Academy upGrade 4 20" Kids Bike

Academy upGrade 4: a 20 inch bike with hydraulic disc brakes for confident young riders

The upGrade 4 is made for children who already ride well and are ready for more. At 8.7 kg it stays light enough to handle with ease, while 20 inch wheels, an 8 speed Microshift drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes give it the feel of a real bike for school runs, park laps and the first longer tours.

The upGrade line is Academy's answer for the daily ride. It keeps the brand's lightweight philosophy, developed with the German Institute for Orthopaedics, Osteopathy and Sports Medicine (DIOOS), and adds components usually reserved for adult bikes: a triple butted aluminium diamond frame, an aluminium fork, a short cage Microshift derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The adjustable stem lets you fine tune the riding position as your child grows.

Built for the daily ride

The Microshift Acolyte trigger shifter and short cage derailleur run over a Shimano 11 to 32 tooth cassette with an Academy 30 tooth aluminium crankset (115 mm), so every gear change is light and precise. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with short reach levers need very little hand strength and stay powerful in the rain. Academy Ergo grips, ball bearing pedals with reflectors and a sealed Kenli bottom bracket complete a build designed to last.

Size and fit

The upGrade 4 suits riders 115 to 130 cm tall, usually aged about 7 to 8 years, with a frame height of 29.5 cm. Body height and inside leg length matter more than age. Our team in Meppel is happy to help you choose.

Specifications

• Wheel size: 20 inch
• Rider height: 115 to 130 cm
• Recommended age: 7 to 8 years
• Weight: 8.7 kg
• Maximum load: 60 kg
• Frame: Triple butted aluminium, diamond frame, frame height 29.5 cm
• Fork: Aluminium
• Drivetrain: 8 speed, Microshift Acolyte trigger shifter and short cage derailleur (RD-M5185S), Shimano CS-HG31-8 11 to 32 cassette
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, short reach levers
• Tyres: Kenda K1047 20 x 1.75 inch with reflective sidewalls
• Handlebar: 560 mm double butted aluminium, 30 mm rise, adjustable stem
• Seatpost: 27.2 x 250 mm aluminium
• Crankset: Academy 30 tooth aluminium, 115 mm, Kenli sealed bottom bracket
• Colours: White, Berry, Spearmint, Midnight Blue
• Delivery: Delivered almost fully assembled, without accessories

Frequently asked questions

Which size should I choose for my child?
The upGrade 4 is designed for riders 115 to 130 cm tall, roughly 7 to 8 years old. Body height and inside leg length matter more than age. If you are unsure, visit L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel and your child can try the bike before you decide.

What is the difference between the upGrade and the Grade range?
The Grade bikes focus on the lowest possible weight, with V-brakes and the option of a belt drive. The upGrade bikes add hydraulic disc brakes, an 8 speed Microshift drivetrain and a sportier diamond frame, for children who ride every day and want the feel of a grown up bike.

Can I add a kickstand, mudguards or a rack?
Yes. Academy offers a dedicated upGrade kickstand and mudguard set for each wheel size, and a rear rack can be fitted as well. Ask us when you order and we will tell you exactly which parts fit.

Where is Academy from, and can the bike be repaired easily?
Academy is a German brand from Bielefeld, part of coolmobility. The upGrade bikes use standard, widely available parts such as Shimano cassettes, Tektro brakes and Microshift shifting, so any good workshop can service them, including ours in Meppel.

How is the bike delivered?
Academy bikes arrive almost fully assembled: you straighten the handlebar, fit the pedals and set the saddle height. You can also collect your bike ready to ride at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel.