Grateful Dead x retrospec Kids Bikes

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band founded in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. They were known for their eclectic style, blending elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, country, and jazz, often with extended improvisational jams in their live performances. This unique, varied sound, along with their dedicated fanbase (“Dead Heads”), made them iconic figures in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. They are widely considered one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

We released our Grateful Dead x retrospec collection this year to honor the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s founding, back in 1965. But why the Dead? In short, because of their music’s deep connection to the natural world, and to the spirit of creativity and adventure that inspires so many of us here at retrospec. In the words of our founder and CEO, Ely Khakshouri: “The Grateful Dead has been the soundtrack to many of my dawn-til-dusk hikes and thousands of miles of road travel through some of my favorite places and experiences …The Grateful Dead inspires spontaneity, creativity, curiosity and fun-loving—virtues we live by daily thanks in great part to the music.”

If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead, our new limited-edition series of kids bikes is the perfect way for your youngster to show off some colorful style. We have two kids bikes—the Cricket 2 Baby Balance Bike and the Cub Plus 12" Balance Bike—both customized with the Grateful Dead’s iconic symbolism of 13-point lightning bolts, Steal Your Face skulls, and colorful dancing bears. Why shop now? Well, these are limited-edition products, meaning once they sell out, they’re gone for good!

Through our partnership with the Grateful Dead, we’re offering two kids bikes with colorful, vibrant designs inspired by the band and their music. For toddlers aged 1-2 years, we have a Grateful Dead-take on our bestselling Cricket 2 Baby Balance Bike. This ergonomic, cushy balance bike has a 135-degree steering limiter to prevent side falling, and four, non-scratch wheels safe for indoor riding. For slightly older youngsters (18 months to 4 years), Cub Plus 12" Balance Bike is a perfect choice. This balance bike has a more traditional bicycle design, but still sports smooth, stable tires and an extra narrow, step through frame. It’s the perfect training ground for your little one to get comfortable on two wheels, without having to worry about pedals. (Note: Save for the Grateful Dead design and aesthetic, these kids bikes are identical to their corresponding kids bike models.)

Our two Grateful Dead kids bikes are designed for two age categories. For children aged 12 to 24 months, Cricket 2 Baby Balance Bike is the best choice. For older children, aged 18 months to 4 years, Cub Plus 12" Balance Bike is ideal. Keep in mind that these are general estimates, but the best size bike for your child depends on not only the child’s age, but also their height and level of coordination.

balance bike is a kids bike designed to help young riders learn how to balance on two wheels before they progress to a pedal bike. Unlike a regular bike, it doesn't have pedals. Instead, young riders propel themselves forward by pushing their feet on the ground. Balance bikes teach balance and coordination, build confidence, and can make the transition to pedal bikes easier, compared to riders who only use training wheels.

Yes, you can certainly teach a kid to ride a bike without training wheels, and some experts recommend it! Walkers and balance bikes like our Grateful Dead Cricket 2 and Cub Plus are the perfect way to do this. These foundational bikes let your child become comfortable balancing themselves and moving the bike with their feet planted on the ground, before transitioning to a normal bike. (Make sure your child wears a kids helmet and protective pads while riding.)

Our kids bikes are sized and grouped by age and wheel diameter (which should roughly correspond to your child’s inseam). We recommend walkers and balance bikes for 1 to 4-year-olds, 12” bikes for 2 to 3-year-olds, 16” bikes for 4 to 6-year-olds, 20” bikes for 6 to 8-year-olds, and 24” bikes for 8 to 11-year-olds.

Yes! All of our Grateful Dead-inspired kids bikes, as well as the adult bikes and ebikes, come with sticker packs containing 13-point lightning bolts, skulls, roses, and dancing bears and skeletons, so your child can custom-style their ride (or your water bottle, laptop, bike helmet, or something else) in honor of the Grateful Dead!

Grateful Dead x retrospec kids bikes and other gear will only be available for a limited time while supplies last. If you want to own these custom, Dead-inspired kids bikes, now is your best chance!

Our Grateful Dead collection consists of 17 unique products across four main categories: electric bikes, traditional bikes, kids bikes, and paddle boards, as well as a standalone Grateful Dead Inflatable Seat for compatible paddle boards and platforms.

Grateful Dead Electric Bikes:

• Koa Rev+ 2 Fat Tire

• Valen Rev+ Fat Tire

• Boca Rev Electric Tricycle

Grateful Dead Pedal Bikes:

• Amok Gravel Adventure Bike

• Kinney Mixte City Bike

• Harper Fixie Bike

• Chatham Beach Cruiser (Step Through)

• Chatham Beach Cruiser (Step Over)

• Sully Klunker Bike

Grateful Dead Kids Bikes:

• Cricket 2 Baby Walker/Balance Bike

• Cub Plus Balance Bike

Grateful Dead Paddle Boards:

• Weekender

• Weekender Crew (Multi-Person)

• Weekender Crew XL (Multi-Person)

• Weekender Nano Kids

• Weekender iSUP/Kayak Hybrid