child walk alongside the bike while holding the grips, and have them to pull the brake levers while moving. This practice will help them to quickly feel the power of hydraulic disc brakes.

Repeat this exercise several times, allowing them to use only the rear brake, both brakes, and finally just the front brake. When they activate just the front brake, the back tire may lift off the ground (as shown in the picture below).

This practice is a safe and effective way to teach them the importance of using only the rear brake or the right-hand brake, as well as the correct technique for using both brakes together to prevent endoing.

Unique Ergonomic Grips

The EXPLORE line features a unique grip design that enhances comfort and performance. Beyond their clean, sleek aesthetic, these grips have a wide base for the palm to rest on, reducing fatigue during longer rides. 

Additionally, the thick rubber cap at the end of the grip provides a secure hold, preventing hands from slipping off when sweaty, and offers added protection in the event of a fall.

Updated Colorways

The EXPLORE line boasts a fresh, modern aesthetic that distinguishes it from the ORIGINAL line, featuring bolder colors with a matte finish and metallic black accents on the fork and rear triangle of the frame. While these metallic accents may be hard to see in the stock images on the website, they truly come to life in the sunlight!

Multi-Use Tires

All sizes in the EXPLORE line are equipped with Schwalbe Benny Bonkers tires. These tires are wider than those on the ORIGINAL line (except for the 26″ model, which shares the same width) and can be run at lower psi, offering enhanced cushioning compared to the Little Joes. Like the Little Joes, the Benny Bonkers also feature a reflective strip for added safety, ensuring visibility during low-light conditions.

Designed for quick and smooth rolling on pavement, these tires feature micro teeth that offer excellent grip on dusty and sandy terrain, making them versatile for various riding conditions.

If you already know that you’ll primarily be trail riding, be sure to check out the woom OFF line which is better suited for advancing mountain bike riders.

Saddle

woom is never content with a “one size fits all” strategy, and that extends even to the saddle. The woom EXPLORE’s cushioned saddles come in a different size for each bike size. This ensures that these seats are tailored to fit the more narrow sit bones of younger riders on the smaller bikes.

While, cushioned, it’s not as cushioning as some other kids’ bike saddles, like those on Guardian Bikes. Our 7-year-old test rider whose regular bike is a Guardian pointed this out without us asking her. No other tester mentioned the woom’s saddle, but if your child does complain, you could always swap it out.

woom EXPLORE Comparisons

The woom EXPLORE is the best multi-use 24″ kids bike on the market. But that doesn’t mean that it’s the best bike for every child and every budget. Comparing it to other bikes is always helpful to ensure you’re choosing the right bike for your family. We’ve tested almost 50 different 24″ bikes, and here are a few comparisons that should be helpful to your decision process.

Prevelo Alpha: The Alpha is the most similar to the EXPLORE in quality and components. For true speed demons, the Alpha’s higher highest gear and more leaned forward body positioning will be an advantage over the EXPLORE, but child will grow out of the Alpha more quickly.

Guardian 24: If you’re still wondering at this point if your child needs all of the upgrades the EXPLORE has to offer, the Guardian would be a good bike to look at as well. Designed very well for its price, it also has a more upright body positioning like the EXPLORE and also can grow pretty well with your child. But with a more narrow gearing range, a heavier steel frame, and street tread tires, the Guardian is better suited for casual riders who will be sticking to the neighborhood and pavement.

woom EXPLORE Review Bottom Line

Once again, woom has delivered an exemplary kid’s bike that will be the envy of every kid in the neighborhood. Boasting superior craftsmanship, the woom EXPLORE has mastered all the details to please discerning parents and maturing kids. With an edgier look that lets riders put their “baby days” behind them, the EXPLORE’s style and sizing make it a perfect fit for years to come.

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review.  No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC.  All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.