There is something about bikes that brings you right back to being a kid. The freedom, the scraped knees, the race to see who could get to the end of the street first. Now, those of us with grandchildren get to watch a whole new generation discover exactly why we loved being outside until somebody yelled that it was time for dinner.
At Salty & Stylish, we are all about finding ways to discover the salt of life, and sometimes that means putting down the screens, getting everyone outside and finding something the grandparents, parents and kids can enjoy together. Huffy has been helping families do exactly that for more than 130 years, with rides that can take a child from those wobbly first attempts all the way to bigger adventures.
Whether you’re shopping for a teenager ready to hit the trails, an adult who wants a little electric assistance or a preschooler convinced they are the newest member of Spidey’s team, these are three ways to put some old-fashioned outdoor fun back into family time.
Granite Mountain Bike, 26-Inch, Blue
I wanted to start with the Granite Mountain Bike because this is the kind of bike that makes family adventures a little more interesting. Once the kids or grandkids are old enough to move beyond riding circles around the driveway, you can start planning rides that actually take you somewhere. I got this one for my granddaughter, who is turning 12, and it hit me that we are officially entering that next stage. She isn’t the little girl who needs someone following two steps behind her anymore. She’s ready for a bike that gives her a little more freedom and lets her keep up with the rest of us.
As a grandmother, I love finding gifts that aren’t just something else to open and put away. I want to give my grandchildren things that encourage them to get outside, try something new and hopefully create some memories with us along the way. A new bike feels like one of those gifts. I can already see this becoming something we can do together, whether we’re exploring a trail, riding around the neighborhood or packing up the bikes for a family weekend away.
Designed for riders ages 13 and older and generally fitting heights of 60 inches and up, the 26-inch Granite has a durable steel frame and wide tires that can handle everyday riding as well as paths and casual trails. Since my granddaughter is turning 12, fit and readiness are obviously more important than the number on the age recommendation, but this feels like the kind of bike she can grow into rather than quickly grow out of.
The five-speed twist shifter makes changing gears simple when the terrain changes, while front and rear hand brakes give riders dependable stopping control. At $189.99, it is also a relatively approachable way to give an older child or grandchild a bike that feels like a serious step up. And I have a feeling it won’t be long before I’m the grandmother telling her to slow down and wait for me.
Centuric Class 2 Folding E-Bike
Then there are the grown-ups, because keeping up with the grandkids is a whole different kind of workout. I love being active with them, and when we’re out for a family bike ride, the last thing I want to do is be the one calling for a rest while they’re ready to keep going. I want to be right there with them, enjoying the ride instead of wondering how many hills are left.
That’s exactly why an e-bike starts looking very attractive. The Centuric Class 2 Folding E-Bike has a 350W rear hub motor that gives me a little extra assistance when I need it, especially on hills or longer rides. I’m still pedaling and getting the exercise, but that extra boost means I can go farther and hopefully keep up with the grandkids without needing to stop and recharge before they do. Shimano six-speed shifting makes it easy to adjust to the terrain, while front and rear disc brakes provide dependable stopping control.
I also love the folding 20-inch frame. As an empty nester and grandmother who loves to travel, anything that’s easier to store or pack up for a family getaway gets bonus points from me. The fat tires, integrated lights and rear rack make it practical for more than an occasional ride, too. I can bring it on vacation, use it for errands or take it along for a family day outdoors. Most importantly, when the grandkids yell, “Come on, Mimi!” I don’t want to be sitting on a bench catching my breath. I want to be right behind them.
12V Spidey and His Amazing Friends Ride-On Car
And then you have the family member who has absolutely no intention of pedaling anywhere.
For kids ages 3 to 5, the Spidey and His Amazing Friends Ride-On Car turns the driveway into superhero headquarters. The red-and-blue ride-on reaches speeds of up to 2.8 MPH and has simple foot-pedal controls for forward and reverse.
The feature grandparents and parents may appreciate even more is the remote control. Adults can steer, guide or stop the car while little drivers are learning what they’re doing. It supports one rider up to 65 pounds, making it an adorable way for younger grandchildren to join the outdoor fun even when they aren’t ready for a bike.
Huffy’s GRM line grows with young riders
Of course, before kids are mountain biking with the family, somebody has to teach them to ride.
Huffy’s Grow Ride Move, or GRM, collection was designed to make that milestone easier for children and considerably less stressful for the adults running behind them. The collection comes in 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-inch sizes, so there are options for children at different stages of learning.
The geometry is especially interesting. Huffy designed GRM bikes with a lower standover height, longer wheelbase, smaller cranks and wider tires to help young riders feel balanced and stable. The handlebar positioning also encourages a more natural upright riding position.
For the littlest riders, the 12- and 16-inch models include training wheels and an integrated Parent Assist handle. They also feature Huffy’s Triple Braking System with front and rear hand brakes, color-coded brake levers and a coaster brake. The colors help children begin understanding which brake controls which wheel instead of simply squeezing whatever lever happens to be closest.
The GRM 20-inch, priced at $199.99 MSRP, moves children beyond training wheels, while the $229.99 GRM 24-inch adds a seven-speed twist shifter for growing riders ready for more independence.
Huffy has even addressed that irritating childhood habit of growing five minutes after you buy something. Through its Move-Up Program, families can receive 25% off the next GRM size if a child outgrows the bike within one year. The original can then be handed down to a sibling, cousin or grandchild, or donated.
Family time doesn’t always need reservations, tickets or an elaborate itinerary. Sometimes it is a teenager on a mountain bike, Grandpa trying an e-bike, a little one cruising behind them in a Spidey car and everyone laughing in the driveway.
Those are the little moments that somehow turn into the memories everyone talks about years later.
