Woom OFF Review

This fall Woom released their new Woom OFF series for kids who want to hit the trails on their bike. While we were initially skeptical about a mountain bike with no front shock, our son has dubbed it his “favorite bike ever”.

Like all Woom bikes, the Woom OFF is incredibly lightweight (WOOM 5 = 18.9 lbs), which sets it aside from other mountain bikes on the market weighed down with a front shock. Weight on kids bike is key for a good riding experience, and this is where we think the OFF stands out above other mountain bikes.

The Woom OFF is available in 4 (20″), 5 (24″) and 6 (26″) models. Our son falls between the suggested 4 and 5 size, but was able to easily ride the larger bike thanks to superior geometry and a kink in the top tube for easy dismount. It’s worth noting that most other mountain bikes, he is still solidly in a 20″.

The WOOM OFF is Best For:

• Kids who prefer to ride on and off trail
• Kids who are riding trails, but don’t encounter large obstacles or rocks where a front shock may be handy
• Kids just getting into mountain biking who don’t weigh enough to engage a front shock
• Kids who prefer a lightweight bike that allows them to be nimble and agile on the trail
• Parents looking for a more affordable mountain biking option
• Parents who want to buy their child a do-it-all bike

Woom OFF Specs:

• Aluminum Frame
• Carbon Fork
• 9 speed
• SRAM trigger shifter
• SRAM X5 derailleur
• OFF DISCO TEC double-chamber aluminum
• 2.35″ wide Schwalbe Rocket Ron with ADDIX SPEED
• Saddle with side protection to help with leaning
• Wide handlebars (600 mm)
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Flat pedals

What We Love:

The Woom OFF far exceeded our expectations right out of the box. It is not just another bike with fat wheels, but truly focused on providing the best trail riding experience.

Wider handlebars, wide tires and long wheel base keep kids stable and in a comfortable position on the bike so they can focus on riding.

Disc brakes help kids stay safe and in control in all conditions including rain and mud. While testing we ended up on a very wet and muddy downhill trail and was shocked how well the bike continued to stop.

The stem can be flipped to adjust the handlebar height. This was not necessary for our son, but it’s nice knowing there is that option.

While the OFF only comes in black, customized stickers help make it unique for each child.

The grips and trigger shifters make it easy for kids to shift during challenging terrain.

What We Would Improve:

There is no quick-release on the seat post which is a huge pet peeve of mine, and one thing I love about all other Woom bikes. While it would add a little weight, I think it’s worth it for changing conditions while mountain biking especially.

Sure, sometimes kids, especially those riding a 20″+ bike need front fork suspension even if it adds a little more weight.

While that is coming in spring of 2020, most kids who aren’t riding super bumpy aggressive trails will be extremely happy with the rigid fork.

The Bottom Line:

Unless your child is really ONLY riding paved trails, the Woom OFF is worth the extra $170 (over the regular Woom) to get your child a bike they can use virtually on any surface.

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